Rumor: Verizon to Skip the Pre? 89
Contrary to previous rumors and to Verizon's own CEO, Scott Moritz at The Street is reporting that Verizon has turned sour on the Pre, "people close to the discussions say Verizon has decided not to support the Pre."
If true, it would be a serious blow to Palm. Moritz's sources say that Verizon has been none-too-impressed with Pre sales to date (we might remind them that Sprint isn't selling a ton of anything these days). We also wonder if Verizon has some internal quandaries over their backwards App store policy, but who knows.
So while we previously hoped that big red could get the Pre as early as January, the situation just might be a little bit grimmer now. Neither Palm nor Verizon is commenting, of course.
Thanks to everybody who sent this in!
89 Comments
Verizon has alot of crap phones, and their data plans are horrible. Palms loss here yes but Verizons too.
Scott Moritz didn't get his reputation in the reputation by being right. He had on good authority, ATT had a $60/mo iphone plan coming. In fact, he pretty much implied Pre would be stillborne.
Verizon needs something, I bet they'll have Pixi and probably add Pre 2 when available. Storm 2 is not going to find them any growth. The market is pretty segmented now with people who want tactile keybards and those who dont.I think Storm has pretty much flopped. Touchscreen as a gimmick is not enough to sustain loyalty.
With the expensive data plans Verizon has, they probably wouldn't sell much anyways.
Sprint: "Verizon is lying about getting the Pre soon."
Verizon: "No we aren't."
Time Passes
Verizon: "Um, we've decided to skip the Pre. Oh, and I'd introduce you to my girlfriend, but she lives in Canada."
Sprint: "Yeah, sure."
She's a Lumberjack in Niagra Falls, Ontario...
Linger Longer!!!!!!!!!
You are echoing what I thought immediately when I read this. Verizon made those claims in June just to keep marginal customers from abandoning ship. Sprint called them on it and was eventually proven right.
Sadly, it worked for me. But I will leave Verizon (I really don't want to) in they do this. Mytreo.net is full of VZW users waiting for the Pre or at least some WebOS Device. As I just said on Cnet. This is a make or break for me with verizon, i'd sacrifice the awesome service I've gotten from them for a WebOS device, I've fallen in love with it and that's just from using the crippled Emulator (no sound, no calling, no accelerometer having to reset enable Switcharoo every startup)
Glad to hear you are joining us. We are a sometimes contentious community, but we welcome all.
As far as the Verizon thing goes, I'm glad the Pre isn't going on their network. I have had several work phones from Verizon, including my current Blackberry. They are so badly crippled it's a crime.
I shudder to think what horrific things that creepy Verizon guy would have done to my poor sweet little Pre.
Could this be more Apple ass kissing in effect?
I think Verizon is making some pretty lousy decisions if this is true. And if the issue is their app store control policy they won't be getting any iPhones either.
It's curious they should leak this just before RIMM reports. RIMM posted less than expected earnings based on a lawsuit payment, although minus that charge they beat by a measly two cents. It's falling after hours big time.
It's also curious they should leak this just when Palm is doing a secondary stock offering.
I'd say it's a really bad decision. They told customers they would have the Pre. Just think how people waiting until January feel? There's no justification for that sort of idiocy.
Ha! They could've had the iPhone if they weren't so stupid. Verizon is seriously killing themselves... It's like they don't want any decent phones.
Oh man, I just had another thought! Maybe the higher than expected sales of the Pre locked in Sprint's exclusive for a longer period so Verizon is just pretending they've just changed their minds.
Verizon is definitely playing games here.
Verizon probably wants more control over the Pre than Palm is willing to give. And they probably lied to try to take some steam out of the Pre launch.
Verizon... We'll gimp anything!
Verizon isn't getting the iPhone, and now they aren't getting the Pre. Verizon has crappy phones and they know it, that is why they keep offering this "vaporware". They want you to hold your breath for the next big thing from them, so that you don't switch away from Verizon. I'm glad I was smart enough to get away, and if you are still with the big V... they aren't getting any good phones, don't believe what they are offering "in the future".
