NOTE: If Verizon fails to offer the new 950 or 950XL Windows phone, this Fall, you will be loosing me as a customer.

You're best bet is to contact an executive, Leadership | Verizon Wireless. Not that it will do anything but at least your voice would be heard.

I did a quick tally of the current Windows phone offerings by at&t, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless and Sprint. This was just a check of the number of devices listed and did not take into account new vs refurbished. The results were quite interesting:

T-Mobile: 4 Lumia 640, Lumia 521, Lumia 635 and Lumia 530

Verizon Wireless: 3. Lumia 735, LG Lancet and HTC One (M8)

at&t: 2 Lumia 640XL and Lumia 635

Sprint: 2. Lumia 635 and Samsung ATIV S Neo

I might spring for a 735 before Verizon Wireless decides to remove it from it's catalog. I was able to get a small amount of "hands on" time with it yesterday while waiting to be helped at a nearby Verizon Wireless store. Seemed like an ok device, but that is based upon a short session.

fatbaldguy

I totally agree with you. I have been with Verizon since 1995. I currently have 8 phones/devices on their network (4 in contract & 4 not).

I have been through the Blackberry's, Androids and iPhones but have never found a phone that meets my needs like my current Lumia 928. Hands down the best phone I have had. I've been looking forward to the release of the 950/950xl and will do what it takes to get one even if it means moving all 8 of my phones/devices to a new network.

I truly hope Verizon will carry these new flagship devices and not force me to move to a different network.

Zombified

Add my name to that list!

I'm hoping Microsoft will release an unlocked 940/950 XL that will work on VZW's network. I really don't want to leave VZW but if they are no longer going to support/carrier Windows 10 Mobile devices they give me no choice but to go to their competitors that do.

mjwolfe

I am in the same boat. I have been with Verizon for over 15 years. But If I cannot get new Windows Phones, I will have to find another carrier.

mlbromley

No 950, I'm gone, too. Love my Icon.

SickFreak

Only time will tell if VZW will continue to ignore those of us that want Windows phones. I'm really tired of helping my friends/family/acquaintances and the VZW store reps (at multiple stores) say that they're is no such thing as a Windows phone or they just try to push an Android. As they already know (if they read any of my e-mails,) I too will be forced to leave if VZW chooses not to get a Windows flagship device. Even though I've been with VZW since 1998 (back before the merger,) I won't hesitate. There are several people I know that are waiting to see what I do and will follow suit.

This will be Verizon's last chance to keep me as their customer.

If Microsoft does not create a CDMA version of the phones, it becomes a moot point. VZW still controls what devices are allowed to direct connect to the network, but, it won't create profiles for nonexistent phones.

So far the Microsoft Surface 3 isn't allowed and I'm starting to get the feeling that it won't be at all because there is no code for the device in VZW's system. So purchasing an unlocked device and bringing it to a VZW store is a fruitless exercise.

Even if Microsoft does create unlocked CDMA versions, nobody knows if VZW will allow them on the network.

Blanchardtech

I guess they will be loosing you as a customer. The 950 and 950XL are not and will not be CDMA. They may offer a comparable device but due to chip set requirements of Verizon it would never bare the same model number as their would be confusion about which were GSM and which were CDMA. Verizon sealed its fate with phones by getting into bed with QUALCOMM and building its infrastructure around a new technology that failed globally. CMDA was far superior to GSM when it came out and Verizon jumped at the opportunity to use it and built its entire network on this, while AT&T and others stuck with the much slower but more widely available GSM. Unfortunately CDMAs superiority lasted less then a year before GSM caught up, so companies never had to make the switch leaving Verizon as the only major provider (Sprint piggy backed the verizon network at the time) in the world to support CDMA. For you old folks, its the old VHS vs BETA scenario, BETA was superior, but GSM was cheaper and most people prefer cheap. Unfortunately for Verizon, the cost to change over it entire infrastructure is so astronomical it would bankrupt the company unless they got in bed with AT&T like T-Mobile and Sprint ended up doing. Microsoft has tried several times to work with Verizon and Verizon has looked at the numbers and said "No Thanks" because less then 2% of the phones sold on the Verizon network and it is not worth their effort financially. If you are a true windows phone lover (Like me) and you are a loyal Verizon customer (like me), it the rough equivalent of being in an abusive relationship with someone you are committed to staying with. They continue to treat windows phones with disdain, they want you to go away, but they don't want you to leave, just accept the abuse, surrender your soul and switch to far inferior but more popular Android.

