The last time that Apple CEO Steve Jobs took to the podium to give a presentation on the iPhone 4 there were sneaking question marks about the phone’s reception. WiFi networks were used at the phone’s launch in preference to a cellular network–and that raised questions.

Over the weeks those sneaking questions have grown into real concerns. So Steve Jobs was in action last week to resolve the matter.

It was a good mea culpa presentation. Yes, he acknowledged the problems that iPhone 4 users had experienced. And he acknowledged that those problems were caused by the Apple antenna system. He also took the opportunity to note that Apple’s investigations found that most phones suffered from very similar antenna problems when users grip their phone’s casing.

It makes me nostalgic for the little antenna that you had to pull out with earlier mobile models in the 1990s! Stubby antennae were always going to be a compromise between user ergonomics and the laws of physics.

The Apple CEO’s presentation did the job. As did his solution…an upgrade for the iPhone 4 and a free bumper case for all users. A neat solution that got a good reception.