The real reason the BlackBerry Storm doesn’t have Wi-Fi or tri-band HSDPA
You might have guessed it, but the reason is Verizon! We confirmed this a little while back with one of our really top-level sources (you know who you are!) and they did, in fact, confirm our suspicions — Verizon said hell to the no, we don’t play that up in here! Now, before the flamewars start, I will publicly say that although it might not be crystal clear, I love Verizon. Personally, Verizon has the best voice and data network in the US. Did you hear that? I lovez me some VZW.
With that out of the way, it’s pretty clear Verizon’s stance with Wi-Fi, but no tri-band HSDPA? We can only assume Verizon thought that with tri-band HSDPA, people would be unlocking these things left and right to use the devices on AT&T and Rogers. That would take out a decent chunk of their data revenue, but at the end of the day, are that many people who now can’t get a 3G Storm but rather a 2G one going to port to Verizon because of it? That remains to be seen, but all Storm first-hand impressions aside, this thing not having Wi-Fi at the very minimum is a major pain in the ass. Does anyone remember the “leaked” Expansys photo that had the Wi-Fi indicator in it? Funny, right? And to the commenters who will start saying, “It’s the best data network, you don’t need Wi-Fi!” You’re dumb, ignorant, and stupid. Plain and simple.
@ Paul
You conveniently forget who the largest carrier was before Cingular bought AT&T Wireless.
This doesn’t make any sense.
Verizon has had several WiFi-equipped devices. Like I mentioned on Engadget, there has not been a CDMA phone with WiFi that has come to Verizon without it. At least not amongst the phones that Sprint has had.
I smell BS. Sorry.
so should i change from my t-mobile blackberry (that i j’dore) to the VZN Blackberry Storm???
what should i do ppl?
Gotta love these tech blog arguments, it’s better than McCain/Obama! Nobody here has ever touched one of these (other than BG & co) and they haven’t used one that has the the final software updates on it. (shame on VZ to have a “launch” party with an unfinished product) but I digress. Loyal AT&T Iphone users would never switch no matter how good the Storm was. (And right-wing republicans will never vote Dem no matter who is the candidate). Verizon loyalists will probably buy the Storm even if it has lags & glitches and they will say it’s better than the Iphone. Wifi or no wifi, some people want it, some don’t need it. I have never had it and I have never had a problem with downloads or internet access. I don’t eat at Mcdonalds or spend an hour drinking a coffee at Starbucks but I do have wifi at home & at work but it’s not necessary there so wifi’s not a issue for me. Anyway, It’s all personal preference and personal needs so it’s the individual’s choice. You read the comments and it’s like people assume that because one device is best for them that it’s best for everyone and they would be a moron to buy anything else. Kinda like their choice for President is the ONLY right choice. Anyway that’s it for my rant, you all buy phones so I hope you all vote and voice your opinion in that regard as you do here!
I just checked. Verizon dropped the i770 Samsung phones and NOW only offers WiFi on ONE Windows Mobile Phone! Now that’s support! LOL!
No Nokia, No Android, No iPhone on their network. Only fully branded neutered devices. Can only buy music from them, can only get a ringtone from them, watch TV – only from them, No VoIP apps, No active file sharing, no head-to-head gaming over WiFi, no remote control of stuff in your home. Visual Voicemail, pay them, Directions, pay them.
Seems they have actually neutered their network by not supporting ANY openness what so ever! They are not even offering the most innovative mobile devices at this point.
Three of the most innovative phones Nokia, Android and iPhone are NOT on their network!
Stop blaming RIM for no WiFi on a CDMA phone this is JUST stupid. Verizon has NO WiFi on ANY of their phones except ONE!!!!!
If this is the case that CDMA could not have WiFi, were did all the Windows Mobile ones come from? They have the same radios.
The iPhone has GSM, Bluetooth, WiFi, EDGE has room for a SIM card and is thinner than most.
It has NOTHING to do with size or technology folks, It has to do with the business practices of Verizon. They have a long rep for neutering their phones.
