Verizon Still Crippling Bluetooth

from the call-the-bluedentist dept

Thu, Jan 12th 2006 8:03am — Carlo Longino

It should come as little surprise to learn that Verizon Wireless has crippled Bluetooth on the Treo 700W, preventing it from being used as an EV-DO modem for a laptop or PDA. After all, this is the carrier that got sued -- and ended up settling -- for crippling the Bluetooth on another handset, and similarly prevented the Treo 650 from being used as a modem as well. The carrier's rationale is amusing. It says, apparently, that it's shut off dial-up networking support because the Treo doesn't meet its network requirements -- does that mean that Verizon requires its handsets to help fleece its customers? For what it's worth, it says it "hopes" to release Treos with the feature turned on in the third quarter, but it won't say if previously bought phones will be un-crippled. Verizon really likes to break the functionality of phones it sells -- remember, too, that it's fresh off an uproar for removing MP3 playback functionality from some of its other handsets.

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59 Comments

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me, 12 Jan 2006 @ 8:35am

No Subject Given
this is a microsoft problem, they do not have many bluetooth features working in WM5. so not palm or verizon/sprint crippling this
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Scott, 12 Jan 2006 @ 8:51am
  
  Re: No Subject Given
  Really....Funny how you can hack it and have it work. I work with 3 guys who have found ways to turn almost all of the bluetooth functionality back on.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - MusicMan, 12 Jan 2006 @ 10:57am
    
    Re: No Subject Given
    Hey Scott,
    Just because 3 people can turn it on, doesn't mean the feature is ready for widespread use.
    
    There may be some bugs that overuse resources etc. that they want to fix. So for now its turn off.
    
    I have a crippled V710, Verizon has never promised this would be fixed. They are saying the Treo will be fixed. Doesn't sound like the same issue.
    
    Wouldn't they want you sucking up extra minutes surfing the net? Really at least be logial with the paranioa!!!
    [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - carlos salinas, 9 Aug 2006 @ 5:03pm
    
    Re: Re: No Subject Given
    How do you turn almost all the bluetooth fnctionalities in the treo 700w"?
    [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Carlo, 12 Jan 2006 @ 9:03am
  
  Re: No Subject Given
  That's simply not correct at all. As a previous commenter indicates, there are already hacks to turn it back on.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - Mike, 12 Jan 2006 @ 9:18am
    
    Re: No Subject Given
    Sprint may have a lousy selection of Bluetooth phones but they definately work well. The laptop to bluetooth phone internet connection is absolutely seemless--I couldn't live without it.
    [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Cheese, 12 Jan 2006 @ 9:47am
  
  Re: No Subject Given
  This is a verizon problem, not a MS problem. It's in the thing, they disabled it. How is this a MS problem?
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- brandon, 21 Jan 2006 @ 9:46am
  
  Re: to 1st comment
  yes, definitely wrong. verizon is well known or crippling as already stated. it is definitely verizon. on other carriers the bt works, think before you speak.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- sumguy, 21 Jan 2006 @ 11:42am
  
  Re: No Subject Given
  Just a quick note since I was at my local Verizon store last night to test the Bluetooth on Treo 700w. I too had a V710 with the super-gimped Bluetooth (could use BT earpieces and that was pretty much it). Last night I was able to transfer a cameraphone pic (.jpg) from my Cingular RAZR to the Treo700w via Bluetooth. I took a wallpaper .jpg on the 700w and transferred it to the RAZR via Bluetooth. So they at least turned BT file transfers back on. This functionality was definately NOT in the V710.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Anonymous Coward, 1 Jul 2008 @ 7:20am
  
  Re: No Subject Given
  This is not a Microsoft problem. If you look into this problem more, you will find a number of different phone and different OS's that still have the same problem. One thing in common is the Verizon service provider.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - Anonymous Coward, 1 Jul 2008 @ 7:22am
    
    Re: Re: No Subject Given
    lol at the default name they give.
    [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- oneskibum, 2 Jul 2009 @ 1:11am
  
