well.. according to
this article some 3gs models are also having an issue. apparently it's a software problem related to the updated baseband. what doesn't make sense though is that the 3gs has a different cellular modem than the 4g. so they can't both be running the same firmware.
i'm giving it until thursday, and if i'm still not satisfied, the phone is going back. my silicone bracelet trick is fixing the problem for me. but still annoying. i could get one of those cheap cases, but apple should have noticed/addressed this problem in engineering. that or gave cases out with the phone for free.
there is no "film" over the metal band as far as i can tell. a friend of mine applied black electrical tape to the band on his phone and says his problem is resolved, and that it looks good. i've already ordered a skin from bestskinsever.com which should hopefully be here in a day or two. if it doesn't resolve my problem without the need for the case the phone will probably go back.