No you really think that if Verizon was willing to sell Nokia, Android, iPhones or Blackberry with WiFi they would NOT be available? If so we have a nice bridge for you to buy.
First Verizon crippled Bluetooth so people couldn’t transfer pictures and music to their phones with out paying Verizon $10 a month, – which led to a class action lawsuit against them. Now no WI_Fi. Now Lock down on GPS. They are a pariah company that gets away with this stuff for two reasons: One the lobbyist’s that they have down in Washington, and the second are people like my daughter that don’t care. But here’s the problem – and it’s irrefutable – they have the best quality signal by far. The other carriers are not even in the same class.
But this will end as more people demand more unlocked phones and unlocked features just like in the rest of the world.
At this point, there aren’t a lot of phones out there with Wifi, period.
I agree. Verizon has a long history of cutting features. However, wifi isn’t a feature that is all that widespread to begin with, and there are more phones coming out in the next couple of months, for Verizon, with wifi.
At this point, I’d wait for things to shake out a bit before getting so worked up.
@ Paul…I see you only choose to mouth off rather than read and comment sensibly. You and this neutered word of use…seems like that’s what should be done to you at this moment because you’re retarted. Verizon did not ask for the Storm to be made…Vodafone did as I said earlier and the link corroborated. I have a wifi device on Verizon, so whether they have 100 or one is not the point. We on Verizon like the service and the phones just fine because obviously if we didn’t we’d have moved on to another service already. Fuck Nokia, Android and the iPhone. If Verizon wanted to sell Nokia it would’ve done so years ago. Android just came out so most likely it’ll end up on every network. AT&T does not have it either so what is your point here? Ok moving on…as I recall the iPhone was first offered to Verizon because Steve Jobs is no idiot…he knows that the best network is and when Verizon turned it down it went to AT&T…so credit them for taking Verizon’s sloppy seconds. It’ll b back on Verizon soon when it gets all its ridiculous amount of issues and missing features hashed out…as evidenced by the job posting by Apple for CDMA knowledgeable IT techs. Whatever Verizon asks you to pay for is discretionary…its not like they say pay them and you dont have a choice. If you want visual voicemail then pay for the shit…what you think this is, charity? Yea it can be free like on AT&T but hey to each its own. Don’t come on here with your longwinded posts that serve no purporse and say stupid shit. As BGR already said Verizon is the best network, hands down so shut up and stop get off this site because you clearly can’t comprehend what’s going on.
^^^ “of yours”
Your a retard, spending all that time bypassing any of his points, and just calling him out on his grammer. What good was that other than to insult him. I don’t completely agree with him, but who gives a shit about his use of a comma. We aren’t talking about that. Your the one on a high horse you ignorant fuck.
@ Paul
Do you even know anything about the wireless phone industry? Nokia outsourced their CDMA division to Pantech which has yet to make a good Smartphone. Steve Jobs has signed an exclusive deal with at&t so how could VZW carry the iPhone? And as far as Android is concerned, just because they did not join the alliance doesn’t mean they will not roll a compatible CDMA version with HTC WHEN one comes available. VZW has the most stringent network and phone testing guidlines in the industry which is one of the main reasons they have the fewest phones returned for malfunction which leads to customer satisfaction. And it also leads to customer retention as they have the lowest customer churn rate of any wireless company over the last 5 years.
@ Nate:
I did not conveniently forget the Cingular buy out of AT&T Wireless. In fact Verizon did not get AT&T as it was outbid. BUT that was over five years ago and not very relevant to the conversation since we were talking about WiFi support.
In the last two years AT&T has won customers with better devices and more openness even though they had a lesser 3G network. Verizon bought a Rural wireless company with little in smartphone users and is not will ing to take on an amazing amount of debt in a down market to buy Alltel.
Fact in the latest numbers reported Verizon’s churn rate was NOT as good as in the past, even though they claim a better network! Just look at the latest reported numbers.
