Article: VZW May have to allow BYOD once LTE network is complete

[Droidwerks]

This article contains some interesting info: according to the author as part of their agreement with the government over the leasing of their 700MHz Block C spectrum band, Verizon is required to allow carrier-unlocked phones on its network.

"Right now, Verizon's LTE network already covers 250 million people, a landmark AT&T expects to reach at the end of 2013. And as we know, Verizon will also begin its VoLTE (voice over LTE) rollout some time before the end of 2013, which will almost certainly make it America's first VoLTE network of any substantial size. This puts Verizon on the fast track to begin phasing out its CDMA equipment, and become a full-on GSM carrier. An even more exciting implication? It's entirely possible you'll be able to start bringing your own phone to Verizon by early 2014. As part of its licensing agreement for the 700MHz Block C spectrum band, which is utilized as a major part of its LTE network, Verizon is required to allow carrier-unlocked phones on its network."

 

[timelord65]

Interesting find, thanks for sharing

 

[euph_22]

This article contains some interesting info: according to the author as part of their agreement with the government over the leasing of their 700MHz Block C spectrum band, Verizon is required to allow carrier-unlocked phones on its network.

"Right now, Verizon's LTE network already covers 250 million people, a landmark AT&T expects to reach at the end of 2013. And as we know, Verizon will also begin its VoLTE (voice over LTE) rollout some time before the end of 2013, which will almost certainly make it America's first VoLTE network of any substantial size. This puts Verizon on the fast track to begin phasing out its CDMA equipment, and become a full-on GSM carrier. An even more exciting implication? It's entirely possible you'll be able to start bringing your own phone to Verizon by early 2014. As part of its licensing agreement for the 700MHz Block C spectrum band, which is utilized as a major part of its LTE network, Verizon is required to allow carrier-unlocked phones on its network."

While certainly this is nothing but good news for the consumer, just because you can BYOD doesn't mean there will be any compatible devices you can pick up other than the Verizon sponsored ones.

 

[spottedcatfish]

That has the potential to be exciting. Although I think euph is right, and our options will be limited, I can see Google getting in on the BYOD game for Verizon. I don't think they were pleased that their best option for the Nexus 4 was just to not offer it for Verizon. With BYOD and VoLTE, maybe we'll see a Nexus 5 or 6 unlocked and available on ALL US carriers?

I'd be pretty happy. In fact, I'd tell them to shut up and take my money.

 

[AntimonyER]

Yes I fully believe the article is correct. In fact, I believe it could happen now. If VoLTE device, with no CDMA radio, existed, Verizon would have to allow it on their network.

Keep in mind, you better believe Verizon is lobbying HARD to water down Block C regs though. We will have to hold our breath the FCC doesn't cave.

 

[Droidwerks]

Yes I fully believe the article is correct. In fact, I believe it could happen now. If VoLTE device, with no CDMA radio, existed, Verizon would have to allow it on their network.

Keep in mind, you better believe Verizon is lobbying HARD to water down Block C regs though. We will have to hold our breath the FCC doesn't cave.

Let's do more than hold our breath--let's start a petition at Change.org and start sending emails into our elected officials!

 

[NeXuS4]

I've been waiting for this for 2 years. A lot of purple around here can only get service from Verizon because they are the only ones that work. I've been telling them to just wait for Verizon to complete it's LTE Network.

Also there's not a lot Verizon can do to avoid this, it's a poison pill Google made them swallow and just because Verizon is probably bribing the FCC as we speak, that doesn't mean Google isn't on the other side doing the same thing.

 

[jhawkkw]

This is what I've been waiting for and we should start to see the fight begin as soon as there are VoLTE devices that support Verizon's frequencies.

 

[NeXuS4]

This is what I've been waiting for and we should start to see the fight begin as soon as there are VoLTE devices that support Verizon's frequencies.

They better not try to weasel out of the terms of the 2008 auction. I swear if the FCC gives them a loophole I will personally march on Washington.

 

[gvillager]

I fail to see why VZW would be opposed to this.

BYOD=No subsidy=Higher profits

VZW wants to get out of the business of subsidizing equipment. They've already stopped subsidizing tablets, it's only a matter of time till they do the same with phones.

 

[jhawkkw]

Because this will allow people to bring open devices to their network that they have little control over. Verizon has been one of the biggest control freaks in the business and doing this lessens that control.

 

[gvillager]

Because this will allow people to bring open devices to their network that they have little control over. Verizon has been one of the biggest control freaks in the business and doing this lessens that control.

We are at the point where that control isn't as profitable as BYOD.

 

[jhawkkw]

We are at the point where that control isn't as profitable as BYOD.

That is indeed very true. However, Verizon isn't struggling like some other carriers, so they might see this as a necessary sacrifice to keep that control. I could be completely wrong as well.

 

[AntimonyER]

We are at the point where that control isn't as profitable as BYOD.

Actually we don't know how much money they make from Bloatware they install on your phone. It's probably a decent amount, that plus the uncertainty of having non - contact user, it might not be preferable to a contract customer.

 

[gvillager]

Actually we don't know how much money they make from Bloatware they install on your phone. It's probably a decent amount, that plus the uncertainty of having non - contact user, it might not be preferable to a contract customer.

I still doubt that Bloatware Revenue Per User is high enough to offset the subsidy.

If they ever do offer BYOD I'm sure the vast majority (about 90%) of people will still buy a Verizon branded phone anyway.

 

[JnEricsonx]

As long as I can keep my unlimited data-even though I barely use any-I'm happy with whatever they do, just means that any time I buy a new phone it'll probably be a ebay one a year or so old, due to price on such phone having dropped.