I reiterate what myself and others have said, Verizon was never getting the Pre. That CEO from Verizon was simply trying to undercut Sprint and the launch of the Pre. Verizon and Palm never had a good relationship. From what I've heard the Pre is doing quite well, as to the, "If true, it would be a serious blow to Palm." The Pre launched in Canada and will be launching in other countries over the next month. Screw Verizon, Palm did not, and does not need them!
I hope this isn't true. Why would Vzw's database have some Pres in it?!
Photoshop or doctoring! :)
Yeah, this sucks for VZW customers. But just wait till you see the Storm 3!
(vomit)
Verizon was never getting the Pre, anyone who knows anything would know they were just posturing
that is fud then, and MS got in trouble for that.
Yeah the pre isn't a crap phone with the RIM logo on it. Prolly see pixi there unless their on bigger crack than thought.
I love this device but I think their timing is awful.
Even if it doesn't get support from big players, I love mine.. Especially if the community keeps up with things.. If the price dropped to $50-$100 or so without a plan, I'd buy a bunch more.
It seems like every day that passes, I am happier and happier that I am no longer with Verizon.
Me too!
Like others were saying, this was a ploy for VZW to keep some of their customers locked up, anticipating that they would be getting the Pre. After some of the hype has died down, now they can claim that they don't want it anymore.
Ha! RIM revenue down, new subscribers down, units sold down. The market is wondering if people are moving to the Pre and the iPhone now.
Hey I am happy to drink from the Palm coolade also but lets be a bit realistic here.
"RIM revenue down"!?
"The market is wondering if poeple are moving to the Pre and iPhone"!?
RIMs stock price for year to date has only had one trend (upwards). The drop in revenue was due to a legal cost. Whilst the projections are not seeing huge growth the company is certainly not a downgrade.
So who "The market is wondering if poeple are moving to the Pre and iPhone"!? what is your source?
I think it is Palm and Android who have to prove themselves not RIM
I spoke to a Verizon rep last night and she said she was excited about the big V getting a Palm phone in December. I note that she didn't say Pre. Remember that V doesn't like the WiFi, so they may be getting the Pixi.
Excellent thought. I remember when the CEO jumped on the Palm bandwagon around the Pre's release date and said they'd be getting devices from Palm "LIKE the Pre." That can be taken to mean two different things. The Pixi is definitely a device like the Pre, and didn't they also show an oddball Palm phone in their database? The C40? Or was that in Sprint's?
Verizon sure likes to spin to its advantage in ways that seem remarkably nasty.
yeah but didn't he in fact state in a stockholders call that they were in fact getting the Pre and not a Pre like Device. Seems like V has been playing this game for 2 years now with the iPhone and now is doing it with the Pre.
Where is the love for AT&T? They have no Android, nor Pre, it is time that they move into the future!
That is the price they pay for selling their soul to apple! lol
This would be such a dumb move by Verizon (unless they felt compelled to do it to win the iPhone) that I won't believe it until I see it confirmed.
Verizon would have just rendered the Pre completely useless with their bloatware. Verizon doesn't want real phones. They keep saying that their network is more than enough to lure customers. Wow. Really?
Verizon's CEO needs to be investigated for his remarks about bringing the Pre to Verizon. They were clearly to manipulate Sprint's stock and buy Verizon a few more months of keeping customers like me on board while they incessantly promise phones like the iPhone and the Pre.
Well, I'm done with Verizon. I'm not sticking around to see if they make good on any of these "promises." My contract ends in 4 weeks and they've been bugging me to come get a new phone, but it's time to give Sprint a try since they actually have decent phones and don't ream you on the voice+data plans like Verizon does.
F*** you Verizon.
Not only do they have the Pre but they have the Hero, Instinct HD and the Instinct Q coming in the next month or so... You will have a lot to choose from my friend... Sprint FTW!!
Sounds like good news for Sprint though.
This is why I switched from VZW to Sprint. I wasnt going to wait for them to maybe one day get the Pre.
