The "Gimme My Verizon iPhone Already!" Thread

[Starflyer]

My fiance has Verizon and anytime I have had to call them I have had to wait FOREVER on hold. Not only that, their customer service reps are not very knowledgeable.

Anytime I have called ATT the longest I have had to hold has been like 2 or 3 minutes.

My grandfather has Verizon is switching to ATT because they keep billing him for features his phone doesn't even have.

I am so glad Apple decided to go with ATT.

 

[Knowlege Bomb]

My fiance has Verizon and anytime I have had to call them I have had to wait FOREVER on hold. Not only that, their customer service reps are not very knowledgeable.

Anytime I have called ATT the longest I have had to hold has been like 2 or 3 minutes.

My grandfather has Verizon is switching to ATT because they keep billing him for features his phone doesn't even have.

I am so glad Apple decided to go with ATT.

This may be true for you, but between two phone calls to AT&T last Wednesday I spent over an hour on hold. I eventually got fed up and hung up on them both times. This was Premier CS.

 

[kdarling]

Please... enough of stories about ATT or Verizon.

Carrier stories could go on for thousands of posts... and there are other websites just for that kind of endless discussion.

The upshot is, a lot of people would like the iPhone on Verizon.

In any other phone forum, if someone said, "I sure wish my carrier sold the Samsung XXX or the HTC zzz", people would just nod or give reasons why it might or might not happen. No big deal.

The big question is: would Apple and Verizon ever come to an agreement?

 

[Nermal]

most of the world uses gsm

Most of the world uses CDMA too. They're not mutually exclusive.

 

[plumbingandtech]

Most of the world uses CDMA too. They're not mutually exclusive.

They may use it but in MUCH smaller numbers then GSM.

GSM is the world standard with the most subscribers.

Reason #1390 Verizon could not push apple around, apple new going with ATT gets them a world phone with billions of subscribers on day one.

 

[kdarling]

GSM is the world standard with the most subscribers.

But not for smartphones with 3G, which is the topic. Those numbers are about equal.

 

[plumbingandtech]

But not for smartphones with 3G, which is the topic. Those numbers are about equal.

No. It's about the network. And why apple did not go with verizon's non standard* one.

*and for those that nitpick, I mean GSM, which is the world standard.

 

[kdarling]

No. It's about the network. And why apple did not go with verizon's non standard* one.

(Patiently) If Verizon had said yes, then the iPhone would've been on CDMA, which has greater 3G coverage around the world.

What we all want to know is, why do you have a problem with that? Are you a GSM fan? An ATT fan? Would it kill you if there were two iPhone models, just like many other phones?

Apple didn't do anyone any favors by going with GSM. After all, they managed to cripple one of the most important parts of it... the ability to use local SIMs.

 

[Nermal]

They may use it but in MUCH smaller numbers then GSM.

GSM is the world standard with the most subscribers.

Naturally I'm not familiar with other countries. Here in NZ, CDMA2000 has better coverage than GSM. But would I want a CDMA2000 iPhone? No. My carrier is rolling out WCDMA, which is supported by the current iPhone, and plans to have the network up and running by the end of the month. The CDMA2000 network is then going to be replaced with LTE starting next year.

With that said, I have no problem with Apple making a CDMA2000 model for those people that want one.

 

[plumbingandtech]

(Patiently) If Verizon had said yes, then the iPhone would've been on CDMA, which has greater 3G coverage around the world.

What we all want to know is, why do you have a problem with that? Are you a GSM fan? An ATT fan? Would it kill you if there were two iPhone models, just like many other phones?

Apple didn't do anyone any favors by going with GSM. After all, they managed to cripple one of the most important parts of it... the ability to use local SIMs.

Apple only had an edge at launch. By the time the they had a 3g iphone ATT had the network (and the world was well ahead of us.)

What we all want to know is, why do you have a problem with that? Are you a GSM fan? An ATT fan? Would it kill you if there were two iPhone models, just like many other phones?

My only problem is yet another thread posted about verizon and the iphone not based on the reality of the situation that it is NOT going to be on the verizon network (no matter its merits) until the exclusive deal is over which based on reading is at least a year or more away.

Apple didn't do anyone any favors by going with GSM. After all, they managed to cripple one of the most important parts of it... the ability to use local SIMs

.

So? that bothers what percentage of subscribers? And apple got favors from att in return.


And to close,

I bet once 4G LTE is standard, (2 years? Verizon starting next year, ATT 2010) I will then believe, based on the exclusive contract with ATT prob. being over (unless ATT drives a money truck to cupertino which they may) that THEN the iphone will go independent and you will be able to buy one for your ATT or Verizon network system.

 

[Small White Car]

Fortunately, that contract only lasted for one year, and then customers finally got to use the allocated subsidy money to lower the cost of buying the 3G model.

