[Updated] Google: Google Wallet Blocked by Verizon on VZW Samsung Galaxy Nexus

[dgstorm]

The new Samsung Galaxy Nexus will be the next big phone to support the NFC technology for mobile payment systems like Google Wallet. Unfortunately, the Verizon version of this phone will have specifically Google Wallet, disabled on the device. According to a confirmation from Google, Verizon requested that the feature be disabled for their version of the Samsung Galaxy Nexus. The reason for this was not given, but more than likely it was a strategic decision by Verizon, since they have invested in their own mobile payment service called Isis, which is a partnership Verizon Wireless formed with AT&T and T-Mobile USA. In fact, there are several different competing mobile payment systems being developed. Here's a quote from the CNET article with a few more details,

"Verizon asked us not to include this functionality in the product," a Google representative told CNET.

It's unknown whether that omission is related to Isis, a partnership Verizon Wireless formed with AT&T and T-Mobile USA in an attempt to enter the mobile payments business.

Verizon Wireless representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

While several other companies have announced plans to launch their own digital wallets, Google was the first to market. Google's service, which launched in September, allows owners of Android smartphones equipped with NFC (near-field communications) technology to tap or swipe their phones to make purchases.

Sound off in the forums if this will affect your decision to get the Verizon Samsung Galaxy Nexus.

Update/Follow-Up: Apparently, Verizon has denied that they purposefully "blocked" the Google Wallet software from their version of the Galaxy Nexus. They claim that they do not block software and that the reason they requested its removal was more of a philosophical business difference that they have with Google. They indicated that the Google Wallet software integrates more fully into the core of the phone, and presents a security issue that they were not comfortable with. Here's a quote from the CNET follow-up article with some more details,

"Recent reports that Verizon is blocking Google Wallet on our devices are false," the company said in a statement today. "Verizon does not block applications."

Google Wallet, unlike other applications, needs to be integrated into a secure part of the phone that is proprietary to Verizon, the carrier said. As a result, Verizon and Google are still in commercial talks over the issue.

The issue is a rare instance in which Verizon and Google haven't been aligned...

What do you guys think of their response? Does it seem plausible, or a convenient excuse? Update Source: CNET

Source: CNET

[jacwhite22]

Of course not....Let's be real here. If you really want it that badly there will be ways to get it on there.

[ghorig]

Verizon has no business being in the mobile payment game and/or restricting use to just their version.
Just give me data connectivity Verizon - let the free market/apps handle Navigation, Mobile Payment, Backups etc.
Someone sue them...quick.

[KZIWarrior]

The important question is if it's 'disabled' (i.e. via software or ROM function) that can be bypassed by developers or if it's not even included (i.e. they removed the chip or whatever physical piece is needed to activate the feature).

[dezymond]

That's a bid disappointing. I personally was never going to use the feature, but just knowing I can't access it if I wanted is a letdown. Good job Verizon...

[johnomaz]

I give it the day after release to be back on there and fully functional. Freaking Verizon.

[bishop]

i never really planned on using it since i dont trust NFC yet but this is really anoying. Its like VZ is trying to lose me as a customer. Honestly if i didnt have the grandfathered unlimited plan and VZ didnt get a Nexus this year i would have jumped ship months ago. I am betting they just put the carrier restriction on it in the market like we have seen before. i would highly doubt that if some dev wanted it on there they couldnt put it on.

[sc0rch3d]

i never really planned on using it since i dont trust NFC yet but this is really anoying. Its like VZ is trying to lose me as a customer. Honestly if i didnt have the grandfathered unlimited plan and VZ didnt get a Nexus this year i would have jumped ship months ago. I am betting they just put the carrier restriction on it in the market like we have seen before. i would highly doubt that if some dev wanted it on there they couldnt put it on.

same here, wanted to jump to att for sgs2 but that unlimited plan is just way too appealing. not ready to lose it yet.

[B-Unit]

The important question is if it's 'disabled' (i.e. via software or ROM function) that can be bypassed by developers or if it's not even included (i.e. they removed the chip or whatever physical piece is needed to activate the feature).

The NFC hardware has to still be included if Verizon wants to force Isis on us. As someone else said, likely Google Wallet (the app) will be carrier blocked in the Marketplace.

[ilikemoneygreen]

I know what you guys are saying but im not sure if id want a hacked version of a payment system. For me, thats something that should stay officially done and constantly updated ya know? Id be fine with isis or wallet, if i use it that is. I did notice soda machines at my school that accept nfc stuff, not sure if its wallet or isis though.