Soon enough, everyone will realize that the Pre is best thing to ever happen to the smartphone industry! Palm needs to relaunch their advertising campaign, with another theme to complement the "flow" commercials.
I switched to Sprint from Verizon because of their gimping of phones, turning off features, horrible frequency of dropped calls (I have NEVER gotten a dropped call on Sprint) and their general bad attitude of: We own you.
Switching to sprint means cheaper plans and better quality of voice and data. I still beg the question... If everyone knew that depending on where you live, Verizon isn't necessarily the best choice, would they even respect them?
The icing on the cake is; even though I'm not a Verizon customer anymore, I still sometimes roam for free on their network! Zinggg! Haha!
Verizon can just stick to their Razrs and Storms.
As I'm about to Sprint next month, was curious about the quality of data as compared to Verizon. I know it varies by region. Was wondering where you're located and getting good data signal from Sprint
Sprint has the fastest data (EV-DO Rev A) network in the US! It's been tested and proven.
I only care that either T-Mobile get the Pre or an unlocked GSM version at a decent price is made available. It was unfortunate that Palm didn't have much choice in launching with Sprint. Tying up the phone for six months was not the brightest move.
I disagree, I think in the coming months people will realize how good sprints voice and data network really is. Also, the CS issues have been worked out, so they are not any better/worse then the rest. I see sprint booming with customers in the next year or so. I think palm made the right choice, because many of those new customers will be enticed with the pre/pixie.
I have been with Verizon for almost 10 years and while I love the service (for the most part), I am sick and tired of their poor selection of devices to choose from.
I have been out of contract for a while now and the only thing that was keeping me from jumping ship was the fact that they were supposed to get the pre. If this isn't true anymore than I may just have to pack up and go.
I'm sooooo sick of this vaporware BS. They've been spitting out this crap since 2005 when they let the iPhone slip through their fingers......I was upset then and should have left. I waited for the Voyager, Storm, and Dare and all three have left a sour taste in my mouth. I've been waiting for the pre ever since it was announced in January and while they are putting all their eggs in the Sholes basket, it still won't compare in the end.
At one time, all of my friends and family were on VZW. A lot have been jumping ship because of this crap and not one of them have regretted it. It might be time for my wife and I to join the Sprint network.
I'll be right behind you if this announcement is true.
I hope this is really really wrong I am up for an upgrade already and I've been waiting for the Pre on VZW I guess those S.O.B.'s will brake my dreams of having this great phone on their network. If they really do that I will definitely change carrier, I am tired of getting shitty phones, I've been with them for over 6 years but this is too much to handle.
@Artimis Yes join the NOW NETWORK!!!
This may be a drop in the bucket, but I just sent them an e-mail stating that if they don't get it then bu-bye. Maybe if they hear from more customers, they will come to their senses. Although, who am I kidding, they couldn't care less...
Post a link to their email or customer service contact form, and I bet you'll have a few people over following suit.
Like myself.
Well, there you go, sir:
https://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/contact/email.jsp
This is very disappointing! I am one of many Verizon customers who have been waiting for Verizon to pick up the pre. I had to wait for the 650 then the Treo 755P and was planning to wait for the pre. I may be forced to change carriers if this rumor is true. Since I am the head of a household and have a family plan, it looks like at least four customers since 1995 will be moving away from Verizon.
It's all good. Verizon would've found a way to make the Pre crap, by taking over the OS and infiltrating every aspect of it with red and black. *vomit*
If this is true it would explain the kind of thinking has left Verizon with no decent smartphones.
This arrogant attitude eventually will cause them to crater in.
Oh yeah, the other reason Verizon probably won't go with the Pre is that they expect to own the app store and not provide access to any other stores so they can take a large piece of the revenues from the app store.
Verizon will just buy Sprint.. so they won't need to sign the contract. How many of you have moved from Verizon to Sprint like I did, because of their lack of good smart phones. However I think the'll be picking up the Motorola Android phone. Though, too late for me to stick around. I haven't looked back either.
