For some it would be the ultimate marriage: Verizon and the iPhone. The gossip raged today about the supposed talks between Apple and Verizon. It is an intriguing scenario – the best mobile device with what is arguably the best wireless network.
It is an intriguing scenario. While I love my iPhone, AT&T’s network is mediocre at best; downright unacceptable at worst. I was along the Embarcadero in San Francisco recently trying to have a conversation and spent 15 minutes wandering the streets to get a signal. At one point I simply shut the 3G radio off because my iPhone kept bouncing between 3G and EDGE, which furthered my connection woes.
On the other hand I was not all that disappointed when I left Verizon. The customer service experience was abysmal. I know everyone has their horror story with a large company, but several times I nearly lost my mind trying to square away payments or discounts I was entitled to from the Verizon non-customer service crew.
The real x-factor is how Verizon would treat the iPhone. Verizon has a history of disabling key features on devices that make it to its network. And while Apple is probably the most controlling and secretive company around, Verizon is a close second. One has to wonder if the relationship could even work. Would Google Maps get replaced by VZ Navigator? Would a gigantic red V sit in the background of the iPhone home screen?
This will be fascinating as it plays out. Definitely worth watching.
#1 by BB on April 28, 2009 - 5:10 pm
I don’t know if I could switch back to Verizon. I could never give up Google Maps for anything. There is nothing better when you are traveling than turning on the GPS, finding yourself on the map with the cute glowing blue dot, and then searching for a Starbucks or a Whole Foods in the area and watching the little red pins drop with joy onto your map. I love it, I can’t live without it.