Times Square iPhone Issues

iPhone, originally uploaded by Panduka Senaka.

New Yorkers know that if there's no reason to go to Times Square, it's best to just stay away. Between the tourists, the crowds and the bad food, it's a place best left to those who are only in for a few days.

There is, however, a no-fee apartment building in the area, and so for a few days I found myself on 45th Street showing a few studios to a lot of people.

My job revolves largely around my iPhone, since I need it to call people, check my e-mail and check the web. Yesterday I got out of the subway, headed towards 45th Street and dug into my bag to check my phone. Oddly, the screen was black. I clicked the assorted buttons on the iPhone, and nothing happened.

Black screens are nothing new with the iPhone or even Mac products in general. What is odd is that it keeps happening in Times Square. It's happened twice now. I've also had issues with service.

So what's the deal? Has anyone else ever had cell phone issues in the vortex of consumerism that is Times Square? My iPhone was back to normal once I got to Chelsea, but it seems that Times Square is some sort of Bermuda Triangle of service.

No fee building or not, I don't think I'll be going up there again anytime soon.