  Re: No Subject Given
  i would like to know how much verizon pays you to post comments like this. they are the russian mafia of the cellular industry.
  please do me a favor and educate yourself before you post comments like this, for instance:
  a: get a motorola razor from at&t and one from verizon, any other phone that is of similar model will also do. they will never be exactly the same since verizon rides on an antique cdma system which only about 160 million people use. at&t, tmobile, vodaphone, etc. use gsm which 1 billion people use all over the world
  b: get a tomtom and try to connect with bluetooth. you can consider yourself lucky if your verizon phone just lets you connect to the tomtom as a handsfree set. forget about receiving sms messages, transfer of address books, etc. all together.
  on a gsm phone from at&t, tmobile, vodaphone, rodgers, etc. you can have all of those features. so why don't you people wise up and quit supporting crooks like verizon and stop listening to uneducated, brainwashed verizon zombies.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
Bliss, 12 Jan 2006 @ 9:14am

Bluetooth
the truth is out there Scully,free time, google and a will to experiment help a lot.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Scott, 12 Jan 2006 @ 9:45am

Cingular 2125
That's why I switched to Cingular for the new 2125 which includes a great phone, a all my .mp3s well actually I sync it to Rhapsody so I have over 1 million songs for 14 a month. Oh and it's bluetooth works for sending my music to my home and car radio, as a modem for DUN with my laptop. This is by far the best phone i've ever had. In fact I have to fight off my wife cause she loves the games on it. Which is a first she hates tech toys.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Tora, 12 Jan 2006 @ 1:03pm
  
  Re: Cingular 2125
  That sounds a lot like a Shameless plug....
  
  ...but then again, I may be wrong.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
The Truth, 12 Jan 2006 @ 10:16am

This is nothing new...it's all about the greenback
Ok, so I can speak the truth for those of you that haven't already nailed down the reasons.... The reason for Verizon Wireless to cripple the bluetooth for tethering for data usage is purely financial. They don't want users to access their EVDO data network via a cell phone with unlimited usage for $44 per month. They can charge people $59 or $79 per month for a dedicated Aircard, plus you can sign up for a Treo with a voice plan and of course, you would need a data plan to be activated with the Treo. Therefore for a single user, you are charged 3 times....2 for data plans and 1 for a voice plan. Imagine if they allowed you to tether via BT. They would get 1 voice and 1 data per user and miss out on potentially a $59 per month rate per each user that is a mobile worker and has the Treo phone. Don't get me wrong, I'm one of those users and am fine with paying the $300 per month bills. Verizon has the best data network Nationwide...Hands Down. I don't think there's anyone with half a brain that can argue that fact. Let's take a look at the alternatives...If you look at Cingular, they are a GSM based carrier with a ton of selection around handsets. They have an average Data network that sucks compared to Verizon, its slower, the network is overloaded...its a mess. They would lose all of their customers if they crippled their phones like Verizon. They have EDGE which is capped at 120Kbps, UMTS is only in 4-8 markets and HSPDA is a full year behind EVDO. HSPDA won't be rolled out nationwide, in fact it's going to deploy like UMTS or worse. Then there's Sprintextel...they have issues! They Nextel don't offer decent speeds via their IDEN network and Sprint who supposedly has EVDO, is super weak in comparison to Verizon. Then there's Tmobile...a good selection of handsets becuase it's GSM but again a data network that is worse off than both Cingular and Sprint combined... It sure would be nice for Verizon to uncripple their phones but they really don't need to because they are the best! Besides, when was the last time a company, did the right thing, when in actuality it made no financial sense. If I were a shareholder I sure wouldn't want them to do that. If someone can send a link on how to hack my treo 650 so I can tether via Bluetooth...that would be great!
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- Me, 12 Jan 2006 @ 10:24am
  
  Re: This is nothing new...it's all about the green
  Check our howardforums, I'm sure there's a hack there somewhere... As for verizon's crippled bluetooth, they didn't cripple OBEX on the v3c, most people are saying that they cripple bluetooth on phones that have external storage..
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - andrae Jepsen, 18 Mar 2006 @ 6:32pm
    
    OBEX ON verizons new razr V3c
    I need to know do the verizon razr have the bluetooth capability to transfer pics and songs via bluetooth to a pc and can a send pics to another phone via bluetooth. Please i need an honest answer as i am thinking about going back to cingular.
    
    andrae
    [ link to this | view in chronology ]
    - scooby, 1 Apr 2006 @ 9:48pm
      