One reason is the nickel and dime cost of services and the lockdown of their devices. Paint it anyway you like, Verizon passing on the iPhone has cost them quite a few customers. Mistakes happen, but they are not learning from them and seem to be sticking to their astringent business model.
They now offer WiFi only only ONE phone and seem to be passing on the Google Android phone also.
So if you want to make “PHONE” calls (but NOT VoIP calls) and get an email get a Verizon phone. If you want more go elsewhere! Bet you will see WiFi on RIM devices at other carriers and it has nothing to do with CDMA.
AT&T now has faster 3G services in select regions (mine being one of them) than Verizon. AT&T also offers rollover minutes and free WiFi.
AT&T has 18,000 hotspots – T-Mobile is in the hotspot business as well as Sprint – Verizon has NONE! Still wonder why Verizon does not support WiFi on any phones?
In fact the only wifi Verizon really supports is when they install FiOS in a home. Meanwhile they have lost MILLIONS of customers to VoIP from cable and other providers like Vonage & Packet8.
I have FiOS and can not utilize my super fast WiFi connection in my own home unless I get my cell phone from the competition! Sounds great doesn’t it?
I’d like it better if the Storm has WiFi. But its not a deal breaker.
I’ve started using WiFi on my flights and having it on a phone would be more convenient than having to take out a laptop and use the entire tray – no room for drinks.
No wifi is disappointing but not a deal breaker. This does make me wish AT&T would get the Storm because I know they would allow wifi. Direct competition may force Verizon to consider allowing wifi in the Storm v2.
most of the peopel saying they use Wifi are telling us that they also use ATT, Tmobile’s network.
You knwo why ATT and Tmobile have Wifi?
It isn’t because ATT wants it, it is beacuse thier network is so slow and 3g network is so small that BB felt they needed to be able to offer thier customers a faster speed.
Veriozn has a huge EVDO footprint, and THE best network for data as rated by many reviews…so all of you guys thinking Wifif is a must, steo off the kiddie network, and come over to the big red one, you will notice the difference.
otherwise if you want wifi to just save money, please don’t buy a smartphone, smartphones(windows/palm/all) are designed to work on a wireless network with data, doing so without it is just pointless and the only reason you are doing it is to look cool, but you are the busted loser rolling around in a 90’s accord with 18 inch rims claiming they are 20’s.
@Anonymous loser,
AT&T is suppose to be getting the Storm next year and it should have Wi-Fi.
Do a search for Blackberry Niagara and you will see VZW is getting the Bold that AT&T is getting on the 4th and it should have Wi-Fi.
My Source at Verizon said that they did indeed ask RIM not to include WIFI on the Storm. Verizon is the largest CDMA carrier in the US and despite the current belief here on this board, they do have the power to dictate to a handset manufacturer whether or not they will allow a particular feature/phone on their network. When asked why they would do this, my source said “We believe in the capacity and capability of our network.” – When you think about it, he does have a point. When we simply look at brand identity, the quality of their network is their brand.
@ Paul
Why was it relevant when you took your potshot at Verizon, but it’s not now?
Really, the most obvious thing coming out of this conversation is that you have no idea what you’re talking about, and your fanboyism knows no bounds.
@ likeabite:
OK, I used neutered as this is exactly what Verizon did to Bluetooth and USB on their phones so idiots like you, who defend paying more for less, can have the pleasure of paying about $5 to $10 a month to simply get your OWN pictures off the camera phone YOU paid for!
Neutered is exactly what they did when it comes to WiFi. They sure did say fuck off to Nokia, Android, and the iPhone while offering less choices to their customers. With customers like you, they will be around for a long time, LOL!
Since you are so tied to Verizon I guess you never touched an iPhone, Android phone or any other device like this so you have no idea what you are talking about.
The sloppy seconds that Jobs got ended up being over 12 million iPhones sold so far taking about 1 million customers from Verizon making Apple the third largest cell phone maker in the world based on revenue. AT&T has no suffered for being second as you claim, they have gained $2.4 million new customers and have some of the best customers a wireless carrier could want, the ones that pay lots for data use as well as advanced mobile devices and not just phone calls like the rural carrier Verizon bought.