Snn5

Thought that was why VoLTE was implemented. However, I'm not a fan of AC 1.0.

I don't think that Windows based phones make up much more of at&t's sales, yet, it continues to support WPs and will be getting the new high end phones. If it were strictly a case of sales numbers no US carrier would support it. There must be more to the story than low sales figures.

If Verizon does not get this phone or if Microsoft makes this phone compatible with CDMA and Verizon chooses to not allow this phone on VZW, I will unfortunately definitely be taking my $200.00 a month phone numbers over to the unliked ATT. Though my 2 Lumia 928's and 822 off contract are still going strong, this is the first Phone since flip phones, Windows Mobile and 15 years of service, that I will be willing to actually switch for.. I wish it doesn't come to this, but I will be leaving if the above is true.

robert5050

I have a business account with 20 Lumia Icons. If the 950 does not come to Verizon in a reasonable time, I will be looking at moving our entire account over to ATT. If you are upgrading phones, switching carriers at the same time isn't much more difficult. Our experience with Verizon was mediocre at best. It took Verizon forever to release the 8.1 update. We're also still ticked off on how Verizon gives basic visual voicemail to android and iphone users but charges Windows Phone users 2.99 for the same service. Verizon actually disables the Windows inbuilt Visual VM app and charges you to use theirs. Microsoft should be suing them.

Tepid

Add me to this list of jumping ship and taking 2 phones with me.

Thomps77

I like Verizon but they screwed up the first Samsung nexus phone I had and did not offer the next nexus device. Now I want to get a lumia but they stopped with the icon and I had to stay with android. Now I read Verizon does not want to sale Windows based phones. When will Verizon get their heads out of their u know what and sale the products and services their customers want. I want the 960 XL and if nothing else get an unlocked one to work on their network. We will see.

SickFreak

Although I've been with VZW for ages, I'm the techie for all my family and friends, so I help them purchase pretty much anything electronic. One of the things I like about AT&T is that they seem to be more phone agnostic than VZW. When I take someone into the AT&T (or T-Mobile) store, they don't care which phone the customer chooses - iPhone, WP or Android - just as long as the customer buys service from them. (Which, IMO, is the way it should be.) Unfortunately, with VZW, I couldn't even tell you how many times I've taken someone into a VZW store (multiple states, cities & stores) and try to show the person their options and the VZW reps do the hard sell for the Android phones and actively try to talk the customer out of the other options - even to the point of saying that there is "no such thing" as a Windows phones. It seems like VZW primary goal is to be a subsidiary of Google and a mobile service carrier second. I've even seen people specifically come in for the iPhone and the VZW rep pushes the Android.

rcschnoor

robert5050 wrote:

I have a business account with 20 Lumia Icons. If the 950 does not come to Verizon in a reasonable time, I will be looking at moving our entire account over to ATT. If you are upgrading phones, switching carriers at the same time isn't much more difficult. Our experience with Verizon was mediocre at best. It took Verizon forever to release the 8.1 update. We're also still ticked off on how Verizon gives basic visual voicemail to android and iphone users but charges Windows Phone users 2.99 for the same service. Verizon actually disables the Windows inbuilt Visual VM app and charges you to use theirs. Microsoft should be suing them.

With all your complaints about Verizon, I am surprised you would stay with them if they choose to carry the 950??? From the tone of your post, you should be switching providers regardless what Verizon does.

mrgreeves

I just hope Microsoft creates an entirely unlocked 950XL that supports all LTE bands and cdma. The phone doesn't have to be listed in Verizon's system. You just need an activated sim card to go in it. I'll buy the phone directly from Microsoft.

