WP 8.1 Cyan Update = FCC Complaint

[MadDogFL62]

Blah, blah, blah.  Verizon this.  Verizon that.

Every Windows Phone release is the same runaround.

Verizon has been told a number of times how to participate in pre-release Windows Phone testing.  Verizon has been given specific contacts at Microsoft, including the Windows Phone Program Director - Joe Belfiore.  Verizon is flat out lying to you if they are telling you that they have to wait for an update to be released by Microsoft prior to testing.  Verizon will pre-release test with Apple, so why not Microsoft?  I am wary of the disrespect.

Lesson learned.  Stop complaining.  Verizon will not listen to me.  Verizon will not listen to you.  VERIZON WILL listen to the FCC.

Another WP release, another FCC complaint.  Here we go...  www.fcc.gov/complaints  Hit the Website, fill out the complaint form and let the FCC know that you demand that Verizon post the Cyan 8.1 update immediately.  And for what it's worth, mention to the FCC that Verizon has been told how to get pre-release versions from Microsoft to test - yet they refuse to.  There are a number of fixes in this release that impact every Windows Phone that Verizon sells.  As a paying customer who owns a Verizon Windows Phone device - you are due this update the day of release.  Just like an iPhone iOS update.

Maybe if there are enough fees, fines, and inquiries from the FCC - Verizon will start to take their Windows Phone business and Windows Phone customers a bit more serious in the future.   And if not, I will be filing another complaint with the FCC when WP 9 is released.  Get with it Verizon.

[primortal]

I hear you...  But you might as well file a FCC complaint for AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, etc while your at it.  Because no US carrier has released Windows Phone 8.1 or Windows Phone 8.1 + Cyan to any device.  I can understand if VZW was the last to release the update but if no one has, something is up.  I have a sinking feeling is MS is the one with tight grip on when to release the update otherwise at least AT&T would have started rolling out the update already.

On 7/15 Microsoft officially released Windows Phone 8.1 + Cyan (Lumia Cyan with Windows Phone 8.1 roll-out starts today! | Windows Phone Central).  Then a issue cropped up with BitLocker, so I'm assuming Microsoft put the breaks on the release till they fix the issue.

I'm not defending VZW in any way; they are horrible when it comes to software updates and such.  They can't even update the apps they write for Windows Phone.  Personally they should split into two divisions; one that solely focuses on the network and one for devices because the way it is today they more care about the network than devices let alone their customers.

[MadDogFL62]

On the other side of the coin...

You have Apple.  To my chagrin, my 2 sons and wife have iPhones with Verizon.  The day a new iOS release or update comes out; Verizon allows it to be downloaded to their phones.  Microsoft offers the same and identical capabilities, yet Verizon refuses to participate.

Next, there are a number of global Windows Phone providers who have made 8.1 Cyan available to their customers already; since the July 15th release.  These providers have decided to make the Windows Phone Platform important enough in their business to stay on top of updates and new version releases.  Once again, Verizon does not deem the Windows Phone Platform to be important enough.  Translated = the Windows Phone Customer holds no importance to Verizon.

I find T-Mobile, AT&T, and Sprint to be "lesser providers" in terms of Windows Phones.  Verizon should be setting the bar, not sitting at the bar.  It's a joke to jump from Website to Website reading about the Cyan 8.1 features when you have none of them on your phone.  In the meantime - you can read below about those WHO DO have the 8.1 Cyan update and you can use some of these Websites to see when Verizon plans to "grace us" with yet another late WP update.

http://wmpoweruser.com/lumia-cyan-now-rolling-out-in-india-to-the-nokia-lumia-1520/

Follow the Windows Phone 8.1 and Lumia Cyan rollout using our new tracker page! | Windows Phone Cent...

http://wmpoweruser.com/nokia-lumia-520-gets-wp8-1cyan-on-orange-france/

http://wmpoweruser.com/check-lumia-cyan-update-availability-in-windows-phone/

[primortal]

Apple has it easy.  They have control over the hardware and software so it's a no brainer to release the update on day one.  With Nokia device fragmentation in the market and then there are other OEMs that make Windows Phones it makes more difficult to release the update on day one for all devices.  Andriod can't even do it with massive device/os customization fragmentation they have.