@Gone Wireless:
I work in the industry for many years so I think I know a bit, yes! Apple signed an exclusive deal with AT&T because Verizon rejected the iPhone as they did not want it due to branding, iTunes music sales competing on their network, Visual voicemail included and WiFi. Afraid to say I know this first hand.
You said:
“VZW has the most stringent network and phone testing guidlines in the industry which is one of the main reasons they have the fewest phones returned for malfunction which leads to customer satisfaction.”
You might want to visit a Verizon store one day and see that they get just as many phones back as anyone does. The “stringent” is usually the neutering of features that cell phone makers would like to include that gets in the way of their business model as well as quality control (I point this out above).
I will point out that in the latest numbers Verizon churn rate is not what it once was as the iPhone and soon Android and other smartphones are attracting customers.
As far as Android goes, Verizon has not joined the alliance and has not been interested in the CDMA – Android group either.
If you think you will see Verizon with an Android phone that supports WiFi, open source software, and MP3 downloads from Amazon you may be a bit crazy. This will ONLY happen with them kicking a screaming and losing a lot more customers. They are running out of CDMA providers to buy and their debt numbers will be well over $30 billion by early next year!
I will remind you guys that the story was about Verizon not offering the Blackberry Storm with WiFi! The statement was made that it was Verizon that did not want WiFi on the device.
Since there is ONLY ONE WiFi phone offered by Verizon and RIM desperately needs to compete with the iPhone, Android and Nokia it seems pretty reasonable it was NOT RIM’s decision. Verizon has even dictated its own branding, music store, ringtones, and navigator be included to sell on their network. So since I know that there is no technical reason WiFi was not included, it stands to reason the the BoyGenius is totally correct!
He also seemed to know he would be attacked by Verizon operatives and fanboys for pointing it out!
@ terry
did you just make that up?
the Storm is exclusive to verizon for two years if verizon hits the sales numbers, just as the iphone is exclusive as long as ATT hits sales numbers.
Sometimes when I read this site I remember why i stopped reading it for a while, most of the posters, and some of the guys who write for the site are just biased as hell, and annoyingly any poster here just posts random ignorant shit they just made up. I have posted and released information for this site, WAY before any other and BGR has held it for some time not even posting it. and once it’s posted, with undeniable truth some of you losers still sit here, furiously typing on the laptop and dripping sweat on the keyboard from your fat bloated loser asses sitting in front of a computer breathing heavy and dreaming of chicks….while posting the most ignorant crap I have ever seen.
Posted from MY blackberry Storm
Suck it bitches
Dude…I have a Samsung i760 and it has wifi. Geezus is everyone stupid in here?
@NOThtckid,
No I didn’t make that up. I know someone that tests out devices for RIM. That’s all I can say about that.
I won’t stoop to your level of attacking people on this site.
Believe what you want. If you don’t agree just say that.
@ NOThtckid:
LOL! You could make a good politician! Since Verizon offers no WiFi and has NO hotspots, JUST maybe this is the reason AT&T and T-Mobile customers use WiFi more. AS it actually exists! LOL!
If AT&T was so bad, explain why they just gained so many customers attracted to the new devices and are the biggest carrier in the US! This is because of bad service?
I love guys like you, blinded by being locked into a contract. So happens I have a Verizon and an AT&T account and can actually compare. Both offer excellent service in all the areas I have been. I have no preference, Except, I want the latest and best devices WITH WiFi so you figure it out.
@ Nate:
I took NO such potshot as you called it. I have Verizon in my Home (FiOS) and also have a Verizon Blackberry (company provided). It was the BGR that pointed out the removal of WiFi I agree with!
If you want to call me pointing out the fact that Verizon does not support WiFi on all but ONE of their phones and have in the past neutered Bluetooth and USB connection so you could not get to your OWN photos you took with the phone YOU bought without paying them again for the pleasure, a potshot – so be it!