I was a VZW customer for over 12 years waiting for a good smartphone for the last 3 years. The customer service people heard me, time and time again, however I guess the execs didn't. I left and all they did was to send me an email for $100 bucks to have me come back. Not even a call to get me to change my mind. I felt sorry for the account retention rep I spoke to as he said he heard me and he'd tell his managers, and he even said Verizon's phones are the worst out of the competition.
I guarntee if Verizon does not get the Palm Pre I will be switching Carriers. I will be taking my 4 lines (3 with data) and moving them all to sprint. I would be willing to lose the 17% discount I get from Verizon from my Company because I would still be saving money.
I already got this sign off by the little lady :)
I'm like bobwonderful I have been with Verizon Wireless for a long time
See what you can get with Sprint.
Also, if you're a new customer, click to chat, the reps may be able to offer promotional codes for a little savings on your 1st bill.
http://delivery.sprint.com/m/p/nxt/ais/wdyw.asp
I wrote this to the Customer Service Team https://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/contact/email.jsp
Please Carry the Palm Pre. Currently thestreet and other outlets are reporting Verizon's Reluctance to get the Pre. It is an amazing device and would be wonderful for the network. I have been a large supporter of the Verizon Network, a long time customer and have been absolute pleased with Verizon's service and reliability; not getting this phone however would end it for me. I've already grown to love the phone's OS just using the Emulator and am the Moderator at a Treo Based website (www.mytreo.net).
We've many members who are on Verizon and stayed because of promises of the Pre given by the VZW CEO. The Website Treocentral/PreCentral also sees the same want for you network to get this device. It would be highly regrettable if you do not carry The Palm Pre.
Please forward this to the fat cats who make decisions
It would be funny if this move backfired on Verizon. It appears others across various tech sites are incredibly P.O.ed about Verizon's crappy phone selections and also consider this a last straw.
It's also curious this rumor mentions support for Motorola's Cliq considering Verizon's support of the Cliq was noticeably absent at its debut, confusing and annoying Motorola's CEO.
This is kind of funny news to me. Earlier today, I had called VZW to pay my early termination fee. The CSR asked me why I made the switch to Sprint. I of course told him I left VZW because I wanted a Pre. The CSR then went on and on to tell me that VZW would be getting the Pre in just a few months and if I switched back within 30 days they would remove the early termination fee, etc, etc.... NOoooo, I am not saying that this may debunk the rumor. I just think it is funny.
This would be a great opportunity for Sprint to offer an incentive for Verizon customers to switch. i.e. instant rebate rather than mail in for VZW customers or better yet 1st month free. - This would jive very well with the 30 day return policy that Sprint has. The most important thing is that Sprint advertizes, leveraging the blogosphere news!
My verizon contract is up in January. If VW doesn't carry any Palm webos phones, I'm leaving also. Sprint is also cheaper than equivalent VW plans esp with data plans. Save some dollars and the coverage is pretty equivalent in my area. If Verizon is backing off Palm completely then that's pretty pathetic. CEO of multibillion dollar Verizon blatantly lies to public to siphon off some of Sprint and Palm sales. Very classy!
Who could forget when verizon stiffed palm by not carrying the treo 800w after promising, causing the 800w to arrive on sprint months later, half configured, and a total failure.
Sprint used to have bad customer service, but those days are over. I've been a sprint customer for a long time, and I can honestly tell you that they have been working hard to fix the bad stigma against them. Its taken them a long time to fix their image, but its happening. Their plans are better, their phones are better, the data network is fast, and they have the Pre. Plus, look at all the new phones coming Sprint's way. I think that Sprints customer base will actually increase over the next year, especially after this bone-headed move by Verizon.
The reporter better check his sources. There is a lot of crap going on between the carriers. We've already seen Verizon indicate they were getting the Pre to prevent defections to Sprint. And you guys are just assuming the story is correct that Verizon will not be carrying the Pre.
Try this theory on for size:
The story is a plant by Sprint to get people who were holding out for a Verizon Pre to move over to Sprint so Sprint can lock them up for two years.
