Microsoft Surface Duo
dexman
MVP MVP
MVP

Hello again!

My Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge is showing its age.

As a potential replacement, I've been keeping an eye out for any indication that Microsoft's next foray into the mobile device market (the Surface Duo) will be coming to Verizon Wireless.

To date, Microsoft has been tight lipped about an actual release date and network availability.

Has anyone else stumbled across anything that would indicate whether or not the Duo is VZW bound?

If it is...I'll hold onto the S7E until I can try out the new device.

49 Replies
Nordiskskier
Enthusiast - Level 1

The Surface Duo is scheduled for Verizon. I have a Windows phone that works on Verizon until December - so I've been watching the internet for updates on the Duo for some time. Indications are a possible launch and shipment in August 2020. The Duo was sent for FCC inspection last week. Winbuzzer has great updates on the Duo.

https://winbuzzer.com/tag/surface-duo/

 

dexman
MVP MVP
MVP

Hi Nordiskskier,

So far, I've only been able to find references to the Duo being made available for AT&T users. Online documents seem to point to Verizon Wireless's bands being included, but, if Microsoft doesn't send the device to Verizon Wireless for acceptance testing, the company could simply disable the bands in the phone and we'll have a repeat of the Lumia 550, 650, 950 & 950XL. โ˜น๏ธ

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mikerogers0
Enthusiast - Level 1

It's one of my pet leaves that cell phone service providers dictate what cell phone I can use. That is like Comcast telling me what tv I can buy. I am a 20 + year Verizon customer but I will be gone if this happens again.

dexman
MVP MVP
MVP

The ball is really in Microsoft's court.

 

If Microsoft doesn't submit the Duo for acceptance testing, Verizon Wireless can block the phone from being brought onto the network.

If Microsoft is serious about the Duo, it will try to get the Duo onto as many networks as possible.

vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

mikerogers0 I understand there may be a phone that you want. Please note, the carrier does not determine who the manufacturer will sell the device to. We have a great selection of devices available. Here is our link for your review:http://spr.ly/6604G5MEk

 

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Gdog123
Newbie

Why does the duo not support WiFi calling on Verizon? I called Verizon support and they said not available. Thatโ€™s a deal killer. My move to att now 

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vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

We'd never want this to be the reason you leave the Verizon family. However, we don't support that device. While you may be able to get it to work on our network, there will be some features like WiFi calling that are not available. 

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Synical
Enthusiast - Level 1

Surface Duo is available for pre-order now through the Microsoft store, with delivery tentatively scheduled for September 10th.  From the pre-order screen:  "Surface Duo will work on AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon networks including subsidiary and international partner networks."

Price tag is a bit hefty at $1399 for the base 128GB model, or $1499 for the 256GB version.  Can be offset by up to $700+ credit for existing phones (my current iPhone 11 64GB was worth $550, if that helps).

Hope that helps... and hopefully it's available through Verizon soon, so I can use these device bucks I've been saving up!

dexman
MVP MVP
MVP

Yup. I saw that information earlier this morning. I'm hoping that Verizon Wireless will make an official announcement so I can head over to Best Buy and give the Duo a once over. ๐Ÿ™‚

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dexman
MVP MVP
MVP

I just checked the Duo's technical specs over on Microsoft's website...

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/devices/surface-duo?activetab=techSpecs&icid=mscom_marcom

There is no mention of Verizon Wireless for either locked or unlocked models....just AT&T and T-Mobile. ๐Ÿ˜Ÿ

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CDMayberry1
Newbie

I just saw this as well and I am confused. My hope is this is either out of date, or maybe they're waiting for an announcement from Verizon first? The Microsoft blog and the Microsoft store both mention Verizon in their advertising, which makes me think maybe the spec is just out of date or erroneous.

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dexman
MVP MVP
MVP

I don't think it's a mistake. There is a footnote that says users of Sprint (now a part of T-Mobile) need to use a T-Mobile (SIM? eSIM?) with the Duo.

Remember that Sprint and Verizon Wireless are both legacy CDMA carriers. Despite the fact that Verizon Wireless has mothballed its old CDMA network, the note telling Sprint users to associate their phones to T-Mobile's legacy GSM network tells me that the Duo isn't compatible with Verizon Wireless.

I questioned the VZW supposed compatibility over on windows central. I don't know if Daniel Rubino is going to A. simply respond off the cuff, B. check with his contacts at Microsoft or C. not respond at all.

My guess is either A or C.

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CDMayberry1
Newbie

Huh, was not aware of the CDMA history. I'm not really knowledgeable on CDMA vs GSM but I heard that the FCC testing for the Duo included the Verizon specific bands, which is why I assumed it's still coming to Verizon.

I might try poking the Surface and/or Verizon twitter for info of some kind, otherwise this seems like a pretty glaring mistake to make by Microsoft.

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dexman
MVP MVP
MVP

Another omission that doesn't bode well is that the Duo shows WCDMA and GSM compatibility, but, no CDMA or EVDO which would signify compatibility with Verizon Wireless, old Sprint and US Cellular.

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AXELTI
Enthusiast - Level 1

CMDA and EVDO are not needed on 4G networks, this becomes only relevant when you are using this device in remote areas where you have to back down to 3G.  But if this is going to happen you are out of luck anyhow.

So the real issue is approval by Verizon, and if there is a beef between Microsoft and Verizon, then you have the same problem as you had with previous high-end MS phones on the Verizon network.

I sure hope that MS understands this and is capable of bridging the divide.

dexman
MVP MVP
MVP

Seeing how Microsoft submitted the Duo for WCDMA/GSM certification, but not CDMA/EVDO means that the Duo was not intended to be used on Verizon Wireless, legacy Sprint and US Cellular.

I'm almost ready to start looking at Samsung's phones at this point. But before that happens, I'll pause to see if Daniel Rubino, Zac Bowen, Mary Jo Foley, Paul Thurrott or Brad Sams mention anything.

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vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

Hello there, CDMayberry1! We would love the opportunity to help you in any way we can. How may we be of assistance?

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vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

Hi, Dexman. Did you need assistance with Verizon service?

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dexman
MVP MVP
MVP

Ok. Please provide a straightforward "Yes" or "No" answer.

If I go to Best Buy and purchase an unlocked Microsoft Surface Duo, can I bring the device to a Verizon Wireless store and have it activated on Verizon Wireless's network?

I am seeing conflicting information, so, before I commit a sizable amount of money, I need to know if Verizon Wireless will allow the device onto the network..."Yes" or "No".

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dexman
MVP MVP
MVP

The latest information from Microsoft is that an unlocked Duo can be brought onto the Verizon Wireless network.

I would still like to have that confirmed by VZW before I give the device a test drive at a local Best Buy next month.

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