I know you read WPCentral and you seen that Microsoft initially rolled out Windows Phone 8.1 in India and few other European/Asian countries first.

So the big question is that if Microsoft release Windows Phone 8.1 to the world on 7/15 why have no US carriers pushed out the update yet?????

Again I completely agree with you that Verizon sucks when it comes to software updates.  They have their page; Advanced Devices - Software Updates | Verizon Wireless.  It doesn't take a lot to list the quarters on when they expect to release the update and if the quarter slips update the page.  I've had numerous arguments with VZW on this and personally they don't care.

[#5]

One correction. Verizon Wireless does not "allow Apple to update"

Apple updates their iOS as they see fit.

That is why I like my iphones. Then I don't have to whine about why won't Verizon push out updates to my phone. I have seen all these "where is my update to this or that device" and when its released I see the "this update made my device not function, cannot send MMS or text messages, my camera takes lousy photos, my battery is dying faster, my screen colors changed, my WiFi is not connecting, my phone is using too much data, my screen is unresponsive etc"

So you see it makes no difference if Verizon releases the os updates or not. They get mucho  complaints both ways.

And the phone makers who are responsible just blame the cell carriers for their blunders.

Good Luck

[MadDogFL62]

Contractually, Verizon allows Apple to directly update devices.

Bypassing Verizon is a feature/option that Microsoft also offers.  Many may have seen how this works if they downloaded the Developer Preview of WP 8.1. 

Pushing updates directly to the customer is something that Apple had to negotiate with Verizon once Apple moved on from their exclusive relationship with AT&T.  Considering the number of defects in the Apple iOS updates, pushing updates directly to the customer sounds like a Tech Support nightmare for Verizon; Verizon was wise to make that a sticking point.  Bad maps, bad camera updates, inoperable backups, cloud conflicts, and app conflicts surely clog the Support lines each release.  Of course, Verizon is selling enough of these phones to take their bumps and bruises.  And I am sure Verizon made this enough of an issue to justify a little more $$$ in their pocket to cover Support expenses and other risk items.

[#7]

Actually Apple holds the strings. Verizon received no deal as AT&T had; to be exclusive.

Once Apple was approached by Verizon and Sprint and T-Mobile it was a $$$$$$ decision by Apple to open up their iPhone and iPad to these cellular companies.

Verizon for the most part if you read some of those tech replies are using the same canned responses as with the android phones and tablets. Plain screen reading as usual.

The big difference is you can deal directly with Apple through the stores, telephone, email and website.

But I agree being tech support at any carrier has to be tiresome.

[Tidbits]

Manufacturers of Android devices already admitted for the past 2 years the carrier picks optin based on what they offer and then builds from there. Carriers touch no code themselves. Manufacturers love it when you blame the carriers. You switch carriers and you buy their device again on another carrier and then complain about support. It's a never ending cycle.

[rednibkram]

FYI, AT&T is rumored to be releasing the WP8.1 Cyan update to the Lumia 1520 THIS WEEK!  If AT&T can push out the update to their flagship Windows Phone device that quick, I see NO REASON why Verizon can't do the same thing!  I give Verizon 2 weeks max to push this update and then my name goes on the FCC Complaint list!

[MadDogFL62]

VZW Lumia Owners:  The update you got today on your device is not Cyan 8.1.  Keep your cards and letters flowing over to the FCC.  www.fcc.gov/complaints

You can read more about what was in today's update below.

http://wmpoweruser.com/an-update-is-rolling-out-to-your-lumia-icon-but-its-now-wp8-1/

[rednibkram]

My complaint has been filed.  I look forward to hearing from the FCC so I can inform them of the discrimination we Windows Phone users are receiving from Verizon by now allowing Microsoft to participate in "pre-testing" like Apple iPhone receives.  If we can't receive "pre-testing" and certification before release, then Apple shouldn't receive it either and the iPhone users on Verizon should be subject to the same "testing" delay of updates as the rest of us.  It's DISCRIMINATION plain and simple and I've mentioned so in my FCC complain!

[MadDogFL62]

Um Kay.  Somehow we lost you rednibkram

You won't get contacted by the FCC.  Verizon will contact you about your complaint once they release Cyan 8.1.

As Tids mentions above, the FCC can't force Verizon to pre-test.  But that doesn't mean that we can't complain about it and ask Verizon to do something about it when they call us about our software update complaint.