Sprint has to make the most of their exclusivity while they have it. They've already dropped the price $50. They know there are a whole bunch of people out there waiting for the Pre on Verizon which is why Palm's near forecast came in short and the long term forecast came in high. And Palm probably has Verzion legally prevented from saying they will be carrying the Pre. So Verizon can't do anything to refute the rumor. Sprint knows this. Keep an eye out for indirect indications the rumor isn't true. Palm is already re-affirming their forecast meaning they still believe they will have all the carriers they expected for the Pre. Verizon will probably say something too, but indirectly. So watch for it.
or the rumor is right and Palm just never counted on VZW carrying the Pre in their forecast (instead banking on all the other carriers around the world that DON'T have a pathological hatred of cool phones)
I have done support (as a IT person) linking up various HTC Windows phones to private networks. Verizon consistently gimps the phone through software and sometimes hardware. Less memory, slower processor. The worst is the cut down software. My guess is the Pre was simply not able to be locked down enough to avoid stuff like homebrew. Verizon wants to charge the $4.99(and up and up and up...) min for ANY app, extra for GPS, etc. Verizon's idea of open support is open your wallet and support is what falls out.
That is very likely to be the reason. t follows very closely to the likely reason Australia's biggest Telco (Telstra) and Palm couldn't come to an agreement. Telstra wanted to rebrand and lock the phone down with its own software but the device being so open didn't really suit that monopolistic model.
Telstra like other monopolistic companies miss the boat everytime.
However at least Telstra didn't lie to affect the market price of the company by fooling subscribers
If Verizon doesn't make an announcement by Jan 31, 2010 that they will begin selling the Pre (or a better WebOS phone) before the end of May 2010, then I will be leaving Verizon for Sprint in February 2010. Mark my words!
As someone who was on the fence for a bit and decided to drop the big V for Sprint to get the Pre earlier, I'm feeling even better about my decision now! I figured that Verizon would have crippled the phone or turned of USB synching, or other such nonsense.
I spoke to a friend today who previously worked for VZW. According to him, VZW is getting the iPhone in December. Thus, VZW may have decided to go with the iPhone and not get the iPhone and it's new competitor, the Pre.
We'll have to wait and see, but when it was announced that they were getting the iPhone, the employees cheered. Personally, I didn't want the iPhone so that wouldn't have worked for me and I would have been a bit ticked off to discover that they kept me holding on for 6 months for no reason. That being said, I left VZW for the Pre and now all three of my other lines are on Sprint also.
VZW's shortsightedness will be Sprint and AT&T's gain.
Got this when I messaged them
Dear ME (real name removed ,
I apologize for any inconvenience, but Verizon Wireless does not provide information regarding which equipment is being considered or approximate release dates. Information has not been released as this may raise expectations that may not be met. My name is Monika and I have received your email inquiry.
Often you can find sources that provides rumors on which devices are going to be considered. I apologize, but not always are these sources accurate. If you are interested in the Palm Pre, you can sign up to receive free e-mail updates as to when new products and services are available. By signing up to these updates, you will know the facts on which devices have been released and are available. To receive your free e-mail update, please click on the following link to view the "E-mail Updates" page of our website:
Be the First to Know (http://email.vzwshop.com/servlet/website/ResponseForm?OSPEJNlmhtLk_.2ef)
Joseph, there are several wireless phones being tested for functionality and reliability with our network. Verizon Wireless will not offer a product or service unless it meets the high standards our customers have come to expect. Verizon Wireless is constantly improving the services, features, and wireless phones we offer to our customers for their communication needs. I will definitely forward your feedback along to our Marketing Team so they are aware there is a strong interest in the Palm Pre.
Sincerely,
Monika
Verizon Wireless
Customer Service
For a previous comment earlier about Verizon's discount, Sprint also offers many discounts for all kinds of companies You just haft to ask. I currently get 23% off my bill through them. Sprint is awesome to have I currently started loosing cellphone coverage in my house I called them and they sent me a free Airave and also waved the monthly charge for it too.
I'm the one that stated about the Discount. Yeah I have already asked if sprint gives a discount to my company and unfortunatly they do not. Only ATT and Verizon do.