They raised the data plan by $10 a month, which works out to $240 over the term of the contract.

How much did the iPhone price drop for the consumer? Wasn't it $200?

Doesn't this mean you're spending $40 MORE with the 3G iPhone than you were before?

So you called it "brazen theft" before, but now that they get to keep even more money, that's "Fortunate?"

 

[vertigomhs]

They raised the data plan by $10 a month, which works out to $240 over the term of the contract.

How much did the iPhone price drop for the consumer? Wasn't it $200?

Doesn't this mean you're spending $40 MORE with the 3G iPhone than you were before?

So you called it "brazen theft" before, but now that they get to keep even more money, that's "Fortunate?"

you are paying 10 (15 if you count out the text that doesn't come with it anymore) more dollars for the bandwidth not the phone, 3g is well worth the price IMO it's faster than DSL and close to cable in my area.

 

[kdarling]

I bet once 4G LTE is standard, (2 years? Verizon starting next year, ATT 2010) I will then believe, based on the exclusive contract with ATT prob. being over (unless ATT drives a money truck to cupertino which they may) that THEN the iphone will go independent and you will be able to buy one for your ATT or Verizon network system.

Alas, I bet not, for several reasons.

1) ATT will have to follow in Verizon's footsteps, and use the "standards" that Verizon is blazing ahead with first. There could also be frequency issues, although I've heard otherwise. I admit I'm not up to speed on that area.

2) Verizon is mostly going to use LTE for high-speed data. Their CDMA network will continue to be used for voice for many years to come. (There's no reason for millions of dumb phones to use LTE.) It is possible that ATT will do the same.

3) If we leave an LTE-covered area, the phone will have to fall back on its carrier's older methods. CDMA for Verizon phones, and GSM for ATT phones.

And finally, unless Congress gets involved, I think the two carriers will make sure that it's not easy for us to switch between them.

 

[nickspohn]

As long as the iPhone is produced, it will always be with AT&T in America.

 

[Small White Car]

you are paying 10 (15 if you count out the text that doesn't come with it anymore) more dollars for the bandwidth not the phone, 3g is well worth the price IMO it's faster than DSL and close to cable in my area.

It doesn't matter what it's for, his point was that AT&T was stealing money from consumers. (Really...he used the term "brazen theft!")

He then said that the iPhone 3G pricing was better. My point is that they get more money from you. It doesn't matter what it's FOR, I don't see why someone who thinks they're being robbed would see a price increase as a good thing. (Which he does. I just don't get it.)

I agree with you that it's worth the price, but that has nothing whatsoever to do with that guy's point.

 

[Jmclark]

I don't understand why anyone even cares if a Verizon version came out.

Maybe because Verizon is A LOT more reliable than AT&T, plus lots of people (myself included) are currently with Verizon, and are unable to go through the crap of switching to AT&T.

I might actually switch to AT&T this summer after WWDC if there's no Verizon news, but then I have to pay a $100 termination fee (it goes down $5 every month), so it's like I'm wasting money I could've spent on another 8GB of space.

The bad news, is that Verizon's data plans for smartphones/Blackberries is currently $45 a month, which means it would probably be around $40-50 (I'm guessing the higher end) a month, not to mention Verizon would probably charge more than $200 for the phone.

 

[nickspohn]

Maybe because Verizon is A LOT more reliable than AT&T, plus lots of people (myself included) are currently with Verizon, and are unable to go through the crap of switching to AT&T.

I might actually switch to AT&T this summer after WWDC if there's no Verizon news, but then I have to pay a $100 termination fee (it goes down $5 every month), so it's like I'm wasting money I could've spent on another 8GB of space.

AT&T is superb in Chicago. How can you say Verizon is more reliable when you currently have Verizon and have probably had it for months. With the subsidized price of the iPhone, the fee + the phone is still less than what the first iPhone had cost.


There won't be any Verizon news. Period, for at least another 3 years and some odd months.

 

[Jmclark]

AT&T is superb in Chicago. How can you say Verizon is more reliable when you currently have Verizon and have probably had it for months. With the subsidized price of the iPhone, the fee + the phone is still less than what the first iPhone had cost.


There won't be any Verizon news. Period, for at least another 3 years and some odd months.

I have used both Verizon and AT&T up here in Maine, since like 75% of the time I'm grounded, so I have to use my friend's AT&T phones, and they seem to get a lot worse reception than my phone.

 

[kdarling]

The bad news, is that Verizon's data plans for smartphones/Blackberries is currently $45 a month...

You'll be glad to know then, that Verizon came out with a $30 a month smartphone plan early last year. Most non-Blackberry owners are using it.

 

[kdarling]

It doesn't matter what it's for, his point was that AT&T was stealing money from consumers. (Really...he used the term "brazen theft!")

I was talking about Apple being the thief, not ATT. The latter was just in collusion.

