VZW Blames Sammy for the Locked Bootloader then Contradict Themselves

[cereal killer]

In a strange Tweet this afternoon, Verizon claims that the bootloader on the Samsung Galaxy SIII is "locked per the manufacturer." Whats strange about this tweet is that this statement is in direct contradiction to their statement they sent the Verge this afternoon. Big Red states:

Verizon Wireless has established a standard of excellence in customer experience with our branded devices and customer service. There is an expectation that if a customer has a question, they can call Verizon Wireless for answers that help them maximize their enjoyment and use of their wireless phone. Depending on the device, an open boot loader could prevent Verizon Wireless from providing the same level of customer experience and support because it would allow users to change the phone or otherwise modify the software and, potentially, negatively impact how the phone connects with the network. The addition of unapproved software could also negatively impact the wireless experience for other customers. It is always a delicate balance for any company to manage the technology choices we make for our branded devices and the requests of a few who may want a different device experience. We always review our technology choices to ensure that we provide the best solution for as many customers as possible.

The AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile versions of the SGSIII are unlocked, so it wouldn't make sense that Samsung would only lock it on Verizon's network. Did Verizon's PR department (Twitter) just get caught in a lie, or was it an honest mistake made by someone who didn't understand the technical aspects of the question that was posed to them?

Via: S3 Forums

 

[cobravnm13]

Everything I just read from VZW is a lie. I've never had problems "connecting to the network" on any of the phones I've run a custom ROM on. Especially my D1 which, surprise, has an unlocked bootloader. All of that just reeks of bs.

 

[Narsil]

Verizon,

 

[jerkwad]

If I had a twitter account I'd probably call him a liar - just sayin...............

 

[tjk629]

You know what... I Just don't know who to believe, because everything seems to contradict each other.

So, instead of trying to sort it out I'm just going to blame a make believe entry called Pafuso. It is all Pafuso's fault for the locked bootloaders on Verizon. I cannot comment on other providers.

 

[wicked]

The person who tweeted that made a mistake. It's not Sammys fault. It's Verizon.

 

[pc747]

Sadly vzw realize they have the hammer. I signed up with att on Saturday and came crawling back to vzw today. Why, because dropped calls and no connection (even though you are showing full bars of lte and -84 dbm) is unacceptable for me paying $90 a month (450 mins 3 gigs data {i actually got a better deal but really that would be the normal price) vs Vzw family share plan of 4 gigs of data for $120 a month. Vzw can keep gouging and taking until other networks can catch up. Because of that they know they can dictate terms and we will take it because we want reliable data and call signal. :angry:

 

[94lt1]

Just like moto... its vzw that has our devices locked down.. not moto.

DROID RAZR MAXXIMIZED!!!! PREPARE TO BE VANQUISHED!!!

 

[kodiak799]

I tend to think this is misleading technical speak. As in, technically it's locked per the manufacturer...but the Sammie did that at the request/demand of VZW.

 

[syndicate0017]

Just like moto... its vzw that has our devices locked down.. not moto.

DROID RAZR MAXXIMIZED!!!! PREPARE TO BE VANQUISHED!!!

Yep. People bought that line when the Droid line came out locked because they had nothing to compare it to. The S3 on Vz is the only S3 with a locked boot loader. Vz can't hide anymore.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

 

[cybertec69]

Verizon,

You just had me rolling:biggrin:

 

[cybertec69]

I tend to think this is misleading technical speak. As in, technically it's locked per the manufacturer...but the Sammie did that at the request/demand of VZW.

Everyone here needs to understand, the Service providers control what goes in and what does not go in a device that is going to be used on their network, phone manufacturers hate doing business with the US carriers, it's been stated many times, that's why Europe gets all the new smartphones before we do, even though we have the biggest market next to China in regards to smartphone demand and usage. They need to be in control, just like our Government. Those European Socialists could care less.

 

[justin82]

the days of unlocked bootloaders on vzw are limited.. they got rid of unlimited data . this will be next step . and like PC747 said they know they have the best service

 

[dgstorm]

Sadly vzw realize they have the hammer. I signed up with att on Saturday and came crawling back to vzw today. Why, because dropped calls and no connection (even though you are showing full bars of lte and -84 dbm) is unacceptable for me paying $90 a month (450 mins 3 gigs data {i actually got a better deal but really that would be the normal price) vs Vzw family share plan of 4 gigs of data for $120 a month. Vzw can keep gouging and taking until other networks can catch up. Because of that they know they can dictate terms and we will take it because we want reliable data and call signal. :angry:

Before going back to VZW, why didn't you try out Sprint? I know several folks who are on Sprint, who have not ever experienced any of the issues you experienced with AT&T. They used to have a bad rep for not having good coverage, but perhaps it is time to lay that perception to rest, because I don't hear that at all from current customers (although I suppose it could depend on your area). Granted, Sprint doesn't have the LTE network that Verizon has, which gives VZW some heavy leverage for folks who need that speed, but from everything I have been reading lately, Sprint is working overtime to develop out their new LTE network that will start rolling out soon. From what I understand, they are taking a bit longer to get started because they are planning ahead, and preparing their LTE network in such a way as to make the changeover to LTE Advanced easy and seamless in the future. Just food for thought...

 

[tjk629]

(although I suppose it could depend on your area)

It is, cause my family has Sprint, and OMG does it suck where I live. I cannot express how bad it is. Everything is bad including calling (gotta go outside to do it, cause you can't make calls inside), as for data, I thought Verizons 3G was slow. Then I tired out my cousins EVO and brothers E4GT, and I will never complain about vzws 3G speed ever again.

My older brother only uses his cell, and trying to talk with him where he lives (different part of MI) is painful.

Though, I THINK Sprint operates on the 1900MHz while verizon does 800 or whatever. So that may be it.

Sprint is starting their whole "network revision" project, so who knows. Maybe in a year or two it'll get better.

Doesn't any of these services have trial periods any more? I thought you could try it, and if it doesn't work you only had to pay like equipment or something.