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Verizon (mobile network)

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Cellco Partnership
Company typeJoint venture
IndustryWireless Services
Founded2000
HeadquartersBasking Ridge, New Jersey, USA
Key people
Lowell McAdam (President and Chief Executive Officer)
ProductsCDMA2000 1x and EV-DO (wireless voice and data services), SMS (text messaging), MMS (picture messaging), Video on Demand (V CAST), Mobile TV (V CAST Mobile TV), location-based services, BREW (Get It Now), Push to Talk, AMPS, Global Phone Rental/Sales (via Vodafone) (GSM/CDMA Hybrid Phones), Satellite Phone Rental/Sales (via Vodafone), Pagers
Number of employees
66,000
ParentVerizon Communications (55%)
Vodafone Group (45%)
Websitewww.verizonwireless.com

Cellco Partnership, doing business as Verizon Wireless, owns and operates the second largest wireless telecommunications network in the United States, based on total wireless customers. Based on revenue, Verizon Wireless is the largest American wireless company and largest wireless data provider. As of July 2007, the company served a total of 62.1 million U.S. subscribers and had an annual revenue of $38 billion. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, the company is a joint venture of Verizon Communications and Vodafone Group, with 55 and 45 percent ownership respectively.

History

File:Banm.svg
Verizon Wireless traces its roots back to Bell Atlantic Mobile and NYNEX Mobile Communications.

Verizon Wireless traces its roots to Bell Atlantic Mobile, NYNEX Mobile Communications, AirTouch Communications, PrimeCo Communications, and GTE Mobilnet. Bell Atlantic Mobile and NYNEX Mobile Communications merged in 1995 to create Bell Atlantic-NYNEX Mobile, and in 1997 their namesake Baby Bell parents followed suit to form the new Bell Atlantic and their wireless subsidiary was renamed Bell Atlantic Mobile. Bell Atlantic Mobile and NYNEX Mobile Communications was created from Advanced Mobile Phone Service, Inc., which was a subsidiary of AT&T created in 1978 to provide cellular service nationwide. AMPS, Inc. was divided among the RBOCs as part of the Bell System Divestiture.

Meanwhile, in June 1999, AirTouch Communications of San Francisco, California merged with UK-based Vodafone Group Plc, forming Vodafone AirTouch Plc. In September 1999, Vodafone AirTouch announced a $90-billion joint venture with Bell Atlantic Corp. to be called Verizon Wireless, and which would be comprised of the two companies' U.S. wireless assets: Bell Atlantic Mobile and AirTouch Paging. This wireless joint venture received regulatory approval in six months, and began operations as Verizon Wireless on April 4, 2000. On June 30, 2000, the addition of GTE Wireless' assets, in connection with the merger of Bell Atlantic and GTE to form Verizon Communications, made Verizon Wireless the nation's largest wireless communications provider (until Cingular's acquisition of AT&T Wireless in 2004). For the joint venture, Verizon Communications owns 55% and UK-based Vodafone Group (formerly Vodafone AirTouch) owns 45%.

The name "Verizon," a portmanteau, is derived by combining the word "veritas," a Latin term that means "truth," and the word "horizon." Together, they are supposed to conjure images of reliability, certainty, leadership, and limitless possibilities.[1]

Verizon is one of six U.S. carriers to use CDMA technology, the others being Sprint Nextel's Sprint PCS division, Alltel, U.S. Cellular, Cricket, Midwest Wireless and Metro PCS. Please see List of United States mobile phone companies for more information. Aside from the 3 generations of CDMA (IS-95, 1x, and EV-DO), Verizon Wireless also supports a legacy AMPS network.

Verizon Wireless claims it invests more than $6 billion annually to "maintain and expand" its nationwide CDMA network and support its analog network. Verizon Wireless offers voice services as well as 3G data services such as wireless broadband based on EV-DO, text and picture messaging, over-the-air downloadable applications and content from its "Get It Now" service, Video on Demand in the form of V CAST (which allows customers to download and view video content), location-based services, and Push-to-Talk.