      Re: OBEX ON verizons new razr V3c
      we just got a new v3c from verizon and just discovered that indeed they did disable pc/phone connections via bluetooth. I've never had problems with my service but hate they way they screw us with crap like this. so i'm just gonna find the hack
      [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Damon, 12 Jan 2006 @ 10:46am
  
  Re: This is nothing new...it's all about the green
  Why would anyone share with you the hack for your Treo? You just stated "Don't get me wrong, I'm one of those users and am fine with paying the $300 per month bills."
  Don't bash a product and/or service, then just to turn around and ask how to circumvent it.
  Hipocracy will get you no where.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - The Truth, 12 Jan 2006 @ 11:06am
    
    Re: This is nothing new...it's all about the green
    Thanks for the reply! I've gotten used to paying the $300 per month charge for having the great data from Verizon, but it sure would be nice to see them play more friendly like Cingular, Tmobile and Sprint for tethering purposes. The pocketbook would also appreciate this as well.
    I bashed Verizon for not allowing users to tether because they have always been doing this...think about how many folks out there would futher benefit from BT and High speed data if they didn't cripple their phones.
    Sure, I'd love to find a way to circumvent the situation but realistically, thats just lame! Most people like to do the right thing and I feel that Verizon should do the same.
    [ link to this | view in chronology ]
    - Verizon Rebel, 12 Jan 2006 @ 12:13pm
      
      Re: This is nothing new...it's all about the green
      Yep Verizon deliberately disable DUN in the service menu in their phones (you can switch it back on with a few clicks of your keypad) but they also have a 'DUN Flag' in the phone's software which tells the server 'Hey this web connection isn't for the phone's browser, it's for Dial Up Networking' so the server refuses the connection.
      They are deliberately crippling the phones so you have to buy a data plan and a Verizon PCMCIA wireless card for an extra $100.
      [ link to this | view in chronology ]
      - Verizon Rebel, 12 Jan 2006 @ 12:18pm
        
        Re: This is nothing new...it's all about the green
        Oh and a quick point just a technical detail...
        
        It's the OBEX that they are crippling in most of their phones with bluetooth so you cannot upload ringtones and wallpapers, therefore you have to buy them through your phone.
        
        The DUN is what is being crippled for links to laptops and can be used through both Bluetooth and the Data cable, so the DUN issue is really seperate from the Bluetooth issue.
        
        Like I said just a small detail.
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
      - Adam, 16 Jan 2006 @ 9:32am
        
        Re: This is nothing new...it's all about the green
        Do you know where i can find the steps to allowing the bluetooth to work? thanks
        
        adam
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- brandon, 21 Jan 2006 @ 9:52am
  
  Re: This is nothing new...it's all about the green
  I'm a lil mad at folks stating that you can get ev-do on a pda/phone for 44.99 a month. i have yet to see this anyway. 44.99 a month gets you unlimited network access (DIAL-UP), not ev-do. ev-do on a treo 80 bux a month, which i cant see anyone but someone with an excess of money paying monthly. THEREFORE, your money agruement has flaws.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- HP, 18 Feb 2006 @ 10:13pm
  
  Re: This is nothing new...it's all about the green
  "If someone can send a link on how to hack my treo 650 so I can tether via Bluetooth...that would be great!" Here you go: The Treo 650 Bluetooth Dial Up Networking Hack
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - ashutosh singh, 23 Feb 2006 @ 4:04pm
    
    Re: This is nothing new...it's all about the green
    Does anyone know of thread explains how to use the bluetooth on Verizon razr v3c to connect to EVDO netowrk, same as thing like Treo. I am able to sign in to the network, but it fails while registering on to the network.
    [ link to this | view in chronology ]
Dan, 12 Jan 2006 @ 10:40am

Phone Crippling
Now that you can take your phone number with you, the carriers are crippling the phones you buy from them so you can't take your phone with you. While there are services to "unlock" such phones, the firmware must be reflashed by the carrier--which most will not do. A smart lawyer should look into the class action suite that would refund money paid to carriers when purchasing branded phones. Sales reps never mention this problem in the store. I just ran into this problem when I purchased a factory-clean razor and tried to get it working on Cingular.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
bill, 26 Feb 2006 @ 9:10pm

