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…and in case you forgot all the new AT&T customers are because of the iPhone. PERIOD. And your largest customer and carrier argument ends here with this link. Thank you and good night.
http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/30/department-of-justice-approves-verizons-alltel-acquisition-req/
Am I the only one here who thinks that it’s odd that (what i assume to be) grown men use the abbreviation “LOL” ?
It makes sense if by “grown men” I mean 13 year-old girls posting from their hello kitty themed sidekick.
AT&T make people sign in too.
So Does that mean the Storm for Verizon will not have the highspeed 3G EVDO?
@ Paul
Here’s the potshot you took, Paul. It’s also what makes you a fanboy. You rail on one company for doing something, yet sweep it under the rug for another. Anyway, here you go:
“WiFi is pretty important to many users, maybe ONE reason why AT&T is a larger wireless provider in the US and Verzion is buying customers to compete (Rural Wireless and soon Alltel).”
When it comes down to it, though, I could give a shit less which carrier people use. I don’t discriminate. They’re all a bunch of assholes, if you ask me.
The thought of you pounding out these huge posts, because you’re such an angry little guy, is reason enough to keep this up, though. I think someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed.
So there has NEVER been any CDMA Blackberry with Wi-Fi (on ANY carrier)–I guess that’s Verizon’s doing? Verizon really must have a lot of pull if they can make sure no other carriers have Wi-Fi on their BB’s.
Not to mention that Verizon ALREADY has two phones that have Wi-Fi. So why would Verizon allow Wi-Fi on those phones, but not BB’s.
And lastly, Verizon requires a data plan, so they would not be losing any revenue. If anything, having Wi-Fi would benefit them as it would take some of the strain of their network.
Looking forward to your lack of a response for the upteenth time, Boy Genius.
Does it still have the Quadra-band EDGE for world use?
@likeabite:
The ONLY WiFi CURRENTLY SOLD by Verizon Wireless RIGHT NOW is the XV6800! Who cares what YOU bought last year! Not comparing the iPhone, just talking WiFi.
Verizon is buying Alltel, I said that, but you might notice the debt they are taking on to do that. What the hell does this have to do with WiFi? Nothing!
It is a fact that Verizon churn rate is up in its latest numbers, the iPhone is a good part of the reason. I did not have to say it Verizon DID in their wall street report. Or do you read anything except blog posts to attack?
But since you brought it up, the iPhone (and Android) can do ONE thing that even an ASSWIPE like you would have to admit, it can use WiFi and that was the point of the entire story.
Using WiFi it can use VoIP, control devices in my home and office, actively access files on my computers (not syncing SHARING), download things faster, web surf faster, and watch video streams at high quality!
I did not write the story, BGR did. I just agreed with it. So your frustration should be aimed at the story not me.
Do you hang out on blogs to attack people because you are too stupid to win an argument any other way? What are you winning?
Verizon does not support WiFi on any, but ONE phone RIGHT NOW!
They have neutered their camera phones in the past for Bluetooth and USB, I have owned them. They are offering the Blackberry Storm without WiFi. No amount of useless bull coming out of your mouth changes any of that.
Apparently, YOU have NOTHING substantial to say so you attack the pollsters with non-sense.
In this election season, when all sorts of -ist words have been bandied about, there’s a word that seems appropriate to describe Verizon’s arrogant insistence on dictating just what a buyer can and cannot do with a device: FASCIST.
@ likeabite
you said:
“and in case you forgot all the new AT&T customers are because of the iPhone. PERIOD.”
THANK YOU as you just helped me make my point and we agree! The iPhone took away quite a few customers as it is a new innovative device that supports WiFi and has over 6,000 apps many of them built around that! So will the Android phone and any other devices people want that Verizon does not offer.
@ Nate:
You and the other guy must be retarded twins!
As you TOO make MY point for ME! People have switched carriers to buy the device they wanted, that was not neutered and had WiFi losing Verizon customers, raising their churn rate, adding customers to their competitor.
IT was Verzion that rejected the iPhone, IT IS Verzion that has not supported WiFi either in hotpots or phone (ONLY ONE, give me a break), and it was Verzion that is now putting up the Blackberry Storm without WiFi to compete with the iPhone and the Android phone that have WiFi! IT will also be Verzion that will gain or lose on this decision!