Wish that was the case, although Verizon supports LTE, it is for Data. Verizon Phone Cellular System uses CDMA and is a different system from GSM Phone Cellular System which most all other carriers use. One could use the LTE for data only on Verizon and not the phone. Even if Microsoft does make the upcoming phones cdma compatible, VZW could still block both LTE and CDMA so that the phone can't access its network. The 950 & 950xl are reported have LTE for all systems and Only GSM for ATT & T-Mobile.

SickFreak

Pardon my ignorance, but what about VoLTE? While I would expect that it's not available everywhere, wouldn't this resolve the problem if it were?

http://www.extremetech.com/electronics/188756-verizons-volte-rollout-will-kill-off-cdma-and-allow-unlocked-lte-phones-too

Good point. Yes, voLTE is suppose to solve the problem, as most of the carriers are suppose to implement voLTE on their systems. VZW stated they were rolling out voLTE as of last year and suppose to currently have 15 or so devices working now. As i understand it VZW has been having problems totally separating CDMA from the voLTE. (see article below). Hopefully they will have this fixed this year. In any event VZW still controls which devices they allow on their system. It appears IMHO that VZW and Microsoft are not on the best of terms. Lets hope that these and other Windows Phones will work on Verizon.

do_wuh

I'll be purchasing a Windows Flagship Phone come launch day, regardless of carrier. Here's hoping Microsoft provides unlocked versions, as I'd like to stay with Verizon.

Tollcross406

Love my Icon and will look to leave as soon as I can if the Lumia 950/950XL is not added to Verizon's devices. I have been a Windows Phone user since pre-Mango (HTC Trophy) and have been with Verizon for well over 10 years. Would hate to leave but don't want to leave Windows Phone for Android or Apple.

KevinRush

If there is no Lumia 950 and 950XL on Verizon, soon, our family with look for a new cell phone company.

OldManRiver

I'm in the same situation: if Verizon doesn't offer the 950 and 950 XL or if I can't run unlocked versions of these phones, I'll be going to a competitor after a long and happy time with Verizon. I don't WANT to leave but I want these devices as choices and expect Verizon to carry them and offer them in November not six months from now.

I'm yours to keep, Verizon.

TheApex

I agree with the original poster. I'll be done with Verizon as well.

hasdrubel

15-year Verizon Wireless customer, 3 lines

Have tried Android, iPhone, Blackberry over the years and think Windows Phone tops them all easily

Will switch carriers for all my lines and not look back if 950/950XL is not supported

oshow69

Same here, if Verizon is turning there backs on the best devices (Lumia) available we are taking our accounts elsewhere. Verizon, get over your petty differences and get on the stick!

Looks like the 950 & 950XL are going to be at&t exclusive devices...or...T-Mobile via BYOD. The equipped radios and VoLTE operating bands don't match Verizon Wireless's systems.

Looks like Microsoft is getting ready to walk away from Verizon Wireless. Other manufacturers might continue to create Windows Mobile devices for Verizon Wireless, but, they will...most likely...be entry level devices.

Incorrect on the 950/950XL being exclusive to AT&T. AT&T is the first named carrier to carry at least the 950.

In this case, Microsoft said that its deal with AT&T is not exclusive to the carrier, and that the software titan was having discussions with other carriers both in the US and abroad about carrying both smartphones.

also

Correction, 1:54 p.m. PT: The deal between AT&T and Microsoft for the Lumia 950 is not an exclusive one.

Source: Microsoft's new Lumia phone will launch with AT&T in the US - CNET

http://pocketnow.com/2015/10/09/microsoft-lumia-950-att-exclusivity

As of now, only at&t is slated to carry the new phones. Verizon Wireless is out. That leaves T-Mobile, Sprint and Metro PCS as the major players in the US. BYOD will account for units on other carriers for sure...as long as their networks support GSM or the VoLTE bands that phones use.