The FCC also doesn't care what Verizon does for Apple and doesn't do for Windows Phone / Microsoft.  What they do care about is a US Consumer paying money to a US Carrier for a device, service and support - and what they can do to help that US Tax Paying Consumer if they are not getting the service and support that they pay for.

Therein lies our FCC complaint.  Verizon controls the software needed to update our hardware and that software update provides us with bug fixes, new features, and other enhancements.  When Verizon keeps us from that update - for whatever reason - the FCC is on our side in pushing Verizon to give us our software.

[primortal]

MadDogFL62 I wonder if part of the problem is that there are three Nokia devices along with a HTC and Samsung device.  Is the delay in VZW is testing all devices first?

I know AT&T doesn't really care about their network per say and rushes to get devices out whereas VZW spends quality time making sure devices work on their network before releasing to the masses.

It's just that VZW is a communications company and they suck communicating to their customers when it comes to new devices and software update timetables.

[MadDogFL62]

I am sure that the variety of devices slows testing down significantly if testing is being done properly.  I know that when the 8.1 Developer Preview came out, it crushed many of the Samsung ATIV Windows Phones.  I am sure that Verizon does not want that bad press or that Tech Support nightmare.

Just another reason to promote early and frequent testing prior to release.  It helps prevent that "Oh, gosh, why is that happening ONLY on this phone" sort of thing after updates are released.  It's better to be prepared and know what to expect prior to a final release build from Microsoft.  Pretty much QA and Pre Release Software Testing Standards.

[rednibkram]

Thanks for clarifying.  I still filed my complaint in support of  your efforts.  I completely agree with you that Verizion should initiate a "pre-testing" program with Microsoft, which is why I was comparing them to Apple.  If Apple can have a pre-testing program, why can't Microsoft, and if Verizion is the entity refusing to begin the pre-testing program despite the efforts of Microsoft, then that is a form of discrimination (selection), hence my inputs in my FCC complaint.

I switched from AT&T to Verizon about 4 years ago and have dealt with Verizon's slow, lack-luster, careless approach to phone undates the entire time.  I had the Samsung Galaxy Nexus which was supposed to be (and even ADVERTISED by Verizon as) a "Pure Nexus Device."  Meaning that all updates would come directly from Google to this device (like the Nexus 5, Nexus 7 do today), but Verizon "shammed" Google and would not allow the updates to the phone directly (like they do for Apple).  As a result, Google now refused to allow Verizon to have any "pure Nexus" devices. 

I was going to leave Verizon and return to AT&T, but decided to give the Windows Phone platform a try in hopes that Microsoft (being a bigger company) would have more clout in providing updates.  Looks like I was wrong again, unless we customers can support Microsoft enough to give them a leg up against Big Red.  If this policy doesn't change, I'll be heading back to AT&T where they have much better support for Windows Phones and a much bigger selection.

[lylone]

Good luck heading back to AT&T.  I just left a month ago after being with them for 17 years.  We waited over 9 months for the last update on the 920.  9 MONTHS!  And every update except for the first one, ATT was always the last to get the updates.  We would all rave and complain on their chatroom boards too and nothing changed.

And I had many issues with "phantom data" being used at 1am at night when the phone was hooked up to my home wifi or even when the phone was powered OFF.  You will miss out on Datasense, tethering being included in your dataplan AND have to buy an addional back cover for wireless charging!

I am glad I left ATT... their customer service was past being in the toilet!

So far we have waited a few days for the next update from VZW.  Its not all that bad, yet.

[rednibkram]

The 920 is (was) not AT&T's flagship device, so I can undestand them taking a long time to get the update out to that phone (although 9 months is rediculous).  The Icon is Verizion's FLAGSHIP Windows Phone!  AT&T ALREADY released the WP8.1 Cyan update to their FLAGSHIP phone (Lumia 1520) but Verizion (as usual) has yet to release the WP8.1 Cyan update for the Icon!  Also, AT&T recently announced that they will now support DataSense due to the high demand for it by WP users.  See, just goes to prove that if enough people complain, you CAN get a company to change - so START COMPLAINING ABOUT VERIZON UPDATES TAKING TOO LONG!

