What's the point of "2G" data on 3?

One of the infuriating features of my Three iPhone 4S is the device’s total inability to transmit data on anything else than a 3G connection.

As my morning commute progresses I routinely see my 3G connection drop down. That’s not a problem. It happens on all the networks I use. However with Three, it seems binary. One or the other. You either get 3G or you get nothing.

Unfortunately the device expects something to happen. The 3G badge disappears to be replaced with a hollow circle of irreverence.

The device keeps on trying to connect. On other networks you see your web pages load at a snail’s pace. Two line emails take an age to send. But the key point is that stuff still happens. Data is still being transmitted really slowly!

Gahhhh. I just have to stare at my phone and watch as my apps all hang as they can’t understand why nothing is happening. If I’m really desperate I will switch the phone into airplane mode for a few minutes until I’m in a better 3G area.

(Perhaps my fisher price iPhone isn’t helping this situation either.)

Oh the trials and tribulations of mobile in 2012.