On September 20, 2007, Verizon Wireless announced a joint effort with the Vodafone Group to transition their networks to the 4G standard LTE, a variant of the GSM standard.[2]

Advertising

In 2000, Verizon Wireless advertised the fact that they were, for a time, the largest cellular network in the country by showing people using cell phones and then gesturing with two fingers, much like the World War II-era "V for Victory" sign, to show that the person was on the Verizon ("V" or "iN") network. The slogan for Verizon Wireless at that time was "Join in." (Reminiscent of the slogan "Join in" was used in their marketing scheme up to this day. i.e., "iN-calling," "iN-messaging," and even the toll-free number "1-800-2-JOIN-IN.")

Later, Verizon adopted the slogan "We never stop working for you," with commercials depicting a Verizon employee roaming about in strange places continuously asking, "Can you hear me now? Good." (The "employee" is played by stage actor Paul Marcarelli) The "test man" represents Verizon test technicians.[3]

In 2005, Verizon Wireless added an "army" of network engineers into their commercials in conjunction with the "test man." The "test man" no longer says "Can you hear me now? Good." Instead, they have adopted a new slogan "It's the Network." to emphasize their network quality. (Verizon Wireless still uses the slogan "We never stop working for you." from time to time — especially on their website: http://www.verizonwireless.com)

Awards

  • Carrier Of The Year - Wireless Week, April 1, 2007
  • Highest In Business Wireless Satisfaction - J.D. Power and Associates, May 17, 2006
  • Highest Customer Service Quality Rating - RCR Wireless News, January 21, 2004
  • Best Wireless Product - Wireless Systems Design, February 11, 2004
  • Carrier of the Year - Wireless Week, March 22, 2004
  • Carrier of the Year - Wireless Week, April 1, 2006
  • Best Overall Carrier - Laptop Magazine, May 2004
  • Best Place to Work in IT - ComputerWorld, June 14, 2004
  • Best Place to Work in IT - Computerworld, June 19, 2006
  • 100 Best Companies for Working Mothers - Working Mother, October 2004
  • Reader's Choice - PC Magazine, November 29, 2004
  • Corporation of the Year - The U.S. Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce
  • Gold Well Workplace - The Wellness Councils of America, September 2005
  • Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. April 1, 2006
  • Tops For Diversity DiversityBusiness.com, March 30, 2006
  • Training Top 100, Again Training, March 2006

Content delivery systems

Get It Now

Overview

Get It Now is Verizon Wireless's implementation of Qualcomm's BREW technology, allowing a user to download and use applications on a Verizon Wireless Get It Now-enabled phone. It is a proprietary interface to download ring tones, music, games, applications, and use instant messaging on a phone. Verizon has implemented a GPS navigation application available through GetItNow which works for the most part like a standalone GPS unit. Users can also locate businesses within their vicinity, searching by category or business name. Users usually are unable to load content on the Verizon Wireless phones outside of Get It Now system; this is done for financial reasons. Verizon Wireless has exclusivity agreements with its Get It Now content providers (See Walled garden (media)). Sometimes cell phone enthusiasts do unauthorized modifications to their phones or use unauthorized software to make the phone accept non- Get It Now -originated content.

Video content

  • Music & Tones
    • V CAST Music
    • V CAST Performances
    • Ringback Tones
    • Ringtones
  • Video
    • V CAST Video
    • V CAST Mobile TV
  • Games
    • V CAST Games
  • Messaging
    • TXT
    • PIX & FLIX
    • Mobile IM
    • Email
  • Wallpapers
  • News & Info Applications
    • Alerts
    • Web
    • Going

Pricing and availability

Most games available on Get It Now are available in two purchase options: "subscribe," which charges a monthly amount to an account, and "unlimited" which is slightly more expensive and has one-time charge. Subscription fees range from $2.99 to $4.99 per month. Purchase fees range from $4.99 to $11.99 Most applications, such as Zagat restaurant lookup, do not allow unlimited-use purchases. Any application or game that requires a data connection will use Verizon minutes. Often, more advanced games must be purchased and downloaded.