Ask about Credit Union discount and others. There are several posts on other forums that have lists of discounts.
Don't have a credit Union but i get what you are laying down.. i'll give them a hollar and see
10% off for me, too, I think it was. State employee discount. Didn't know about it until this past year. D'oh.
Verizon phones are POS. For example, my friend has verizon phone Motorola vu204 and its so locked down it takes 3 yes 3 different programs open and running just to hack into the phone to add a ring-tone and contact pictures. Verizon is for all the moms and grannys out there who no nothing of a good phone and only go by "they have the best network" I hope if this is true they see a LARGE portion of there customer base leave for the pre.
My friend is currently w/ Veizon, a long time subscriber. He's always had crappy phones that Verizon has had to offer. He recently purchased his first smartphone from Verizon, the new Storm. He was so excited when he got it, I always saw him tinkering w/ it. Until he saw my new Pre, he looked a little jealous. Come to find out the whole time I saw him on his phone, I thought he was liking his first new smartphone..... Well, he wasn't. He told me the reason why he was always tinkering w/ his phone was that it keeps crapping out & freezing on him. Poor guy, he was definitely anticipating getting a Pre when it came available from Verizon. Feel bad for the guy spending his hard earned money on another crappy phone from Verizon.
I don't have the heart to tell him.
I just left Verizon, on Sprint for a month. Customer Service is actually pretty good...and since I haven't had to travel across Montana, and my local coverage has been GREAT. Here's my good bye note to Verizon. (Not sure if anyone will see it..but feel better letting my voice be heard. =)
Hi Verizon,
Just wanted to let you know why I'm leaving Verizon after 7 years. For 2 years I've been waiting for an innovative smartphone. When I go to a Verizon store and chat with reps or talk on the phone to a sales person, I consistently hear that "a new phone is coming." Yet...nothing really new has come around. Sure your network is "claimed" to be the best. (Although I've been on road trips in Montana and Wyoming where ATT customers had coverage when I didn't.) But I realized that for 95% of my usage ANY cell phone carrier will meet my needs. So then I thought about phone selection and realized I was being held in the 20th century...when I want to be in the 21st. So that is why I'm leaving Verizon. I'm going to Sprint where new phones are nearly a monthly occurence and I can get the Palm Pre. Just thought I'd let you know...before I fade off into the night.
Regardless of Verizon having higher cost plans this is a major blow to Palm in their number 1 market and their goals to succeed.
The fact that Telstra in Australia (Australia's no.1 Telco) also decided not to carry the Pre and then Palm decided to retreat from Austrlia (and probably the Asiapacific Region) was not much of a blow as Australia is less than 2% of the total smartphone market.
Also regardless of the fact that Verizon "may" take the Pixie is almost more damning for Palm. What does it say about their top of the line phone and the chances of getting more US customers.
For Palm to succeed and even survive they HAVE to have strong sales of their WebOS phones as they have no other platform to gain revenue from.
Their biggest market is the US and Sprint are apparently losing customers at a high rate. Palm need to find another large Telco in the US and need to do so quickly so they are ready to launch the day the Sprint exclusivity deal runs out.
Frankly I am surprised the contract wasn't signed with Verizon before now so that it takes effect at the correct time. Palm need to do something ASAP.
They have had a real purple (positive) spell over the last two weeks and their stock is riding high but this can kill the momentum.
http://www.thestreet.com/_yahoo/story/10603148/1/exclusive-verizon-snubs...
Big blow to Palm.
I posted a comment on Verizon's forum.
Feel free to reply!
http://community.vzw.com/t5/Cell-Phone-General-Device/Verizon-not-gettin...
Check this one out!!
http://forums.verizon.com/t5/PDA-Smartphone-Devices/Palm-Pre/m-p/83529
Palm don't need no stinkin Verizon!!
Palm may not, but us Verizon users need Palm. That's what you're missing. I hate making a choice between coverage at work and getting a functional smartphone.
So switch to Sprint. Pretty simple!