Verizon & Android news

[jwinslow]

Rumor Says Verizon Working Double Time on LTE 4G For Apple Device - Verizon apple tablet - Gizmodo

Techcrunch's source says that Verizon is "racing" to put up its 4G LTE service in a "bunch of markets" in time for Q1 2010, which is about when both the Verizon iPhone and Apple Tablet are both rumored to hit. The latest anyone's heard, Verizon's rolling out 20-30 markets by 2H 2010, but TC's saying that the company is rushing a lot of these up into Q1. What makes this LTE-capable iPhone interesting is that both Verizon and AT&T will be moving onto that technology, making Apple's life easier since they only have to make one type of device for both networks. (The fact that they don't need to make a CDMA iPhone just for Verizon and no other service makes this rumor make even more sense.)

 

[leroyjenkins]

Rumor Says Verizon Working Double Time on LTE 4G For Apple Device - Verizon apple tablet - Gizmodo

English please, Josh!!

 

[jwinslow]

3G = current fastest speed for wireless data on cell phones
4G = next generation speed technology.

LTE = the new technology for the next generation of cell phones.

currently:
GSM = AT&T, TMobile
CDMA = Verizon, Sprint

So for Apple to sell the iphone to Verizon, right now they'd have to make an entirely new phone, since the hardware is different (GSM vs CDMA). In the next wave of phones, AT&T & Verizon are both using the same LTE technology, so it could be an easy transition to produce the iPhone for both carriers.

They're speeding up the rollout of the new technology, and it might coincide with a Verizon iPhone and a verizon touch-screen tablet computer (basically a laptop screen sized computer, sort of an iphone meets a laptop).

Rumors of both in the first quarter of next year (Q1 = quarter 1), as in the first three months. Dates like those, even when more than rumors, are fluid, but it's a promising rumor nonetheless (and why I'm sticking with my blackberry pearl for now).

 

[Deety]

I liked this.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFdO9x8bjmg"]YouTube - The Verizon Prank: Look How Easy it is to Get the CEO's Private Cell Phone Records and Address[/ame]

I took my Voyager in for a firmware update a few days ago. When I picked it up, I still had to redownload Mobile Email... but somehow, when I was trying to select the email to setup, it logged me into SOME OTHER PERSON'S Yahoo account automatically. Linda was thinking about going skiing. (???)

It did it a second time, and then downloaded the app properly. I'm not entirely thrilled with this situation, but haven't called about it yet as it's just going to be a giant run-around to no avail anyway. I despise phone companies.

 

[jwinslow]

Verizon speeding up process to have LTE in place by early 2010 (Phone Arena News)

The race is on for the number one wireless provider in the United States to expedite their roll out of LTE. Verizon Wireless is already conducting limited testing of it's soon to be 4G network in select markets – fetching impressive results with up to 60 Mbps. TechCrunch's “knowledgeable” source states that Big Red is adamant on fast tracking their LTE deployment in time for early 2010 and possibly in line with a deal with Apple.

The rumor does not go into detail whether it would be a Verizon branded iPhone or an unannounced Apple multi-touch 10” tablet.

...

The rumors may have some validity with AT&T's deal set to expire in 2010; coincidence that Verizon is up on all arms to hasten their network.

Verizon to offer Palm Pre early in 2010 and that's official (Phone Arena News)

Verizon reported second quarter earnings today, but they also made a big announcement. Early in 2010, the Palm Pre will be offered by Big Red. The carrier dropped this bombshell in a conference call with analysts.

Verizon adds 1.1 million net new subscribers, brings total to 87.7 million served (Phone Arena News)

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MOFYZDt1Xw]YouTube - Blackberry Storm 2 (odin) in action video re-upload[/ame]

 

[jwinslow]

Talked to a cbus VZW rep today while upgrading my wife's phone:

1) Columbus is a test market for the new 4G network, coming early next year. I asked him about that, not #2, which he volunteered...

2) They are expecting the iPhone to hit VZW next spring, and be the only 4G iPhone available at that time.

 

[Deety]

I took my Voyager in for a firmware update a few days ago. When I picked it up, I still had to redownload Mobile Email... but somehow, when I was trying to select the email to setup, it logged me into SOME OTHER PERSON'S Yahoo account automatically. Linda was thinking about going skiing. (???)

It did it a second time, and then downloaded the app properly. I'm not entirely thrilled with this situation, but haven't called about it yet as it's just going to be a giant run-around to no avail anyway. I despise phone companies.

Walking into a crowded store and very loudly asking the greeter, "Who is Linda and why was her email on the phone I brought in to be updated?" seems to be the right method to get results. Still no technical explanation and they claim not to have a Linda there, but I did leave with a $25 credit and a very quick decision to give me a replacement phone when I mentioned the phone had also been locking up at times.