Even though most of the applications available through Get It Now are BREW-based, the available selection of games and applications is different depending on what Verizon phone one is using.


V CAST

Main article: V CAST

V CAST, Verizon's current content delivery network, is powered by Verizon Wireless' EV-DO network. The typical download speed is between 400 and 700 kilobits per second with burst speeds of up to 2 megabits per second. V CAST provides streaming video clips. Some videos may be saved to the phone or a removable memory card, though they cannot be read by other phones or computers. V CAST is heavily protected by digital rights management software. There is buffering before the video stream is played and possibly during video playback, depending on the quality of the connection. V CAST is implemented as a permanently installed BREW application on a V CAST compatible phone. The V CAST application will not allow videos to play or even to navigate menus if there is no EV-DO coverage available. V CAST will only fall back to the slower 1x when a V CAST user leaves an EV-DO area in the middle of a video clip.

V CAST is one of the few mobile phone-based systems on which more advanced games including 3-D graphics can be played. The graphic quality of these games is similar to the original Sony PlayStation or the Sega Saturn. Most, but not all, V CAST games require airtime for use, but most of the V CAST plans give users unlimited airtime for all videos and games.

Along with V CAST there is a feature called VZNavigator which allows the user to type in addresses and uses ones current GPS location giving them turn by turn directions to their destination. The feature also allows the user to browse local restaurants, movie theaters, gas stations, banks,and many other local listing. The feature can be downloaded off of Get It Now for $2.99 to use it unlimited for 24 hours or $9.99 to use it unlimited for the month. If you have V CAST it does not use any airtime. If you do not have V CAST it will only use the time it takes you to download the trip.

HopeLine

Verizon Wireless collects no-longer-used wireless phones, batteries and accessories in any condition from any wireless service provider. [4] Phones that can be refurbished are sold for reuse and those without value are disposed of in an environmentally sound way by way of ReCellular Inc. Proceeds from HopeLine are used to provide wireless phones and cash grants to local shelters and non-profit organizations that focus on domestic violence prevention and awareness.

Verizon Wireless with OnStar

Verizon Wireless currently offers the "America's Choice Plan with OnStar," which is a bundle plan between Verizon Wireless service and OnStar service.[5] With this plan, the Verizon Wireless phone is the "primary line" and the OnStar device is the "secondary line." This plan is very similar to the "Family SharePlan," with rates starting at $69.99 USD for 700 minutes.[6]

From "Verizon Wireless" to "Claro" in Puerto Rico

The Claro brand was launched in Puerto Rico on 18 May 2007 as rebranding the Verizon Wireless trademark, after Verizon International sold its stake on the company. Claro is the wireless arm of Puerto Rico Telephone, which serves wireline telephone and data services in the island. The brand was introduced to the wireless segment after the 30 March 2007 acquisition of the telecom by América Móvil.

Claro Puerto Rico is currently the largest and most powerful mobile network serving the island, serving more than 567,060 customers. The company has made public its plans to launch a GSM/UMTS network parallel to the CDMA/EvDO network it operates since 2002. Claro has mobile voice and data services in Puerto Rico's 78 cities and towns and it's coverage is constantly expanding, the company says.


