Verizon is notorious for thoroughly testing every device on their network. Even though they announced an "any phone, any app" plan, they are going to thoroughly test all devices to approve them first. So it's really any tested phone.
This does actually seem to be paying off for them. In NYC, at least, AT&T and Sprint drop calls like crazy. They're just incredibly unreliable. There are even places I go with my iPhone, get full 3g bars showing up, but the data service just doesn't work for whatever reason. Meanwhile, Verizon's network just seems to be rock solid.
However, the price they pay for this is that they have no new hot smartphones. The only phones they really have going on are blackberries. If you're interested in a non-smartphone, they have plenty of choices in the high end LG phones. But they have no Pre, no iPhone, no Android, and no Nokia. It's just Blackberry and WinMo.
What do you think is the better strategy? Is it better to get the new hot phones, or is it better to have the reliable network? Is it possible to do both somehow?
I bought an iPhone 3g on release date, so I've got about a year left before I can bail. Personally, the unreliability of AT&Ts network really ruins the iPhone experience. If next year Verizon has WebOs, iPhone, and/or Android, I'm going to jump on it.
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Verizon has no good phones
I don't think network reliability can be accounted for by the devices on hand. Network reliability depends more on the infrastructure it has built in different areas. For example, in L.A., AT&T is just as solid as Verizon is and there are many parts of L.A. that I know of in which AT&T actually outperforms Verizon. The same goes for the other major networks.
That being said, I really don't think there should be a trade-off, at least not with those two factors. I think what hinders Verizon the most is their CDMA network. Manufacturers have to specifically make a CDMA version of a given device. When GSM dominates globally, it's in the manufacturers interest to deliver that technology. This isn't to say that it is really difficult to manufacture both, but with devices usually hitting the more open European networks first, most OEMs are going to deliver what has already been produced which is usually GSM.
At the end of the day, the blame should go to Verizon for not being open enough to bring a greater offering to its customers. Based on their recent marketing of LG phones being "app friendly", it looks like VZW may be ready to change its tune when it comes to their devices. They were agressivley talking about the Pre coming later this year and there have been plenty of rumors about iPhone coming to Verizon which can't be a bad thing. Only time will tell.
That being said, I really don't think there should be a trade-off, at least not with those two factors. I think what hinders Verizon the most is their CDMA network. Manufacturers have to specifically make a CDMA version of a given device. When GSM dominates globally, it's in the manufacturers interest to deliver that technology. This isn't to say that it is really difficult to manufacture both, but with devices usually hitting the more open European networks first, most OEMs are going to deliver what has already been produced which is usually GSM.
At the end of the day, the blame should go to Verizon for not being open enough to bring a greater offering to its customers. Based on their recent marketing of LG phones being "app friendly", it looks like VZW may be ready to change its tune when it comes to their devices. They were agressivley talking about the Pre coming later this year and there have been plenty of rumors about iPhone coming to Verizon which can't be a bad thing. Only time will tell.
Going off what you said about GSM phones dominating globally, I expect to see Verizon's handset lineup to become much stronger once LTE is rolled out. Being that LTE will be similar to GSM in the respect of more global acceptance.
There are Android based phones that will be coming out later this year for Verizon. As for no iPhone, that was simply Verizon not wanting to give Apple the control they wanted. AT&T was willing to do that in order to get the exclusive deal.
There are Android based phones that will be coming out later this year for Verizon. As for no iPhone, that was simply Verizon not wanting to give Apple the control they wanted. AT&T was willing to do that in order to get the exclusive deal.
I keep hoping that the LTE rollout is really happening on Verizon's stated timetable. I think I read that it was 25-30 markets in 2010, and finishing the rollout in 2011. That being said, Verizon is still going to use EVDO for several years, so the Verizon phones are going to have to be custom LTE/EVDO during the transition. Which means there are at least 3-5 more years where being on LTE isn't going mean that Verizon's network is using the same phones as the rest of the world. Hopefully, though, you could bring your own LTE handset to Verizon and use it. So I agree, choices will definitely open up once Verizon (and AT&T) have standardized on LTE.
I agree. Currently, Verizon's phone lineup is not as strong as other carriers. However, I still believe that their service is superior to that of AT&T's , etc. I am really hoping that the iPhone will come to Verizon next year. If it does, I'll be the first in line to get one. I've been waiting for a decently built phone on Verizon forever now.
Verizon knows their game and does it well. Customers, myself included, wish that the newest, hottest phones could come out on big red and that rarely (Blackberry Tour) or never (iPhone) happens. I am a blackberry user, and if Verizon had the iPhone, I don't really know if I would switch, even though I am an Apple computer user. However, the option being there is what people really want.
I'm a NY'er and Verizon is spot on, I study in DC, and it is still the only phone company that gets reception in the Metro. The only real complaints I hear and make are about the cell phone lineup and in the end, people are opening up and retaining contracts with Verizon Wireless - so maybe they serve their target audience and they do it well.
The one thing I do not understand about these lineups is the pricing. I mean I would venture to say that more people have smartphones than ever before. That's a pretty safe assessment in my opinion, and yet there phones that come out from Verizon that have such antiquated technology that I see them stilling giving away two years after they were released. No one is going to pay for a flip phone for 50 bucks when a brand new blackberry pearl flip is looking right at you.
Verizon seems very methodical in their procedure but there is just one thing I do not understand.
Who thought the Blackberry Storm was a good idea?
I'm a NY'er and Verizon is spot on, I study in DC, and it is still the only phone company that gets reception in the Metro. The only real complaints I hear and make are about the cell phone lineup and in the end, people are opening up and retaining contracts with Verizon Wireless - so maybe they serve their target audience and they do it well.
The one thing I do not understand about these lineups is the pricing. I mean I would venture to say that more people have smartphones than ever before. That's a pretty safe assessment in my opinion, and yet there phones that come out from Verizon that have such antiquated technology that I see them stilling giving away two years after they were released. No one is going to pay for a flip phone for 50 bucks when a brand new blackberry pearl flip is looking right at you.
Verizon seems very methodical in their procedure but there is just one thing I do not understand.
Who thought the Blackberry Storm was a good idea?
Although I do find it a shame that verizon has been applying their own OS's to non-smart phones, cell phone manufacturers have been definitely making their way around it and providing a very nice experience! I have the LG enV Touch right now and it's amazing, much better than my WinMo laden Q that I had a few years ago. That said, I'm not sure how the current WinMo OS's are, but anyways thats not the point. I am all for having reception over a cool sleek smartphone, because those smart phones are just useless bricks without reception and how can you compromise being connected ALL the time?
Also, just a thought to consider, not only does verizon's network encompass most of America, you have to remember the type of technology they use (CDMA), which compared to the other main technology (GSM) is superior in that it can hold a call/connection really well with even just one bar, and CDMA is very good for getting through to people inside buildings!
Also, just a thought to consider, not only does verizon's network encompass most of America, you have to remember the type of technology they use (CDMA), which compared to the other main technology (GSM) is superior in that it can hold a call/connection really well with even just one bar, and CDMA is very good for getting through to people inside buildings!