The first iPhone customers paid full price for the unit (with a 100% profit to Apple). That's would be enough to satisfy other phone makers. Not Apple. They wanted even more.

It's normal for carriers to set aside about $10 a month as a subsidy to the customer, to offset the high price of the device.

For the first iPhone model, ATT agreed (and this is not a secret) to additionally give Apple about $10 a month per customer... in effect, giving Apple the subsidy on top of their full device price. To throw people off, they called it "revenue sharing".

(It didn't matter to ATT, of course. It was no extra cost to them over normal sales.)

This subsidy theft was obvious to some of us from the beginning. ATT confirmed in their 3G press release, that this "sharing" stopped with the 3G model, and customers now get the subsidy. To quote:

"The new agreement between Apple and AT&T eliminates the revenue-sharing model under which AT&T shared a portion of monthly service revenue with Apple. Under the revised agreement, which is consistent with traditional equipment manufacturer-carrier arrangements, there is no revenue sharing and both iPhone 3G models will be offered at attractive prices... "

 

[jzuena]

I bet once 4G LTE is standard, (2 years? Verizon starting next year, ATT 2010) I will then believe, based on the exclusive contract with ATT prob. being over (unless ATT drives a money truck to cupertino which they may) that THEN the iphone will go independent and you will be able to buy one for your ATT or Verizon network system.

Sounds like Verizon is getting a vast head start... until you remember that next year is 2010

 

[Digital Skunk]

Would consider it fairly seriously if it came to Verizon. I giive the iPhone no serious consideration whatsoever right now.

Same here. At this point I don't see the iPhone being of much use to anyone that just needs a phone and iPod combo, or a phone that uses iTunes to get iFart apps.

Not that it doesn't have it's pluses, it's a great glass covered device that will shatter at a moment's notice with not protection plan other than getting a new one full price.

What I want to see is either the iPhone with PRO features (like copy/paste) or an iPhone with an AT&T protection plan..... or both.... then I'll even consider getting rapped in the @$$ with @T&T to get one.

Pretty common knowledge that Verizon passed on the phone as they were not willing to cut Apple in for as much as Apple wanted. Apparently, Apple got a sweet deal from ATT. Based on ATTs public comments, they are not likely to let this go and will do what it takes to keep Apple with them.

This is true and I hear that AT&T looses money when a customer purchases an iPhone from them.... only being able to recoup their loses with the two year contract.

keep in mind that apple wants the iPhone to sell in as many countries as possible. i don't understand the tech involved with making a GSM and CDMA iPhone, but if apple wants it to be available everywhere they will have to make it as compatible as they can. having only a GSM iPhone is probably crippling their expansion roadmap. with or without contract exclusivity.

The technical specs aren't that involved. Palm has been doing it for YEARS, along with just about every handset maker worldwide. I think Apple just doesn't have the time or patience to put forth the effort.

They may use it but in MUCH smaller numbers then GSM.

GSM is the world standard with the most subscribers.

Or no, since many countries use CDMA as well.

 

[andreab35]

Wirelessly posted (iPhone: Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 2_2_1 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/525.18.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.1.1 Mobile/5H11 Safari/525.20)

Putting all realities aside, if Verizon was anytime coming to the iPhone, I'd jump at it in a heartbeat.

For me, I would care if "Verizon" was doused all over my phone. I'd sacrifice that for the quality service Verizon gives in my area.

Plus, it's an iPhone. Even if Verizon "Verizons" the iPhone to death, deep down inside I know I have a great Apple product.

 

[kdarling]

... and I hear that AT&T looses money when a customer purchases an iPhone from them.... only being able to recoup their loses with the two year contract.

Of course that is true of any phone gotten under subsidy. The carrier loans us part of the price of the phone, and we pay it back during the contract. Thus the ETF to pay for the phone if we leave early.

(Congress is pushing for a more fair way of calculating the ETF. In particular, having it based upon the actual amount subsidized, instead of using a standardized amount. Good for people who get cheap phones. Might be bad for people getting smartphones.)

Plus, it's an iPhone. Even if Verizon "Verizons" the iPhone to death, deep down inside I know I have a great Apple product.

Despite the ignorant comments you often see here, Verizon (and other carriers) don't really change smartphones anyway. Usually they add an optional theme and maybe a VZ Appstore icon or two, which you can change or hide. More often, they throw in a few free apps, like Office readers and other business tools.

At most, Verizon used to lock the GPS to their own nav app, but that's changing. Besides, it'd almost be a blessing for the iPhone to get VZNavigator.

 

[Digital Skunk]

Of course that is true of any phone gotten under subsidy. The carrier loans us part of the price of the phone, and we pay it back during the contract. Thus the ETF to pay for the phone if we leave early.

True, never thought about it that way. Was just amazed that AT&T was getting a shorter end of the cell phone stick with Apple.