Claro Puerto Rico Slogans

  • "Bienvenido a un mundo mejor." | "Welcome to a better world" - in English
  • "La red más poderosa habla Claro." | "The most powerful network speaks Claro" - in English
  • "Verizon Wireless la red más poderosa, ahora es Claro." | "Verizon Wireless the most powerful network, is now Claro." - in English

Controversy

  • In mid-2006, the consumer research firm Telephia published a report that suggests AT&T Mobility drops the fewest calls across the country. Verizon Wireless advertises heavily the quality of their network above competitors. According to the Consumer Beat reporter for The Boston Globe:

Telephia independently measures the top four wireless carriers for a number of consumer value points. In relation to call quality, Telephia, in a letter to the four major carriers regarding this research, will not confirm or deny that Cingular drops the fewest calls. Also, Telephia has requested that Cingular update its advertising to indicate that Telephia provided the information it uses to make this claim, not that it actually supports or confirms the 'fewest dropped calls' claim.[7]

  • Verizon Wireless charges customers peak minutes if a user dials his/her voicemail during peak hours which is in contrast to its competitors. A customer may have mobile to mobile but will still be charged peak minutes for dialing his/her voicemail. Many customers are used to having free minutes when checking voicemail and are unaware that Verizon Wireless is deducting peak minutes.
  • Verizon deactivates the built-in GPS capabilities of many current phones and PDAs. For example, its recently introduced Blackberry 8830 has full GPS capabilities and the Blackberry Maps application which uses the GPS capability for tracking and navigation. Verizon has disabled the GPS, reportedly to sell subscription-based GPS services at a later date.
  • Verizon advertised the Motorola V710 as having full Bluetooth capability, when in reality it had no OBEX or OPP functions built in. After many complaints, a class action suit was filed for false advertising, not only for advertising missing capabilities, but also for telling customers who complained to Verizon that an update was coming out "in November." The lawsuit was initiated in January of 2005 and settlement decision became final on March 20 2006, with Verizon offering to qualified members of the class action suit (purchased a V710 BEFORE February 2 2005) a $25 credit to all of its V710 customers, or the option to trade in the V710 for $200 or original purchase price and allow them to keep their phone number and service, or $200 or original purchase price and allow them to break their contract and discontinue service with Verizon (all after numerous paperwork loops). The settlement to the lawsuit did not directly address the V710's restrictions. The same hardware crippling exists with Motorola's successor to the V710, the E815, but unlike the V710, the E815 was marked clearly that OBEX and OPP was disabled. Additionally, through a seem edit, OBEX could be enabled on the 815, but not on the 710 (the Verizon e815 lacks the OPP profile altogether). Other carriers' versions of the V710, while still possessing some restrictions to the Bluetooth functionality, are much less restrictive overall, allowing full use of the customer's own MIDI and MP3 files for ringtones, etc.[citation needed]
  • Verizon makes heavy use of Qualcomm's BREW technology, and uses it over Java in case of phones where both are an option. By using BREW (which is branded Get It Now), Verizon locks users into its own applications, making it impossible to install anything Verizon doesn't offer. Programs such as the standard mail reader included in some phones were removed, forcing people to buy expensive mail readers from Get It Now. It is not uncommon for CDMA carriers to implement BREW. Most of the US CDMA carriers currently use BREW. Sprint Nextel is the main exception. They have opted for the Java interface.[citation needed]
  • Verizon Wireless has removed features in firmware updates for the Motorola V710 and several other newer phones for ringtone transfers, making it more difficult - but not impossible - to transfer MP3s from the phone's microSD card. This update also disabled editing of the homepage field in WebSessions making it more difficult to use alternate WAP gateways. One result of this crippling has been a prominent network of "unofficial" web sites, documenting how to enable, access, or use hidden or crippled features. This often includes divulging service codes for new phone models, or homebrew software that can access otherwise hidden parts of the phone's memory system.[citation needed]
  • Verizon Wireless has implemented a standard user interface across all handsets. Somewhat reminiscent of LG's interface, this standard reduces support training costs. However, it has also anecdotally alienated many brand-loyal customers who find it not aesthetically pleasing, only minimally customizable, slower than the previous interface, and a hindrance to the functioning of several previously available phone features.[citation needed] Some users have even gone so far as to protest the new user interface, to which Verizon Wireless ignored/has issued no response [1].
  • Verizon Wireless has come under fire by "power users" of its EV-DO wireless data network (called BroadbandAccess), for using language in its terms of service which heavily restricts what activities an EV-DO user can conduct even though the service is advertised as offering "Unlimited" data usage. The language in Verizon Wireless' usage agreement states:

