In what seems to be a region isolated case, UK network subscribers are having trouble with their iPhone devices. Apparently, even when the device’s data roaming features have been manually switched off, it still manages to access roaming services when outside of the UK and thus, causes excess amounts to appear on subscriber’s bills.

The exact causes of the issue and the nature of the problem is being kept strictly under wraps, with no representatives from either Apple or the network operators willing to step forward to comment on the issue. The only good thing here is that networks are already aware of the problem and most will be willing to refund overcharged data roaming charges. As for users who have not paid the billed amounts, they can bring up the matter with their network in order to have the charges fixed.

So far, similar reports are not being reported in other countries so it is hard to determine if this is a problem with the iPhone itself or the UK networks. Since the case does not seem present for other mobile phones, it can be assumed that the problem lies with the combination of having an Apple iPhone and being a UK subscriber. Some believe that the case is also more based on the iPhone OS itself, as no specific model of the iPhone is mentioned.

As always, for UK subscribers travelling outside the country, regardless of network and mobile device used, they are advised to ensure that their data and roaming settings are properly set prior to leaving the country. There is currently a cap for roaming data that would allow subscribers to keep the charges at a low rate. Those who will need more web access may opt to have the cap removed. It is best to consult with your network operator regarding any other special arrangements that can be made.

It is actually misleading to say that the iOS 4.0.1 update is not working, after all, it actually does change some of the colors for the Apple Games center and users will actually see a significant change in the way the signal meter is displayed.

After the update is installed, the handset would rarely ever show a full signal bar, and more often than not, the signal strength would be shown several bars lower than usual. Since the meter is often at the halfway mark, the lower bars (the first two) are not shown is slightly larger images in order to emphasize the new graphic.

In that regard the update works: it does what it is supposed to do. However, Apple also created version 4.0.1 as a means to solve the issue with the antenna –show the world that the signal is low and thus, they are prone to getting a voice call cut off short. This is not something that Apple could ever hope to fix with a software update, not now, not ever. After all, when the problem lies with the hardware itself, it would take something material to change the situation.

It has already been confirmed that the iPhone 4’s antenna problem could be fixed by simply having a protective case. This will ensure that the devices’ exposed antenna does not come in direct contact with human skin and prevent the signal from being lost. At the same time, there are users who would resort to more creative techniques such as applying a covering over the exposed antenna area (some of these include small strips of tape to applying a layer of nail polish on the handset).

Unless Apple gives out free cases or actually recalls all the devices, then it is unlikely that they would ever be able to give a viable solution.

If Apple thinks that lowering the signal meter by a couple of bars changes things, they are quite wrong.

The whole point of the complaint is that Apple should do something about the exposed antenna. There is a part of the Apple iPhone 4 that when touched with the hand, drains the signal from the handset. Now, it has been proven with other smart phones that a touch of a bare hand has the potential to lower the signal. In fact, when held in certain ways, it is possible to make some phones drop several signal meter bars instantly.

The problem with the iPhone is not with the signal meter, it is the fact that holding the device in a certain way will make the phone lose all reception. This means that the signal does not only get weaker, but becomes completely cut off. Sadly, the exposed part is easy to touch when using the handset to make calls –which is why there are plenty of people complaining about the dropped call issue.

Apple’s response to all this is to create a new software update that would show a lower signal meter. That’s fine, considering how they explained that the meter was not behaving properly in the first place. But that does not solve the antenna problem. After all, having a weak signal is just one thing, but completely being unable to connect is an entirely different problem.

In some ways, it is disappointing to see that Apple seems to not take the issue seriously. They may be avoiding the fact that a hardware issue of this scale is difficult to fix, but unless they finally start addressing the problem directly, they will only prolong the situation.

For those who have yet to “fix” the signal meter on their handsets, it is reported that the update for the meter is already available.