Yesterday news surfaced and flooded the interwebs surrounding the fact that Verizon wasn’t letting users activate and use the new Google Nexus 7 tablet on their network. Instantly many were fired up and getting out the pitchforks, but it sounds like it wasn’t all their fault. Their usual 4G LTE certification process is in the final stages, and once complete, the Nexus 7 will be all set to rock out with Verizon LTE speeds.
According to a Verizon blog post this afternoon, the Nexus 7 by Google was sent to their usual and rigorous certification process a bit late, sometime in August, and it usually takes at least 4-6 weeks to clear. Which isn’t anything new in the industry. So once that gets finished, they’ll work with Google to offer it on the Play Store for the same $349 price.
For those confused, the new Nexus 7 works with AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon LTE. All under one SKU and the same device. However, those who purchased it couldn’t activate service and the device on Verizon Wireless. If you already have a micro-SIM for Verizon, pop it in and 4G LTE works just fine. It’s their system that won’t allow an uncertified device to be activated and used.
Verizon states that once the device clears their process, users will be able to quickly and easily activate the new Nexus 7 tablet on their Share Everything plans, and for full use with Verizon Wireless. On the other side of things, hopefully this means Google and Verizon are working together (and playing nice) and we could end up seeing the LG Nexus 5 on Verizon too, but don’t get your hopes us.
Quick, someone tell Jeff Jarvis so he can stop ranting.
hahahahahaha
Why should he stop ranting? He bought an FCC approved LTE device. Verizon refuses to sell him a SIM card so he can use it on their network. If Verizon only allows access to devices they somehow ‘certify’ as acceptable, how is that the open access to all devices and apps that they are required to provide as a condition of using that spectrum? Especially after their first responses to him was basically that he should buy a tablet from Verizon because they weren’t going to activate his N7.
I’m sorry what?
Did you not read the article? It’s not all their fault. Google, Asus, or whoever, sent the Nexus 7 through their certification process late. Because it’s still processing, it’s not showing up in their systems.
Of course putting in a SIM card that is already activated will work, because for 1, it was already activated on a device that is SHOWN in their system. And 2, the Nexus 7 obviously supports the band.
That’s like me trying to activate the Nexus 5 on Verizon (if it was supported). I could complain and say “This passed the FCC and you aren’t letting me activate it?!?!” The only difference is that Google and Asus released this device early when it hasn’t passed Verizon’s certification process, which wasn’t even Verizon’s fault.
That is why he needs to stop ranting.People really need to relax. Especially Jeff Jarvis. He’s a complete lunatic that is blowing this out of proportion.
My question is this whole ‘certification’ process. Why does Verizon have to ‘certify’ LTE devices when it seems like every other provider will sell you a SIM to put in any device you want.
The Nexus 7 is a high-profile device, so sure, Verizon will eventually get around to allowing it. What if the next device is not, and Verizon doesn’t want to bother ‘certifying’ it?
Personally, I’m never going to do any business with Verizon. But they are using the public airwaves to make their money, and I’m glad someone is holding their feet to the fire to try to make them live up to their promises.
Verizon has the most subscribers and the most reliable network for a reason. Though I completely loathe Verizon as well, and am switching to T-Mobile when my contract is up in December, this is just how they’ve always worked.
I’m sure Verizon will HAVE to certify devices that are compatible with their band since it’s required by the spectrum for it to be Open Access as you said in your earlier post. Now if they refused to certify a device, then I could see how hell would be raised. But not providing a SIM card to a new Nexus 7 owner because the device is not in their system yet, is not a big deal.
I tip my hat off to you for not wanting to do business with Verizon. I don’t blame you. They have given Android a bad experience with the way they handled the Galaxy Nexus, adding bloatware to all their devices, as well as having to approve Google’s updates only to take longer to reach said devices.
I really hope that the Nexus5 is available on VzW’s LTE network at launch.
no nexus 5 on verizon = iphone 5s for me. please make this on verizon and $199 off contract.
The Nexus 5 passed through the FCC without LTE band 13. Pretty sure that means no Verizon.
UK now out of stock of Nexus 4, will be watching that space!!!!