    Unlimited NationalAccess/BroadbandAccess services cannot be used (1) for uploading, downloading or streaming of movies, music or games, (2) with server devices or with host computer applications, including, but not limited to, Web camera posts or broadcasts, automatic data feeds, Voice over IP (VoIP), automated machine-to-machine connections, or peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, or (3) as a substitute or backup for private lines or dedicated data connections... We reserve right to limit throughput or amount of data transferred, deny or terminate service, without notice, to anyone we believe is using NationalAccess or BroadbandAccess in any manner prohibited above or whose usage adversely impacts our network or service levels.[8]

  • To stem criticism of the above, Verizon Wireless now outright limits the "unlimited" use, by imposing a quota on "unlimited" use, and terminates customers who exceed it. According to The Washington Post,[9] Broadband Reports,[10] tech columnist Robert X. Cringely,[citation needed] many wireless industry "insider" news sites and blogs,[11][12][13] Verizon advertises "unlimited" broadband service but reserves the right to terminate anyone using more than 5 GB/month (166 MB/day) regardless of use or content transferred, with no difference between permitted web browsing, or prohibited uses, such as peer-to-peer file sharing). This is a quota of about 15 minutes of continuous data transmission time per day. A PBS investigator monitored his bandwidth during normal use and discovered it to be 184 MB/day[14].
  • Verizon Wireless uses a wireless standard called CDMA. Because of this, many mobile phone subscribers from North America cannot use their devices while travelling abroad. Moreover, Verizon's continued use of CDMA technology has precluded any roaming agreements between it and other United States wireless providers, such as AT&T and T-Mobile, that use the GSM standard. This problem may eventually resolve itself, however, as Verizon Wireless transitions to the GSM-based LTE standard for its 4G network, eventually abandoning CDMA. [15]

Acquisitions

  • At the end of 2006, Verizon Wireless bought out West Virginia Wireless, a regional GSM cell phone company.
  • On 30 July 2007, Rural Cellular Corporation (Unicel) announced it agreed to be acquired by Verizon Wireless (a CDMA carrier). Verizon said that it plans to convert RCC's GSM customers to CDMA technology, but it will continue to operate RCC's current GSM network in order to generate roaming revenue. The sale is expected to close in early 2008, pending approvals from the FCC and potentially the Department of Justice, to ensure that the acquisition won't be anti-competitive in some geographic areas. On 4 October 2007, Rural Cellular Corporation Shareholders Approve Merger Agreement with Verizon Wireless "ALEXANDRIA, Minn., Oct 04, 2007 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Rural Cellular Corporation ("RCC" or "the Company") (NASDAQ:RCCC) today announced that its shareholders voted to approve the merger agreement providing for the acquisition of Rural Cellular Corporation by Verizon Wireless for approximately $2.67 billion in cash and assumed debt."

Verizon Wireless competitors

Wireless (in order of customer totals)

Verizon Wireless's MVNOs

Special Handset Codes

1. *228 (mnemonic ACT) is Verizon's "Over-The-Air" programming. Option 1 programs a newly provisioned phone with its assigned phone number and other critical subscriber information, or will update the phones plan if the customer has added features or updated roaming/network plan. Option 2 updates the handset's preferred roaming list; useful when using the phone in a new location. *22899 will automatically perform an over the air software update without prompting the user.

2. #3282 (mnemonic DATA) provides data usage and current billing balance due.

3. #225 (mnemonic BAL) returns a text message with last payment date and amount and current balance due amount.

4. #768 (PMT) allows payment by phone.

5. #729 (PAY) allows payment for prepay accounts by phone.

6. #646 (MIN) provides minute usage report.

