iPhone 3G reception issue

Above you will see photos of the screens of our iPhones.  Note that on the left, the iPhone with EDGE has full strength, and the 3G version has nothing.  Keep in mind that they are sitting next to each other and the only difference is EDGE vs. 3G.  I was convinced that the new iPhone had some serious reception issues as a phone, but once i take the 3G away, it seems to work fine.  I wonder if all these new iPhones are overloading the network, or if the radio in the phone is to blame.  Either way, I am not happy right now with my 3G on the phone.  Thank goodness that the other things about it are making up for this flaw.