700w Locks Up
Had three new 700w phones in ten days. They all locked up during an active synch. At this point they were non-fucntional and did not even work as a phone. Palm admitted there was a problem with the M/S Mobile O/S. I gave up and downgraded to the Treo 650. Don't buy this phone till Palm fixes the bugs.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Leonard, 3 Apr 2006 @ 8:42pm

Verizon Crippling overall
Verizon Wireless cripples all of their phones so that you pay more. The expect you to use their Get It Now! programs to recieve your Brew Apps and Media Content. I went thought diffrent companies such as former AT&t wireless and Cingular. CDMA Networks (Verizon) has much faster speed than GSM. I would suggest that you look online for a Firmware hack for your phone. I found many for the MOTO V710. If you don't want to go with Verizon, i would suggest Alltel. They both on CDMA and get the same speeds. But Alltel Wireless phones are not crippled! I highly suggest staying away from Cingular, T-Mobile, and Sprint.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
- lyn, 9 Jul 2006 @ 8:54am
  
  Re: Verizon Crippling overall
  May I ask where you found you hack for moto v710.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
techies, 17 May 2006 @ 6:39am

CDMA Razr V3c Hack
OBJECTIVE:
To Enable USB and OBEX support on CDMA Razr V3c phones that have been disabled by Verizon service provider. Enabling support allows users to upload and download their Phone Contacts, Calendar, and Messages to their computers for backups and other reasons.

EQUIPMENT:
• Fully charged Verizon RAZR V3C Phone with GATW_01.15.04 (or x.03) software version
• USB A to USB mini B (5 pin) interface cable
• Motorola PhoneTools v4.0x
• DriverTool.zip
• Motorola Product Support Tool (PST) 7.2.3 & Patch
• Motorola Product Support Tool USB Driver
• P2KSeem

PROCEDURE:
1. Create a sub directory on your Windows XP computer and name it RazrHack on your C drive or other.
2. Download Motorola PhoneTools v4.0x into RazrHack sub directory.
3. Extract MPT.zip to sub directory called MPT within RazrHack.
4. Go to http://www.bvrp.com/customers/motorola/upgrade/US/ and click on the hyperlink title “Click here if you use a CDMA phone.” Or go to http://www/bvrp.com/Customers/Motorola/DriverTool.zip to download the Driver Tool.
5. Save DriverTool.zip to RazrHack
6. Extract DriverTool.zip to sub directory called DriverTool within RazrHack.
7. Download Motorola Product Support Tool (PST) 7.2.3 & Patch into sub directory RazrHack
8. Extract MPST.zip to sub directory called MPST within RazrHack.
9. Download Motorola Product Support Tool USB Driver from www.v710.org/mark/Files/E815-V710-DriverPack1.zip and into sub directory RazrHack.
10. Extract E815-V710-DriverPack1.zip to sub directory called PST-USB within RazrHack.
11. Download P2KSeem from www.v710.org/mark/Files/P2KSeem4V710.zip to RazrHack.
12. Extract P2KSeem4V710.zip into sub directory called P2KSeeem4V710 within RazrHack.
13. Install Motorola PhoneTools v4.0x and run update for application updates the Internet.
14. Go to C:RazrHacksDriverTool and click on DriverTool.exe to install.
15. Install Motorola Product Support Tool (PST) 7.2.3 & Patch.
16. Go into PST-USB and read readme.txt file.
17. Determine where PST-USB files are to be copied to for C:i386 ( or C:WINDOWSi386) and Motorola Product Support Tool.
18. Connect powered down Verizon RAZR V3c phone to Windows XP computer using the USB interface cable.
19. Run Motorola Product Support Tool (PST). NOTE: Windows Add New Hardware Wizard should run, automatically search for, find and install the new driver. If not, point the wizard to the PST-USB sub directory. The phone will now be listed as “Motorola USB Modem” in Device Manager under Modems.
20. If your phone shows up in Device Manager as Motorola USB Modem, launch PST using the Phone Programmer icon off the start menu. Again, if this is your first time doing this, or you have connected the data cable to a different USB port, the Add New Hardware wizard will run. It will try to install “Communications Class - Control Interface”, “Data Logging MCU Interface”, “Test Command Interface,” and “Accessories Interface.” For all of these, choose "Install from a list or specific location..." then click next. On the following screen, to the right to the "include this location in the search" click browse... and direct C:RazrHackPST-USB for the V3C PST_USB driver. If the add new hardware wizard does NOT run, check device manager for a Motorola USB Device group with Accessories Interface, Data Logging MCU, and Test Command Interface listed. If you have them, you can proceed. If you do not, unplug your phone, power it off/on, and reconnect. These devices must be installed for P2KSeem to connect to the phone! They will only be listed in Device Manager while PST is still running so DO NOT EXIT PST!
21. PST really gives NO indication that it is connected to your phone. To verify connectivity, launch PST.
22. When the main interface appears, click File,New, Phone Book File then OK. You will be presented with Untitled Phone Book File. Use the Phone pull down, and click READ. PST should start reading the contents of your phone's Contacts. If it finishes, PST is connected. NOTE: Be careful when doing this in PST, choosing an improper option (even for reading) can fry your phone!!
23. While PST 7.2.3 is running on your computer, run P2kSeem.exe from C:RazrHackP2KSeem4v710.
24. P2KSeem should say "connected" in the lower left corner of the application box.
25. Locate the LOAD area in the bottom right corner area. Change the Seem to 2742 and Record to 1.
26. Verify the 2 fields have the correct entries then Click “LOAD FROM PHONE” button.
27. From within the application, you will see many hex codes arranged in columns and rows. Under Selected Byte Details (lower left section) you will see OFFSET:0000 (location of cursor at load time).
28. To backup the original seem, click “save to file” and go to C:RazrHack
29. Name backup file to 2742_0001.bak and click OK to save.
30. Go down to row 000060 and column over to e3 (may be e2 on some phones) should say offset 006a.
31. Click on box for BIT 0 to put a check mark in it. This sets BIT 0 = 1 (enables USB File transfer for music/video/pictures in the Motorola phone tools software). NOTE: DO NOTE EXPERIMENT WITH OTHER BITS!
32. Click “Save to Phone.”
33. Click “Restart Phone.”
34. Close P2kSeem & PST
35. Unplug the USB cable from your phone, and then plug it back in (resets connection with the pc after programming).
36. Run Motorola Phone tools.
37. Press or go to menu/setup/general setup.
38. Click on communication tab and choose change modem.
39. Click on Next 2 times.
40. Click the box beside "Do not automatically detect..." & click next.
41. Click on Motorola CDMA, choose V3CM and Click next.
42. Click Finish and OK.
Now your Motorola PhoneTools software should connect with your phone, and show you the Multimedia Studio, Contact, and Calendar options. If not, reboot your pc and reopen phone tools to connect again.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
- unknown, 7 Jun 2006 @ 3:34pm
  