I know never let the facts get in the way of a good story. Amazing I have no idea what I am talking about, only YOU do?
Does Verizon have any hotspots? NO!
Does Verizon have any, but the ONE lone WiFi phone? YES!
Have they in the past neutered Bluetooth and USB connection so you could not get to your OWN photos without paying? YES!
Are they now going to offer the Blackberry Storm without WiFi? Yes!
Are they supporting Android? NO!
Seems I got most of it right I think. Seems you are just frustrated that you have NO argument and just want to say I have no idea.
My “fanboyism” is based on what? LOL! Pointing out that there are no WiFi offered on all but one Veriozn phones? I am still a Verizon customer!
I guess I am guilty of being a “fanboy” of innovative technology. For this I plead guilty! Maybe you the real FANBOY here might just try for one moment to wonder why you are being locked out of WiFi and two of the most innovative mobile devices being offered right now, the iPhone and Android! Or do you ONLY want to make PHONE CALLS!
Again Paul goes on a rant just to prove one thing: That he is, in fact, an idiot. My 6700 has Wifi and bluetooth…I’ve been able to get all my pictures and songs of the device without paying any amount of money for it simply by connecting it to my computer or by using the sd card…which is what a smartphone is supposed to do. But then again you wouldn’t know anything about that because iPhones dont give you the option of an sd card or the ability to connect it to your computer and do anything else but transfer music. FUCKING MUSIC. I can just use my mp3 player if all i needed was music on my phone. MOBILEME sucks, no background processes and lets not even get started on cut and paste and what not. But I digress…
The Justice Department just approved Verizon’s purchase of Alltel so guess what, Verizon not only has the largest 3G network but the largest network period. This is even with all the iPhone sales and its subsequent costumer base for AT&T (minus all those who came back to Verizon after realizing that the iPhone sucks). We all know AT&T needs wifi because its network can’t take more than one high profile 3G phone…BG has already said this and that is why them having wifi is important…that is why they just allowed wifi back on the iPhone and the Bold, which if you’ve been paying attention to BGR you’d know already.
I’ve used every single phone from every single manufacturer just for the fact that I’m a gadget hound but I don’t own all of them because it is pointless. I’ve used Android, I’ve used the iPhone and I’ve used blackberries…the fact of the matter is only the Blackberry is ripe enough for any sort of argument when you are talking about smartphones…the iPhone really can’t do shit…and i mean SHIT, if you look at it features wise…and the App store doesn’t count because you can only run one at a time and that’s it. Windows Mobile far outshines the iPhone when it comes to usability and functionality…the iPhone only has UI and interface…it can’t even make calls and you want to talk about VoIP and all this idiotic nonsense that has nothing to do with the normal purpose of a phone…which is to make calls…MAKE CALLS and the iPhone can’t even do that without dropping about 6 out of 10. Unless you’re going to come here and mention Symbian or Windows Mobile don’t even bring Android or the iPhone into a Blackberry competition, lest I remind you that the iPhone’s smartphone share has dropped from 5.7 to 2.8 because of all of those who returned their initial iPhones after it tanked on them. That is this present quarter and I’d show you the stats if I felt this warranted me doing a google search for that Gartner article but you’re not even worth it. Next time you come on BGR PLEASE make more sense than this neutered and ONE wifi phone argument. All you’ve said in every post is ONE Wifi phone so unless you have something more substantiative to say just shut the fuck up. You know what I’ll post these links for the ones smart enough to comprehend what they really mean…not your feeble minded ass.
http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/30/department-of-justice-approves-verizons-alltel-acquisition-req/
http://www.gartner.com/it/page.jsp?id=754112
@ El Papo:
This is no longer sold by Verizon, they dropped it. They now have only ONE WiFi featured phone in their entire line-up.
I used to have the same phone. The also dropped the i770 its replacement. When I needed a new phone and wanted WiFi, left be no choice but to go to a different carrier or choice the ONE lone WiFi phone Verizon offers that runs Windows Mobile.