[Tidbits]

If you sell the device you should support the device. There is not reason even if it isn't a flagship to take long to support their products. The 920 is no different in terms of specs to other "flagships" to make it difficult to take 9 months for support.

[Tidbits]

It also goes back to my original response.

[lylone]

The Nokia 920 WAS their flagship device when I bought it a year and a half ago. But once others came out after it I guess it was thrown to the side.

I wasn't going to upgrade to a phablet and for that reason, I guess I don't deserve updates in a timely manner.

[MadDogFL62]

In case anyone is wondering why all of the Windows Phone owners out here are angry with Verizon about stalling the 8.1 Cyan update, just take a look at the list below.  Not only are there enhancement to improve connectivity and security (which is top of the list for the FCC), but there are a number of new features that simply make all Windows Phone devices easier to use.

VPN, Kids Center, Remote Lock, Data Delete, Email Encryption, EAP-TLS and other key security enhancements are reason enough to contact the FCC.  File your complaint online and let them know you expect to use a secure device on Verizon's Network.  All you need is your Verizon Account Number.  www.fcc.gov/complaints

• Notification Center: A much requested feature is now available with Windows Phone 8.1, it provides toast notifications, alerts, update history, missed call history and lot more. The Action Center also includes quick settings for WiFi, Mobile Data, Blluetooth etc.
• Option to set start screen background with parallax motion.
• Lock Screen themes featuring different visuals and animations.
• Back buttons suspends app instead of closing.
• Double tap to power off.
• File picker (kind of file manager), favourite photos by tapping hear icon.
• No more display of password in Kids Corner.
• Option to increase columns (on devices with large displays).
• On screen buttons, notification if charger isn’t of adequate power.
• Quiet Hours: same like “Do Not Disturb” in iPhones.
• Screenshot button combination is now Power + Volume Up.
• Search button will bring up Voice Assiatant “Cortana”.
• Swipe down to close apps in multitasking view.
• Voice narrator as accessibility option.
• Swipe keyboard now available along with emoji support while typing/swiping.
• Xbox Music and Xbox Video as standalone apps instead of the Music + Video Hub.
• Improved media editing.
• Default messaging app can be changed with third party apps like WhatsApp, WeChat etc.
• Option to mute specific thread to avoid notifications.
• Contact list sorting and call duration available now.
• Call command support, eg. call “XYZ”.
• Inner circle, a new feature where important contacts upto 40 can be added.
• Battery Power Sense to monitor which apps use more power.
• Battery saver will have option to list excluded apps.
• With new Data Sense, cellular operators can control the app remotely.
• WiFi Sense, automatically connects to hotspots without giving user hassle to input email address and other stuff. Secured WiFi can be shared with specific contacts without sharing password.  WiFi can be enabled after set duration.
• WiFi direct support is included.
• Application data can be stored in SD Card, though it is allowed in the originating phone. If the same is transferred to a different device, phone will prompt to delete those first.
• Store will suggest apps based on user location.
• Apps can be developed to create backups in OneDrive. Facebook is integrated with the OS and updates independently.
• Store is completely re-designed; ‘Featured’ is now the first pane, with more than one app or game presented, personalized option for app recommendations based on your history, likes and interests.
• Installed updates can be filtered by install date or usage. Option to can check manually for app updates and also option to update store apps automatically via WiFi.
• Single Microsoft Account sign in for apps and can be share among devices.
• Skype is now integrated with the OS.
• Calendar enhancements; Google Calendar support, multiple calendar support, week view available now, weather info in calendar.
• New Camera app, it is now called Microsoft Camera, burst mode and auto deletion of same.
• Bing smart search, new fill featured podcast app powered by Bing .
• Internet Explorer 11 has now option to save login credentials, upload files via IE11, HTML5 support, Javascript support and WebGL and Normal mapping support.
• Email app has now option to encrypt and sign emails (using S/MIME), new email sync options, option to download media content automatically.
• VPN built in support.
• Enterprise phones can be remotely locked and erased, support for password protected offlice files.
• Access to corporate resources behind the firewall with app aware, enterprise Wi-Fi support with EAP-TLS.
• Bluetooth 4.0 LE support.
• Chkdsk for SD cards.
• Miracast support.
• Mouse and keyboard support.
• Stereoscopic 3D support.
• Virtual SmartCard support.