  Re: CDMA Razr V3c Hack
  Do i need to purchase these programs that i have to download?
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Anonymous Coward, 25 Jun 2006 @ 3:45am
  
  Re: CDMA Razr V3c Hack
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Mark_Venture, 25 Jun 2006 @ 11:30am
  
  Re: CDMA Razr V3c Hack
  neat instructions... MUCH Of it lifted verbatim from the illustrated seem edit guide on http://mark.cdmaforums.com (Formerly http://v710.org/mark )...
  
  another small note... you say... "Verizon RAZR V3C Phone with GATW_01.15.04 (or x.03) software version"
  
  phones with .03 firmware, or upgraded from .03 to .04 at a Verizon stores will NOT have Bluetooth OBEX File Transfer support even after seem edits.
  
  The only way a Verizon phone with .04 firmware will have BT OBEX FT support (after this hack...) is IF they were updated directly from .02, or they have the LEAKED .04P firmware.. and then, the seem edit is NOT Necessary for the .02, .02 upgraded to .04, or a phone flashed with the LEAKED .04P firmware...
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- newly satisfied customer, 5 Jul 2006 @ 8:57am
  
  Re: CDMA Razr V3c Hack
  I LOVE YOU
  
  although i had some very minor differences, i have successfully completely this step by step guide and am thrilled with the results
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Jaime Pagan, 10 Jul 2006 @ 1:48pm
  
  Re: CDMA Razr V3c Hack
  This worked great with no problems. I can now use the MPT to load pictures and ringtones AS LONG AS I AM CONNECTED VIA USB CABLE
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- mc, 21 Jul 2006 @ 11:23am
  
  Re: CDMA Razr V3c Hack
  this is gayyyy..i need a patch for the multimedia...get one plz
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- kbt, 28 Sep 2006 @ 7:51pm
  
  Re: CDMA Razr V3c Hack
  EMPTY COMMENT:
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- maio, 19 Jan 2007 @ 6:47am
  
  Re: CDMA Razr V3c Hack
  Excelente informacion....Gracias!!!!Funciona perfectamente!!!!
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
Ilan Nassimi, 1 Jun 2006 @ 4:58pm

Can anyone help?
The last person who gave a link as to how to uncripple the BT on the Treo 650 gave a site that requires purchasing a membership to view the info.