FXi

I too will move my account. Whoever DOES carry the 950 and 950XL is far more interested in having my business than a carrier who does not. Clearly if it is not carried VZ did not learn the lesson very well from the Iphone drama that they caused before. Carriers are just that. I have many services/accounts with VZ. Time to diversify. And I don't expect a change in course. What's decided is done. And I don't care if I can't buy it "at VZ". These phones must simply run (no gotchas or missing abilitiy/coverage) on the VZ network or it will be time to support another carrier.

If you want me back after that, well, you can write. The very fact that I can't send you an email on this topic speaks volumes about where your "customer" sentiments have gone.

Bran_Nunya

As many others have stated, no 950/950XL support on Verizon and I'm out. Off to AT&T I go. Verizon can have their crappy WP support.

jnetSYNATK1

In the same boat. We have 10 lines that we use with our family. All 10 lines will be moved if no Microsoft 950's. Really tired of the device discrimination.

Verizon is a joke when it comes to customer service. They are right up there with Comcast. They 'know' what you need and discriminate against you if your phone requirements do not fall in line with iPhone or Android.

Liberate.

Tidbits

Actually it still smells like one. If there is no exclusive deal then why not TALK to other carriers if they actually wanted to expand to other carriers. If they are not it screams there is one. Maybe not on paper but one artificially made by MS

Legere comes out and said they were interested. Microsoft never even bothered to talk to them and theye said they were interested. MS still didn't talk to them then Legere called MS out. Then they recanted much of their statements.

demmo86rt

Don't really think they will reconsider that decision due to the lack of general interest in Windows phones. I am an Android man myself, so I haven't really kept up with the Windows side of things, but Microsoft may not even be making devices that are compatible with Verizon's network.

I just remember having a few windows devices back in the day, and they sucked. Switched to palm, then blackberry, android, a brief love affair with apple, back to android and haven't looked back since. I can't see how Microsoft could even be relevant these days. Heck, blackberry stands a better chance.

Lol, you really don't understand that Windows Phone is a better OS than android even with less apps.(that's actually changing). I don't know if you have paid attention to the post and referenced articles in the 3 threads referring to the 950, if Microsoft really makes a PC phone, it is a game changer. Even now with continuum and the Windows 10 Echo system there is great hope. MS would just have to market better.

Sent from my Windows Phone

Everyone has their own opinions. I don't even use my android or apple app stores unless there's an app I need so I don't really care about whether the windows store has a lot of apps or not. I personally however think windows phones suck. But that's my opinion. If people are that much wrapped up into Windows that they need this phone, they should go to the carrier that provides it. I just don't see why all the complaining and moaning is here. You have to do what's best for you at the end of the day. As far as me, my Galaxy Note 4 and my ipad mini are just fine.

And another thing, if blackberry got their act together and offered a device that was on par with androidand apple with a better browser I'd be on it in a heartbeat, or even if palm came back from the dead. I loved my 755p, my pearl, curve, storm 1 and storm 2.

Customer1234567

Yea, same here. I want a 950XL, finally a flagship phone... Verizon get this phone NOW.

I still have my Unlimited data on my plan, if you boost my price to $50, I will be trying another carrier. I guess I might be able to get this phone after all, as Verizon has shown they don't care about anything else than iOS and Android.

Then I guess you'll be leaving.

Don't get me wrong I'd run to to my Microsoft store and purchase a 950XL if it works on VZW network come November. The issue is I'm not ready to jump ship in carriers; in using an iPhone 6s from a friend on AT&T; coverage in my area is spotty and unreliable. I'm not about to just ship for a great phone for lousy service in trade-off.

I personally am waiting to see what Panos Panay comes up with in regards to a Surface Phone. They were able to keep the Surface Book a secret and I'm guessing they are doing the same with the Surface Phone. I just hope it comes out early next year.

In the mean time I just hope Microsoft will release Windows 10 Mobile (final) for the Icon. The last I heard it's currently not listed as an eligible device as-per Microsoft, even though it does get builds via the Insider Preview program.