I am such a fan boy I said in a previous post that Verizon had the better 3G network. Nothing against Verizon or its network, I am a FiOS customer and have a Blackberry Curve on Verizon. I am NOT a fan of the neutering and choice of devices Verizon allows on their network!
@ shortsxit:
Since Verizon is the largest CDMA customer and does not accept devices that push WiFi, why would anyone make them?
So if you believe RIM can’t make a WiFi CDMA device you know little about technology. No one makes what they can’t sell or they would not be in business long!
I guess you do not understand how the wireless business works. Cell makers are NOT free to build what they want and force a carrier to sell it.
If you believe that RIM really can not build a CDMA Blackberry with WiFi, I guess that is a great reason to al least NOT buy a Blackberry from ANY CDMA carrier. Funny, this is exactly what seems to be happening as the iPhone has sold over 12 million units and Android is looking like it will also sell a ton!
I think RIM better LEARN how to build a better device and get their partner Verizon to allow them to sell it or they are going to be in a heap of trouble in the marketplace!
Most likely, RIM is going no place THEY will sell them on OTHER carriers and Verizon will scramble or lose customers, except for a couple of FOOLS I found on here! LOL!
@ James Blunt,
No Blunt, it means it will lack a faster network like WiFi, have no access to VoIP and many other apps!
@ Paul
At this point, I don’t think you own either of the devices that you claim you use (iPhone & Curve).
Number one, based on your posts, I don’t think you’re capable of holding down a job. So, there’s no way you have a work provided Curve.
Number two, again, I don’t think you’re capable of holding down a job. So, there’s no way you could afford an iPhone.
I think it’s time to break out of your Mom’s basement, Paul. It’s a big world out there. There’s more to life than going crazy over people’s internet posts.
@ Nate:
Ok you can not say anything to add something substantial so insults are what you have decided is all you have left. Between you and your retarded brother, why would anybody read this blog! It seems to be ruled by Cretans.
Believe what you like. It was you and the other retard on here that attacked me. I just agreed with the story on BGR. If I ran a blog I would not want it read by guys (if you are a guy) like you as no one with a brain, who actually was interested in technology would return or post. And I am sure YOUR employer does NOT want anyone to post, if you get my meaning!
Everything I said was true and if all you can do is insult me and call me a liar you are truly an asswipe!
I was only interested in the facts, which when presented to an ass like you, could not be discussed in a worthwhile matter.
Seems it may be you that is in basement without a job as you can “think” whatever you want as it is clear to anyone reading your attacks without substance that you CAN NOT actually “THINK.”
Still does not change a thing, no WiFi at Verzion except ONE phone and none coming on the Blackberry Storm! Verizon lost customers to AT&T. These are the facts. Sorry you hate them so.
Boy are you going to hate the next quarter!
My $.02…is this! For whatever reason (probably the network), many gov’t agencies use verizon for their cell providers. Having wi-fi on these CDMA devices was considered pretty much the same way BlackBerry (until very recently) didn’t have cameras on their devices. Wi-fi is an “open” network and therefore has its own inherent security problems. I have no proof of this, but it is just a thought. The Storm, I would agree, is not likely to be a huge candidate for gov’t contracts as they would likely get damaged a little more and are considered more “entertainment” friendly than previous BBs used for email/txt messaging. Just a thought.
You shoot out more insults in a single post than everyone else on this site combined. You’re freakin’ hilarious.
You’re too easy, Paul. It’s like poking a caged animal. I can just picture you snarling as you’re punching out these posts.
Frankly, if you’d read my posts, you’d know that I’ve already agreed with the BGR story. What I don’t agree with is the stupid crap you throw on top of it.
But, at this point, I’m done. You win, Paul.
@ DMZ6:
Good point. But Verizon did offer several Windows Mobile phones with WiFi that were sold to business, I had one before it was replaced by a Blackberry Curve. Now they only have one. They do however care more about business customers.
This may impact them quite a bit going forward with non-business customers if this is their reasoning as more open devices are wanted like Android. The mobile web is moving to replace the desktop for many people.