Can anyone give a site that explains how to unlock BT features on the Treo 650 for Verizon????

Thanks you.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Tony, 4 Jun 2006 @ 5:50pm

Razr V3C Verizon File Transfer HAck
Regarding this post procedure....

CDMA Razr V3c Hack by techies on May 17th, 2006 @ 6:39am
OBJECTIVE:
To Enable USB and OBEX support on CDMA Razr V3c phones that have been disabled by Verizon service provider. Enabling support allows users to upload and download their Phone Contacts, Calendar, and Messages to their computers for backups and other reasons.

EQUIPMENT:
• Fully charged Verizon RAZR V3C Phone with GATW_01.15.04 (or x.03) software version
• USB A to USB mini B (5 pin) interface cable
• Motorola PhoneTools v4.0x
• DriverTool.zip
• Motorola Product Support Tool (PST) 7.2.3 & Patch
• Motorola Product Support Tool USB Driver
• P2KSeem

Can anyone automate this....for us novices???
I'll pay a fee...and I bet a lot of people would.....

Also...clarify....I have S/W version 0.4....
if I downgrade to 0.2 and then re-upgrade to 0.4..
will MMS in MPT's work......so I don't have to attempt to hack..??

Tony
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Dave Brown, 10 Aug 2006 @ 7:33pm

Steps to unlock Verizon Treo 650
Does anyone have detailed steps/software to unlock Verizon Treo 650 so that Phone Book can be transferred via Bluetooth?

Thanks!

Dave
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Lee, 9 Dec 2007 @ 8:49pm
  
  Re: Steps to unlock Verizon Treo 650
  Saw your question from last year about unlocking the treo so phone book can be transferred via bluetooth. Did you ever get an answer? please reply!
  Lee
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
Jeff, 13 Nov 2006 @ 8:04am

You can still tether!
Though the bluetooth is crippled, I've found great satisfaction through USB with this simple to use application! http://www.sicklesinsight.com/tether-your-locked-down-verizon-phone-to-your-pc/
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Eric Campbell, 14 Dec 2006 @ 7:59am

crippled bluetooth
People should start video blogging on YouTube about Verizon crippling customers phones. At least future Verizon Customers would be warned.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Dave, 25 Jan 2007 @ 9:54am

Hit Verizon where is count's!!!
If you would like to get Verizons attention, You have to get them where they get there money from. Verizon cripples bluetooth functionality to force its customers to buy into their V-cast, Get-it-Now, and EVDO data services so that verizon makes more money from you guys (the customers).

My proposal is this. Do not buy into the extra subscription services which Verizon offers, for this is where they make their money. I am NOT proposing a complete Verizon boycott. But what I am saying is do not pay Verizon the extra money for these add-on services that you could get for free from other carriers. In other words, pay Verizon for your month phone plan and mayby the optional insurance if you're prone to break your phone.

The goal in all this is to make Verizon believe that their extra data services (a.k.a. V-cast, EVDO high-speed internet, and Get-it-now) is not worth supporting. Don't let Verizon tell us how to use our phones. We do have the power by not buy these extra services.

Regards,
Dave
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Dave, 25 Jan 2007 @ 9:54am

Hit Verizon where is count's!!!
If you would like to get Verizons attention, You have to get them where they get there money from. Verizon cripples bluetooth functionality to force its customers to buy into their V-cast, Get-it-Now, and EVDO data services so that verizon makes more money from you guys (the customers).

My proposal is this. Do not buy into the extra subscription services which Verizon offers, for this is where they make their money. I am NOT proposing a complete Verizon boycott. But what I am saying is do not pay Verizon the extra money for these add-on services that you could get for free from other carriers. In other words, pay Verizon for your month phone plan and mayby the optional insurance if you're prone to break your phone.

