Child Item

Site Totals

61389 Questions Answered 268 Categories

Microsoft Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL to be blocked by Verizon

That's the headline and here's the link to the article in the AU edition of the International Business Times.

Here's the first line in the article: "AT&T is the only carrier in the U.S. that will market the Microsoft Lumia 950 and the Lumia 950 XL flagships."

Now, what does that tell you? Tells me to start looking elsewhere, after all these years with VZW. Too many disappointments. This is the last one.

Comments

Snn5

According to your post, AT&T is the only provider you can use.

ShadowRider

At this time the only one announced...yes.

Tidbits

Article is click bait, and any article connected to that information is click bait.

Verizon under block C rules can not block a device if the manufacturer makes it work. It's open sourced by Verizon in compliance with block C rules. Also Verizon moved away from CDMA authenticating to a GSM based one. Verizon had trouble with activations early on because of it 4 years or so ago.

dhollis

AT&T is the only US carrier that has committed to selling the 950's. However you will be able to buy them unlocked from the MS store and use them on either AT&T or TMobile. I suspect you could also use them with other GSM carriers, but I have not looked any deeper into this. I will probably move to TMobile myself.

MS has decided not to sell the cdma enabled phones at this point as it appears Verizon will not allow them on their network. This can be confirmed by checking Verizon's bring your own device policy which specifically states VZW allows all compliant unlocked phones except Windows phones.

This appears to be a squabble between the two companies and Verizon had decided, Eh... [removed]!

Profanity removed as required by the

Message edited by Verizon Moderator

Tidbits

It's obvious why it says except Windows phone. Show one Windows phone sold unlocked and unbranded that has all the required hardware and spectrum.

0 at this moment so that statement hold a lot of truth.

Tidbits

Elusive Microsoft Surface Phone could still happen, though not very soon | Pocketnow

bigpapamikay

This is so disappointing! Verizon, please allow us to use the Lumia 950. I have been looking forward to this device for a while now. I currently have 5 lines with Verizon and do not want to switch.

dexman

Microsoft has not enabled CDMA within the 950's. Because of this, the phones have not been certified to operate on CDMA networks...and...fees not paid to Qualcomm.

The feeling is the 950's are placeholders until the next generation of Windows Mobile phones are released. Those devices...if they do make it to market...should be compatible with VZW's network.

If not...there will be war.

Blanchardtech

Actually, the 950XL was CDMA certified but the 950 was not. Qualcomm makes most of the internals for the XL. Microsoft turned it off on both because Verizon has threatened to block them, so MS disabled the antennas ability to word with CDMA with software unless the MEID is registering to avoid a conflict. CDMA has already been ordered decommissioned no later then 2021 so this crap will all go away in six years. In the mean time feel free to join one of the pending lawsuits as the blocking of an otherwise functional device is a violation of several FCC and FTC regulations. If you are under contract with all lines, you are out of luck, but if you are month to month on even one line and make an attempt to connect one of these phones you have recourse. If Verizon blocks a functional certified device (the 950XLs are), they are subject to a massive fine ($ 25,000 per device rejected). If you have do have a 950XL (all XLs are Unlocked) and it is blocked, be sure to contact the FCC as they can not officially file their pending lawsuit and injunction until they have a plaintiff who can show actual damages. Don't think the FCC will go after them? Google the AT&T case and see how nasty the FCC can get.

Blanchardtech

Tidbits The 950XL is capable of all spectrums. The 950 is not.

Tidbits

If they were in fact certified that would mean it would be on the FCC certification and were tested. If they are not that what you just said is completely Bull.

WinPhoneUser50

Here is a view from my experience with Verizon and Microsoft. First, I am a Windows user. The first Windows phone I owned was a Samsung from AT&T in 2003. Then I switched to Verizon when I worked for Microsoft because of the incentives. Since then, all the sentiments from Verizon employees have favored the Android platform clearly. Whether it's incentives, corporate culture or just plain business decisions, employees are being directed(in my opinion) to lessen their focus on the Windows platform. Even after I tell them that I only use Windows phones they try to sell me on the Android platform. My Nokia 928 was the best Windows phone I have ever owned. Unfortunately the screen cracked from a fall and even with a warranty replacement the refurbished phone never worked the same. I now have an HTC One that is ok but not the same as the Nokia. Anyone in the tech sector can tell you that it's all about the OEM relationships between the carrier and the manufacturer, it comes down to money. The technology is not new and Verizon has had Windows phones before. Just stop with the excuses and release the device so you can retain your loyal customers.

sakowak

LOL, you got edited but I totally know what you are talking about.

I wonder what the squabble is over. License fees? Why would Verizon risk such nasty lawsuits from the FCC. The FCC will fight for the under dog any day.

sakowak

1 up!!!

dexman

Verizon Wireless is slowly moving away from CDMA due to BYOD. It doesn't make much sense to spend money to certify the three new phones on a system that is being phased out.

The 550 and 950s were already on the board when Microsoft bought out Nokia's handset division. The Surface Phone would be the first unit wholly designed by Microsoft.

It is suspected that the 950s are acting as flagship placeholders until the Surface Phone hits the market.

If the next generation of WPs are released not being compatible with VZW, then that would trigger the switching of WP users from VZW to at&t.

47seijar

Until VERIZON actually says they refuse to support the 950/950XL it's just a rumor. Already Verizon accepts non-Verizon phones on their network as long as they support all the Verizon frequencies. If the new Microsoft phones have the right bands there is no reason to believe Verizon will block them. It's really up to Microsoft to include the right hardware. If they do, I see no reason why Verizon would refuse to activate them.

dexman

The 550, 950 and 950XL were never submitted for CDMA certification. The specs show a 100% mismatch between the phones and Verizon Wireless. Microsoft is limiting the phones to GSM networks, thus the disclaimer on the VZW BYOD discussion page noting that the phones cannot be used on the network.

Child Item