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If you are a Sprint iPhone 5 user and you are experiencing data connection problems (slow data, no connection to 3G, difficulty connecting to WiFi, etc.) your are not alone.

By not alone we mean that EVERY iphone 5 user on Sprint and possibly other networks is having the same problems.

Over the past few weeks both Sprint and Apple have acknowledged the problems in message boards on their respective websites. However, they have not made any official announcement to the media about the problem. Rather than post dozens of links to these message boards, we invite the reader to simply do a Google search for “iPhone 5 Sprint data problems” or “Sprint iPhone 5 connection problems.”

The problem affects texting as well as all forms of data usage. We have read most of the messages on the boards and here’s what we found.

1. Resetting the network settings via the fancy code that Sprint gives you for tower updates will not work.

2. Resetting the network setting on the iPhone itself often works temporarily. Heavy data users will have to do this 5-10 times per day.

3. Sprint and Apple are both aware of the problem and they claim that they are working on a fix.

4. Apple blames Sprint and Sprint blames Apple.

5. Both seem to agree that the problem has something to do with LTE even though the problem is worse in areas without LTE. However, they aren’t sure about this because LTE is so spotty in the few areas that do have it.

6. Our interpretation of things is that Apple really wants to resolve this problem but they are waiting on Sprint to provide something (maybe testing results, maybe confidential radio information) and Sprint is dragging its feet.

7. Sprint seems pretty sure that the problem will go away when they do some sort of planned LTE update in or around 2013.

8. Nobody in a Sprint store has access to any information that gives them the ability to predict a timeline for a fix.

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• iPhone 5 problems: What users complain about the most

What is it going to take to compete with the iPad and killer mobile devices like the 4G EVO?

What will it take to propel mobile computing to the next level?

It will take more than a sleek operating system, multi-touch and a nice app store to convince non-ipad users to get the most out of the mobile web.

There is a good possibility that there is no significant increase in the number of people willing to pay $30 per month for mobile web built-in  iPad or netbook from those willing to pay $60 per month using a MiFi.

However, if HP or Google were to buy Sprint – they could possible take the ubiquitous mobile WiFi game to the next level. Imagine buying a device with a slick OS, capable of running flash and thousands of mobile apps with unlimited (or 5GB capped) 3G or 4G access built into the price of the device.

Would most consumers be willing to pay $500 for a netbook or tablet that includes 2 years of free 3G or 4G access in the price? Would such a device knock Apple and iPad off their game?

Perhaps the next logical hypothetical is to ask, what if Apple bought Sprint or T-mobile? If the purchase of a cell phone were a flat, subscription-less fee would more people buy in at a higher price?

Nobody expects these two industries to converge, but it is interesting to think about what would happen to the market if they did. We think it’s only a matter of time.

We received an email from Sprint today announcing the new 4G EVO Android-powered phone.
We aren’t sure yet whether this is the same as the Supersonic. After a little more research we will post an update.