I may have to remember that line.

I did note that the woman who had taken my phone for the upgrade was the only person in the store not wearing her name tag.

 

[BuckeyeTillIDie]

2) They are expecting the iPhone to hit VZW next spring, and be the only 4G iPhone available at that time.

I'm glad I held out. I'll stick with my current, somewhat broken Voyager for awhile longer!

 

[OHSportsFan]

Jwins, any idea on a price point for the next iPhone?

I probably need to start saving up now.

 

[jwinslow]

OHSF9, I would assume it will be $199/$299 like the pricing of past releases.

3GS: $199 16 GB, $299 32 GB.
3G: $199 8 GB, $299 16 GB.
Before that I think it was $199 4GB, $299 8 GB.

I would imagine the 4G will be $199 32 GB, $299 64 GB, but that's just a guess. I haven't seen anything on that yet (though I haven't looked hard).

I'm glad I held out. I'll stick with my current, somewhat broken Voyager for awhile longer!

:cheers: Same here. My blackberry trackball no longer clicks, but I can hit enter for 7-9 months of it's coming to Big Red at long last.

 

[Deety]

Walking into a crowded store and very loudly asking the greeter, "Who is Linda and why was her email on the phone I brought in to be updated?" seems to be the right method to get results. Still no technical explanation and they claim not to have a Linda there, but I did leave with a $25 credit and a very quick decision to give me a replacement phone when I mentioned the phone had also been locking up at times.

I may have to remember that line.

I did note that the woman who had taken my phone for the upgrade was the only person in the store not wearing her name tag.

Just an update so nobody thinks Verizon actually solves anything...

So, I not only didn't get the $25 credit, but they also charged me again for all my applications. Two customer service reps, two disconnections, and what seemed like two hours later, they still hadn't helped a bit. The folks in the store claimed I had to call customer service. Customer service claimed I had to go to the store.

Plus they charged me over $400 for the "free replacement phone."

Then the guy at the store where I went in and made a fuss claimed to have fixed all of this... but it came out of my account anyway.

Now the douchelozzle at the store says I should just let it ride the next four months because it's going to take a month to get my money refunded anyway.

Any recommendations?

Mine would be to avoid Verizon like it's Dell.

 

[fanaticbuckeye]

Just an update so nobody thinks Verizon actually solves anything...

So, I not only didn't get the $25 credit, but they also charged me again for all my applications. Two customer service reps, two disconnections, and what seemed like two hours later, they still hadn't helped a bit. The folks in the store claimed I had to call customer service. Customer service claimed I had to go to the store.

Plus they charged me over $400 for the "free replacement phone."

Then the guy at the store where I went in and made a fuss claimed to have fixed all of this... but it came out of my account anyway.

Now the douchelozzle at the store says I should just let it ride the next four months because it's going to take a month to get my money refunded anyway.

Any recommendations?

Mine would be to avoid Verizon like it's Dell.

Did you buy it from a corporate store? You need to find the right person to get it taken care of for you. Unfortunately telephone customer service with all carriers can be a tremendous experience or a terrible one depending on the rep you get on the other end. Normally in person you will have better luck, but not always. If you bought from an agent location or a big box retailer you just need to find a manager and have them get their VZW rep involved.

I will tell you the calmer you are, generally, the more receptive they will be. If they don't get it handled just calmly continue up the chain of command until they get it resolved.

 

[Best Buckeye]

Just an update so nobody thinks Verizon actually solves anything...

So, I not only didn't get the $25 credit, but they also charged me again for all my applications. Two customer service reps, two disconnections, and what seemed like two hours later, they still hadn't helped a bit. The folks in the store claimed I had to call customer service. Customer service claimed I had to go to the store.

Plus they charged me over $400 for the "free replacement phone."

Then the guy at the store where I went in and made a fuss claimed to have fixed all of this... but it came out of my account anyway.

Now the douchelozzle at the store says I should just let it ride the next four months because it's going to take a month to get my money refunded anyway.

Any recommendations?

Mine would be to avoid Verizon like it's Dell.

Tracfone or two cans and a string.

 

[Deety]

I will tell you the calmer you are, generally, the more receptive they will be. If they don't get it handled just calmly continue up the chain of command until they get it resolved.

Oh, they always get a chance to get it fixed... but I'm also willing to stand there stubbornly and be just loud enough that they want me out of the store before other customers decide it's better to go get an iPhone. I hate doing that, but it's about the only route one has to getting results.

What drives me bonkers is that every time I go in there they show me everything they did to fix the problem, and we're all good. Until I get home and find out they either made it all up or just didn't do what they said they'd already done.

 

[jwinslow]

Unless it's unlawful to do so, I'd suggest taping these. They'd make an excellent youtube video.