With my iPhone I can now travel easily without a laptop. On my last two business trips all I carried was the iPhone lightening my load. I was able to use VoIP, VNC to my work & home desktops, SSH to servers at work, edit our company website (got an emergency call for a change) and had access to all my files from my hotel free and fast wifi connection without having to pay for international data and phone rates.
I have been in several places were there was NO 3G and hotspots were the best thing around.
Remember Verizon is not at all in the hotspot business like AT&T, T-Mobile or Sprint is.
Verizon may have to adapt going forward, they been talking “open” but talk is cheap.
@Paul,
so what’s the reason for Sprint, Alltel, Bell, Telus and other CDMA carriers not having wi-fi enabled Blackberrys…I guess that was Verizon’s fault as well…
In any case, the upcoming winmo phones, including the i770 (which passed through the fcc on 10/29/08) as well as the touch diamond/pro will have wi-fi enabled on them…I believe the Verizon Omnia will also have wi-fi as well
@ Nate:
What are you still here? We are only having important substantial conversations here. You are so smart, you even admit you are an ass and have no substance. Poke this!
I added nothing on top. This what I said in every post:
“No WiFi at Verzion except ONE phone and none coming on the Blackberry Storm! Verizon lost customers to AT&T.”
You do not have to agree, these are the facts I will let smarter people judge.
You are right on one thing I did win! Verizon customers lost though! If Verizon offered an iPhone or a Blackberry with WiFi, you would have bought it!
But you think the “plumber” is all the ONLY thing that counts and not the ANY of the fixtures. Amazing for a guy who belongs in a toilet.
Damn right I am hilarious and a whole lot smarter than you.
I laughed my ass off every time I answered your attacks as I was writing to a moron that was in the pocket of a single carrier accepting whatever they ALLOWED him to do with his device while they collected his money!
NO WiFi FOR YOU!
lol they’ve never had a stance on wifi, their feature phones dont need it, and theyve released plenty of smartphones with it and without it. They have never physically had it removed while other cdma carriers had it on identical devices
@ moni:
OK I guess RIM is NOT smart enough to build a CDMA Blackberry then. Is this your contention? If Verizon allowed a WiFi Blackberry, RIM could NOT build it? RIM did NOT want WiFi on the Storm, the device they HOPE competes well with the iPhone and Android? Wow, glad I do not own any of that sinking RIM stock in this case.
Seems there is a pattern here. Verizon is NEVER wrong and NEVER dictates what is on their network. I guess this is were all the Verizon fanboys hang out. I did not realize. Must be a plumbers convention on BGR.
I guess this means that you NO NOT agree with BGR story here that it was Verizon who neutered the Storm? Maybe you want to argue this with the writer of the story you are posting to, instead of me. I did not write it only agreed with him! And at a Verizon plumbers convention we can not have that now can we.
Genius, Wi-fi is as dead as VHS son!
@ JKuhn:
New plumber at the Verizon appreciation convention?
Also, how many wi-fi enabled phones are on other CDMA carriers…Let’s see, Sprint has about 3 (Touch Diamond, Palm Treo, and 6800) so that makes 3…Alltel, I believe just has one the 6800 as well…So, let’s put this in perspective. It’s not just a Verizon limitation, it’s a CDMA limitation as a whole. In no way am I a verizon fangirl but people on here are so misinformed that it drives me crazy. Unless Verizon dictates what features other CDMA carriers should or shouldn’t have on their phones then I don’t think they should be blamed for “crippling” wi-fi on their phones. I guess wi-fi is not that big of a feature on CDMA phones just yet.
I also have to agree that Verizon has in the past have crippled their phones. However, their policies have been changing. Yes, you can now use bluetooth to transfer files and such. You can even download your own ringtones to your phone without having to pay vzw for them, and yes I have done this. So, things are changing. It has taken a little time but things are getting better.
@ moni:
If you are right. You just gave me another reason for NEVER buying another CDMA “not-so-smartphone.” I am one that does not want be limited by this.
@ Chris:
Really! What’s in your house? Or the millions of hotspots around the world?