The goal in all this is to make Verizon believe that their extra data services (a.k.a. V-cast, EVDO high-speed internet, and Get-it-now) is not worth supporting. Don't let Verizon tell us how to use our phones. We do have the power by not buy these extra services.

Regards,
Dave
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Anonymous Coward, 25 Jan 2007 @ 9:57am
  
  Re: Hit Verizon where is count's!!!
  And maybe Verizon will rethink Bluetooth...
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- Dave, 25 Jan 2007 @ 9:58am
  
  Re: Hit Verizon where is count's!!!
  ...And maybe Verizon will rethink Bluetooth and make it what it's supposed to be...
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Harry O, 7 Mar 2007 @ 2:25pm

Re: Hit Verizon where is count's!!!
....And maybe you will crap if you eat regularly....

They (Verizon), ony want your money, Customer service be damned.
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Carlos, 25 May 2007 @ 9:22pm

Unlock bluetooth functionality on LG enV from veri
The verizon website states that the LG VX9900 enV phone supports most of the bluetooth profiles. The ones that I am interested in are theA2DP and the AVRCP which allows the musinc from the phone to be streamed and controlled through another bluetooth device that supports this profile on the recieving end. Well, I bough a pioneer car stereo with bluetooth that supports this profiles and I can connect through the HFP (Hands Free Profile) to make hands free calls, but I cannot connect the phone to the Pioneer BT feature to play music through the stereo system. I called Verizon and they told me that those features are locked and not supported for products that they don't sell even though they don't tell you that in the website where they advertise the bluetooth profiles that the phone supports. It is definetly unfair, false advertisement, and a trick so you would buy only the devices they sell. If anybody knows of a way to unlock this so I can use the music player through my stereo system please let me know. carlosiga@hotmail.com
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LG VX 9400 Bluetooth Unlock, 12 Aug 2007 @ 5:51pm

bleutooth unlock
how can i get the bluetooth on my phone to send ringtones and pics, i know Verizon has it locked and some dude told me there was a program out there to unlock it, if anybody knows that and whats to share it with me please do
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John Majkrzak, 6 Oct 2007 @ 7:51am

Verizon Still Crippling Bluetooth
Verizon digs deep into consumer pockets by disabling phone to PC download features. Verizon instead bills consumers for accessing the photo's they take using their cell phone. This consumer fleecing behavior is newsworthy but little reported because Verizon can pay BIG advertising dollars to the media companies that then decide what news to report.
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Steve, 11 Oct 2007 @ 11:50am

Verizon Bluetooth
Verizon has crippled bluetooth on all their phones period. The only thing that works on my Samsung A930 is the headset. I cannot send anything from my phone to another phone using bluetooth or receive. They have locked it all out period!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But they don't tell you that when you sign up.

The other wireless providers should use this fact in there advertisments. Stating that Verizon does not offer full Bluetooth. That will hurt Verizon.
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- rubdoggy, 15 Nov 2007 @ 9:06pm
  
  Re: Verizon Bluetooth
  Hear! Hear!
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LC, 29 Aug 2008 @ 7:26am

???
Yeah, I get the same problem. I have the LG 8500 and my parents have other music phone, which are bluetooth capability. So I used the bluetooth to send files and ringtone without knowing that they would charge us for that. They didn't even warn us about it. Next thing you knew, my bill came up to be $200. I am so frustrated now, because they should have warn us about it...and really, what's the point having a bluetooth capability phone if they're going to charge us for that. By using the bluetooth, without knowing it, it will automatically download an application on your phone and you will have to pay for the application also. This really sucks.
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Unknown, 5 Sep 2008 @ 4:25pm

Yeah verizon really sucks. My mother has an env and i have a RAZR V3m and hers is obviously the newer phone, but she can't send pics phone to phone, all it can send is contacts. i can send pics vids contacts and more, but we both can be modems.
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J Wan, 17 Sep 2008 @ 10:53am

Buy your own unlocked phone
If you want to control what you get in a phone buy your own unlocked phone that works on the network you want. I bought my own Nokia N95 unlocked and put my sim card in it from AT&T. I have unlimited mediaNet internet access for 15.00 and can use every feature on it except pop mail. If you play their game and get the phone from them for a discount then you have not got much choice but to get it their way.
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