7. #2539 re-authenticates phones (requires a service technician.) Another use for it is to find out about new promotions (because it plays the hold music indefinitely).

7. #832 (TEC) provides a free test call.

8. #4438 (GIFT) provides balances on Verizon Wireless gift cards.

9. #932 (WEB) connects the user with Internet support (verizonwireless.com)

10. *611 provides customer service.

11. *86 (VM) provides voicemail inbox


Notes

Early in 2006, Verizon announced their intent to buy out the remaining 45% of stock of Verizon Wireless from Vodafone..[16] Vodafone, however, stated they “have no current plans to exit” the US market by giving up its stake in Verizon Wireless.[17]

On December 19, 2006, it was announced Verizon Wireless' CEO Denny Strigl has been called up to parent Verizon Communications to be the company's new President and COO. He was to begin serving in the new post on January 1, 2007. Verizon Wireless COO Lowell McAdam was to take over Strigl's role as CEO of VZW.[18]

References

  1. ^ "Corporate History". Verizon Wireless. Retrieved 2007-05-07.
  2. ^ Hill, Kelly (2007-09-20). "Verizon Wireless to join Vodafone in upgrade to LTE". Carrier News. RCRNews. Retrieved 2007-09-21. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  3. ^ Howard, Theresa (2004-02-22). "'Can you hear me now?' a hit". USA Today. Retrieved 2007-05-07. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  4. ^ "HopeLineSM Verizon Wireless HopeLine". Verizon Wireless. Retrieved 2007-05-24.
  5. ^ "America's ChoiceSM Plan with OnStar: Home". Verizon Wireless. Retrieved 2007-05-07.
  6. ^ "America's ChoiceSM Plan with OnStar: Plans". Verizon Wireless. Retrieved 2007-05-07.
  7. ^ Mohl, Bruce (2006-05-14). "For BJ's, ignoring item pricing is a bargain: Paying fines is cheaper than the cost of complying with state law". The Boston Globe. Retrieved 2007-05-07. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help) (See section entitled Tepid Support.)
  8. ^ "Terms of Service" (Verizon Wireless subscription required).
  9. ^ Shin, Annys (2006-10-04). "Who's a Bandwidth Bandit?". The Checkout. The Washington Post. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Text "authorlink" ignored (help); Unknown parameter |acccessdate= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  10. ^ "Verizon 'Unlimited' EV-DO: Limited: And usage monitor may be incorrect?". Broadband Reports. 2006-07-26. Retrieved 2007-05-07. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  11. ^ Osborne, Brian (2006-07-26). "Unlimited wireless broadband usage has its limits". Geek.com. Retrieved 2007-05-07. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  12. ^ Masnick, Mike (2005-10-17). "Verizon Wireless Also Pretends Customers Don't Know What Unlimited Means: from the not-this-again dept". TechDirt.com. Retrieved 2007-05-07. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  13. ^ Enoch, Joseph S. (2006-07-25). "Verizon Limits Its Unlimited Wireless Broadband Service". consumeraffairs.com. Retrieved 2007-05-07. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  14. ^ Cringely, Robert X. (2006-09-28). "The Buck Stops Where?: Not with the CEO at HP it seems, he's out of the loop". The Pulpit. Pbs.org. Retrieved 2007-06-19. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help) (See section entitled "Unlimited" Broadband.)
  15. ^ Hill, Kelly (2007-09-20). "Verizon Wireless to join Vodafone in upgrade to LTE". Carrier News. RCRNews. Retrieved 2007-09-21. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  16. ^ "Verizon CEO: Buy Out Vodafone, Forget About Alltel". Seeking Alpha. 2006-03-21. Retrieved 2007-05-07. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  17. ^ "Vodafone Keeping Verizon Stake". Phone Scoop. 2006-03-22. Retrieved 2007-05-07. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  18. ^ "Guard Changes At Verizon Wireless". 2006-12-19 work = Phone Scoop. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Missing pipe in: |date= (help)

See also

External links

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