5 problems with cellphone networksSmartphone users blame congested airwaves for slow service. The truth is that many culprits cause problems for all wireless operators.Chokepoint No. 1: LandlinesData bits flow from cell towers through fiber and copper lines to a switching station. Data and calls are then sent to their final destinations.



The scheme, designed pre-smartphone, can push only 75% of a tower's maximum capacity to the next switch or endpoint.



With wireless data expected to more than double annually from 2008 to 2013 as video and apps grow more popular, landlines are a growing problem.By Scott Cendrowski; graphics by Jason Lee

NEXT: Chokepoint No. 2: Switching gear

Last updated March 12 2010: 6:08 AM ET

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