The wireless industry has two major news for consumers. For one, the iPhone has some healthy competition from Google’s Android phone which T-Mobile will be the carrier and will be released today. Second, Verizon released a press release stating they are no longer requiring contracts and will stop charging ETFs.
The G1, Google Android, will be targeting average Blackberry users by enabling free access to GMail (no data plan required), which is a $15 monthly value to the carrier, T-Mo. The handset is made from a relatively new manufacturer, HTC, based in Taiwan; boasts many new features which make the phone compete in the league of iPhones. A number of the features relate to Google’s interest for the greater good, such as Open Source applications, where as Apple restricts their code.
It’s nice to see that all the rumors, all the promises and all the hype are coming true and T-Mobile will make it happen.
Verizon Wireless discontinued wireless contracts for new customers. It’s no longer required as they don’t want to turn customers into fugitives from the company (later sending collectors after them) and instead win them over with great customer service. Verizon is the first carrier to proactively address wireless consumer’s needs and modify their policies. And it took no lawyers, jurors or a judge. Good job, Verizon!
Should also be noted that Sprint lost a substantial lawsuit over the business practice of charging Early Termination Fees (ETFs) and had to pay out $74 million in light of it. Sprint’s appealing it, burning customer relationshops is clearly more important than letting them go with a smile.
My experience with Verizon Wireless has been nothing but exceptional every time. I still miss having the power ‘of the network’ behind me when I talk on the phone. Whoever runs their customer service teams, keep it up and get a fat bonus; as a consumer we really enjoyed it. Since I have AT&T, customer service experiences are “okay” but certainly not as impressive as Verizon.
