Verizon Is Still Verizon When It Comes To Locked Down BlackBerrys

portorikan
#1. May 8th, 2008, at 9:06 AM.

This is another reason I enjoy Sprint. $30/month gets me unlimited data, GPS with any mapping software, and Sprint Navigation, with no lockdown.

Hopefully that Curve will come out soon, so I can get it for my *cough* wife *cough*, yeah, for her, and um, that would be nice.

johnnyheff
#2. May 8th, 2008, at 9:49 AM.

…the only thing i can think to argue your point robb is that most vzw customers dont stay vzw customers for unlocked services. vzw has the most consistent, rock-steady service of all the us carriers. i would easily forgo the flexibility of unlocked devices knowing that my calls and data would always be up.

bluehorseshoe
#4. May 8th, 2008, at 10:09 AM.

It’s pretty simple…vzw locks them up, but service is great and providing solid service all around us their focus, while Sprint let’s it loose, but their customer service stinks and they still have no direction, thus less subscribers than vzw. It just shows in the numbers as to what’s more important to the consumer. I just wish vzw would give a freebie once in a while.

Tom
#5. May 8th, 2008, at 10:45 AM.

I am a Verizon subscriber but I have to ask the question. Don’t we Verizon subscribers have to admit that we are drinking the kool-Aid a bit when it comes to the strength of the network?

I agree that it is the best network, however, I don’t hear my girlfriend complaining about AT&T and she doesn’t even have a home phone. I’d be willing to be that more people stick with Verizon just because it is who they have always been with and even though another carrier might get a new phone, they aren’t willing to pay that EFT to end their contract to switch.

People are creatures of habit and generally cheap when it comes mobile phones.

Norman R.
#6. May 8th, 2008, at 10:51 AM.

Verizon’s locking down of built-in features isn’t limited to BlackBerrys. I know that there are sevearl HTC devices that have had the built-in GPS disabled. You can find BIOS upgrades that will take the device back to the factory defaults.

Does anyone know if you can turn on the disabled GPS with firmware or bios update on the BlackBerry?

PB
#7. May 8th, 2008, at 11:45 AM.

Tom- I actually had ATT back in the day and loved them. Then Cingular came along and screwed it all up. Thus I switched over to Verizon and have no real complaints that I would have with other carriers. So until another true ATT Wireless can come along I don’t foresee changing anytime soon.

When it comes down to it, I think its based on personel preference. Obviously people in different locations have different feelings towards the reliability. However when it comes to those that travel vast amounts would more likely agree that Verizon ends up being better than the others.

BB_Smurf
#8. May 8th, 2008, at 1:16 PM.

Good point Robb. VZ NAv if a good program, which I have used on occasion, but I prefer to use 3rd party apps b/c of the add’l features as well as cost.

@Tom, I see what you’re saying but I have an AT&T Curve through work & the services sucks. My new VZW is faster & the call quality is better. This morning, I called my assistant on way in from work using my new VZW Curve & he noticed the better quality right away.

At the moment, I have two Curves sitting in my office, in downtown Oakland. The At&T curve is not getting EDGE service, only 2 bars with voice. The VZW Curve is getting full voice & EVDO. So, I’ll put up with VZW’s lockdown BS until AT&T improves their network.

ellemem
#9. May 8th, 2008, at 2:08 PM.

I have things I like and dislike about Verizon. For the last two years, I’ve never had to worry abut dropped calls, or not having a cell signal. On the other hand, I feel like I pay out the rear for my service, especially when I see the costs of other carrier’s plans. But then, I guess I’m paying for having the best coverage available.

As for Verizon Navigator - - I’ve used it a couple of times, but would never pay $10 a month for the service. I prefer to use my GPS for directions, and my Blackberry for e-mail, messaging, and phone calls.

bluehorseshoe
#10. May 8th, 2008, at 7:22 PM.

@ PB

A couple of years ago I used Cingular and actually had good service, then they decided to buy AT&T and that’s when it all began going downhill, at least for me. Oddly enough, I had joined up with Cingular at the time because VZW sucked where I moved, but now it’s the reverse. The best part is that I reside where AT&T is now headquartered.

New BB User
#11. May 8th, 2008, at 9:46 PM.

And that’s why I dropped Verizon and will NEVER use Verizon ever again.
Verizon is the worse company on blocking all phone features.
If you use Verizon, you better to just get the cheapest phone without any features because you won’t able to use them anyway.
In Verizon’s mind, they only have money in their mind (how to squeeze the most money from their customers), not customers’ satisfaction. Why should you use Verizon then?

Alex
#12. May 9th, 2008, at 8:21 AM.

Why do I use Verizon? Because I like to be able to talk to whoever and whenever I want. Because I don’t want to worry about having dropped calls. Because Verizon Service is SOLID.

I can care less about the GPS on my phone I have a car that has navigation. Its not important. The important factors on a Cellphone provider is Service in coverage and customer.

James
#13. May 9th, 2008, at 1:24 PM.

I have to say Verizon is the best cell service that I have used. Right now I’m in the middle of “nowhere” MN & the only thing that gets better service in my truck is my XM radio. I’ve just picked up a BB & I’ve had service in very remote locations. Being over the road truck driver, my phone is my link to my life at home. I’m always on it for email, news, & phone calls. The only time that I’ve had a weak signal has been because of the building I’m in at the time. Yes, it does cost a little more but in this case you truely get what you pay for.