Re: Microsoft Lumia 950 and 950XL
SickFreak
Specialist - Level 1

Tidbits wrote:

I don't buy into the conspiracy theories of Verizon intentionally doing it.

At first I thought it was just me, but after hitting dozens of retail shops all around the country, I started wondering.  But then talking to a lot of other people (and seeing thousands of posts by others having the same experience) that have ran across the exact same thing all around the nation, it's just to consistent of a message for it not to be coming from corporate.

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Re: Microsoft Lumia 950 and 950XL
SickFreak
Specialist - Level 1

Mikhael928 wrote:

Wrong!

Microsoft did not limit these devices, Verizon chose to lock out the product identifier so that it's network will not allow these phones to work on its network. The phones ship unlocked and ready to work on all networks, including. Missing, however, is Band 13, which is a set of 700MHz frequencies used by Verizon in some locations. So even if the phones were used on the Verizon system, there may be some spots where they would have trouble with network availability. Why the Band 13 frequencies were left out of these devices but in included in previously manufactured devices is a mystery to me. Still, I am taking my dollars to another carrier that is not so biased against Windows. I happen to love the way that my four Windows 10, multi-platform devices all work in harmony with each other. No matter what I use, it's the same experience. Not even their "Golden Child" Apple can make that claim.

Actually, MSFT chose not to get the 950/XL approved for the CDMA networks.  Of course, everyone is guessing that VZW had something to do with it, but the bottom line is that the 950 only works on GSM networks.  This is why I finally left VZW, and so far, I'm much happier!

Re: Microsoft Lumia 950 and 950XL
J_Icon
Enthusiast - Level 3

CDMA is 2G, and WCDMA is 3G.  Maybe, this is a manufacturing move to force network upgrades.

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Re: Microsoft Lumia 950 and 950XL
Tidbits
Legend

J_Icon wrote:

CDMA is 2G, and WCDMA is 3G.  Maybe, this is a manufacturing move to force network upgrades.

CDMA = 1XX

WCDMA = UMTS or 3G for GSM

EVDOrev.A/0 = 3G for CDMA.

Re: Microsoft Lumia 950 and 950XL
J_Icon
Enthusiast - Level 3

Though my experience is localized, I've been told by sale associates not to buy a Windows Phone...even when I showed them my Icon.  The debate is moot.  I will get a WP, and maybe I will wait for the "Surface Phone."

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Re: Microsoft Lumia 950 and 950XL
SickFreak
Specialist - Level 1

J_Icon wrote:

Though my experience is localized, I've been told by sale associates not to buy a Windows Phone...even when I showed them my Icon.  The debate is moot.  I will get a WP, and maybe I will wait for the "Surface Phone."

Just saw this about the upcoming "Surface Phone."  I'm still saying probably a year out.

The Surface Phone you've always wanted is happening | Windows Central

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Re: Microsoft Lumia 950 and 950XL
47seijar
Specialist - Level 2

If there was a conspiracy against Microsoft then Verizon wouldn't be selling the Lumia 735. The lack of a 950 on Verizon is 100% on Microsoft. I don't understand Microsoft some times. They're the 800 lb. gorilla in the room (ANY room), they're fighting for relevance in the mobile phone business (they bought Nokia's D&S division for BILLION$ and enjoy a minuscule market share), and yet they limit a new flagship device by eliminating HALF the potential customers in the U.S. by failing to have CDMA bands supported. In what universe does that make sense??

Re: Microsoft Lumia 950 and 950XL
47seijar
Specialist - Level 2

If not a full year away, darn close. Originally they were saying May '16 but now it's just "second half 2016." I hope they use the time to get the issues plaguing the 950 sorted out by release time.

Note to Microsoft: the battery has to last a full day on a charge. It's 2015. We expect a little more.

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Re: Microsoft Lumia 950 and 950XL
dexman
Community Leader
Community Leader

The 735 is a low to mid level unit with a price that is easy on the wallet.

I believe that Nokia designed the 735 to be a Verizon Wireless exclusive model.

Despite the fact that Microsoft purposely restricted the 550 and the 950s to GSM networks, VZW still has the reputation for being unfriendly towards Windows devices. The statement issued by VZW where the spokesperson butchered the name of the 950/950XL and compounded things be referring to Microsoft as "Nokia" speaks volumes.

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Re: Microsoft Lumia 950 and 950XL
Mikhael928
Enthusiast - Level 2

Regarding the loss of CDMA capabilities: The cellular world is changing and CDMA is going away, just like GSM is going away and IDEN (a GSM variant, think Nextel) went away. Networks are becoming more standardized in all companies, even many companies that provide their own cellular network, like the one that I worked for till I had to go on disability. I believe that many of the decisions made by both the carriers and the manufacturers is as it has always been; "I will like you if you like me unless someone else comes along that suits me better." Verizon HAD to block the 950 and 950XL because of the fact that they are not CDMA phones and they do not include the 700MHz Band 13. Whether or not the Band 13 thing is an oversight, misprint or intentional omission, it will come to light soon enough, without speculation. A certain amount of bandwidth for CDMA and GSM will be retained until the majority of users no longer need it. All the carriers would LOVE to dump CDMA and GSM today, if they could. It would be less infrastructure to care for and would give them more bandwidth for the newer technologies. Evolution always has bumps. This is no different and is a good thing. When channel bandwidth was reduced from 25kHz to 12.5kHz they figured out how to squeeze it down to 6.25kHz and then how to combine it into a giant multi-megahertz wide channel broken up by digital codes and/or time division multiplexing.

My final word on this subject, as I am leaving Verizon in the next few days, is do what seems right for you. I don't like the fact that I have yet to walk into a Verizon store and get Windows support, whereas every AT&T store I have ever been in had at least one Windows Guru. I was with AT&T and changed to Verizon two years ago because AT&T didn't cover my new home. Now they do, so back I go. Good luck to you all and may you make the best decision you can.

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