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It's Clear Verizon Is Blocking Google Wallet Anti-Competitively
Google Wallet Delayed to Give Isis Development Time

Verizon has been trying to justify their blocking of Google Wallet on Verizon phones, insisting the app is blocked because Google Wallet uses the "secure element" on devices to store a user's Google ID. In response to complaints filed with the FCC, Verizon insists the unending blockade has nothing to do with the fact Verizon (in conjunction with AT&T and T-Mobile) is working on their own competing mobile payment platform named Isis.

That's obviously not true, and more than a few technology websites have noticed that Verizon's simply acting anti-competively by delaying Google Wallet just long enough to help their Isis platform catch up in development (even if it appears few are using it and many participating retailers have never heard of it).

With Google Wallet on permanent vacation and Verizon lawyers playing faux-technical patty cake with the FCC, lo and behold Verizon's Isis Mobile Wallet app arrived this week, and is able to use the secure element with no problem or approval delay whatsoever:

quote:
Click for full size
In the screenshots above, taken directly from the Isis Mobile Wallet app on a Verizon Galaxy S3, you can see mentions of the previously talked about “secure element.” In fact, the phone requirements for the app speak of this “secure element” as a “dedicated component in your phone” used to store payment cards and everything else needed to properly run a mobile payment app with NFC. Basically, that’s everything that they said was bad about Google Wallet, and that if Google removed this requirement, that its app could be used on Verizon phones.
For those who've been around this kind of behavior from Verizon is nothing new. You'll recall that initially Verizon blocked Google Maps from having access to their phones' GPS hardware, in order to give their own navigation software (and its monthly fee) a leg up. Verizon ultimately backed off after enough people realized Verizon was simply being an obnoxious ass, but it's clear that this kind of behavior is simply in Verizon's (and AT&T's) nature as duopolist gatekeepers.

You have to assume that Verizon will also cave here as this story gains traction, but by then Verizon's goal of delaying Google Wallet just long enough to give Isis a leg up will have already gained traction. One irony of course is that in conjunction with Verizon, Google worked to gut meaningful network neutrality rules that would have prevented this very thing from happening on wireless networks.
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Woody79_00
I run Linux am I still a PC?
Premium Member
join:2004-07-08
united state

Woody79_00

Premium Member

Figures.....

I am so glad i am no longer a Verizon customer...best decision i ever made....I actually think Verizon is worse then ATT and i never thought anyone could be worse then ATT but Verizon is...

SADFASDF
@comcast.net

SADFASDF

Anon

Re: Figures.....

You're deadly wrong! ATT and VZ are the same. It depends on who sucks the most money from consumers like US.
bnceo
join:2007-10-11
Bel Air, MD

bnceo

Member

Re: Figures.....

I can use Google Wallet on my unlocked Galaxy Nexus which using an AT&T Sim. Seems to me, in this case, AT&T > Verizon. I can actually buy a GSM phone unlocked and use it on AT&T without so much as calling them. Just pop in the sim and boom. Works.
nanaki333
join:2010-08-11
Chantilly, VA

nanaki333

Member

Re: Figures.....

running cn mod, a build.prop modification, and a modified .com file you have to copy in to the system/app folder.... i can run it on my galaxy s3.

Brian1234
@sit-co.net

Brian1234 to bnceo

Anon

to bnceo
I am using Google Wallet on my rooted Verizon Gnex. Your argument is invalid.
bnceo
join:2007-10-11
Bel Air, MD

bnceo

Member

Re: Figures.....

No actually, you validated it. I run stock out of the box and it works. No rooting or nothing needed. Which is how it should be.

Denverite
@comcast.net

Denverite to bnceo

Anon

to bnceo
Meh. Verizon and AT&T don't work where I live. TMobile actually built a tower at the end of the block where I'm at in 2008; when it was still VoiceStream. It's been an interesting 10+ year marriage. I can roam on CellOne (yes, it still exists) but AT&T doesn't have a roaming agreement with them.

On our city block is a Business Director at MagTek, and he has an interesting point- you can't buy anything with a smartphone if the network is down or battery in your phone is dead, which sometimes happens. So I don't know. It's neat technology, but a credit or debit card doesn't need requisite requirements met, and privacy is protected.
tcope
Premium Member
join:2003-05-07
Sandy, UT

tcope

Premium Member

Re: Figures.....

said by Denverite :

On our city block is a Business Director at MagTek, and he has an interesting point- you can't buy anything with a smartphone if the network is down or battery in your phone is dead, which sometimes happens. So I don't know. It's neat technology, but a credit or debit card doesn't need requisite requirements met, and privacy is protected.

He's partially incorrect. At least with ISIS (and I'm betting it's true of GW as well) you don't need a data connection for a purchase. It's the same as if you were to use a card or token to pay.... no data connection is required.

ISIS (and probably GW) is as secure as a debit card. More secure then a credit card. ISIS requires that a PIN be entered on the phone before it can be used. If I have your credit card, I can use it any place I want.

A dead battey? Yeah... I guess that could happen. But it would be a freak thing.... my battery is dead and I did not drive to the store or have a charger in the car.
en103
join:2011-05-02

en103 to SADFASDF

Member

to SADFASDF
All carriers / megacorps are evil in their own ways.

AT&T = bad PR / slow buildout / anti competitive
Verizon = anti competitive, monopolistic

For me , VZW (and VZ itself) were horrible to deal with as both a consumer and at a business level.
AT&T isn't great, but has been better to deal with - I just don't like their methods - (eg. throttlegate)

googlef
@distributel.net

googlef

Anon

Re: Figures.....

google = data logger / sells your information / offshore tax shelter / etc they are all the same

bumgee
@comcast.net

bumgee

Anon

Re: Figures.....

I don't mind Google collecting my info to use in their business model as long as it provides me a better experience overall. I trust Google far more than I trust ATT and VZW. I hope that Google creates their own mobile network. Giving up my data will ultimately result in a much cheaper service for me and a better experience because they will already know what I like and can deliver that to me much faster than me having to search the net for answers to my questions.
tcope
Premium Member
join:2003-05-07
Sandy, UT

tcope

Premium Member

Re: Figures.....

AT&T, Verizon and TM don't have access to your purchase information. Neither does ISIS.

Nope
@verizon.net

Nope to googlef

Anon

to googlef
Google doesn't sell your information, they sell access to your eyeballs based on your overall profile. Advertisers don't know anything about you, they pay Google to show their ads to "X people matching Y profile".

If Google did actually sell your information then that would be a terrible business decision for them, because they could only sell it once to each customer. Instead they can re-sell access to you infinitely.

anon_i87654
@107.38.206.x

anon_i87654

Anon

Re: Figures.....

just wait. just wait until you see a complete profile of you posted online. there are over 500 tracking companies spying on you as you travel the internet and as the years go by they will be consolidating their info, merging, taking over the smaller, etc.

btw 500 freaking companies - there must be making tens of billions selling our private data.

anon_54345
@107.38.206.x

anon_54345 to googlef

Anon

to googlef
said by googlef :

google = data logger / sells your information / offshore tax shelter / etc they are all the same

correct

so who cares if someone else finally returns the $$crewing to google?

not me

i hate ATT, Verizon and most of the rest of those colluding in the cellular industry but google is worse than all. brin and page are lying crooks.
Expand your moderator at work
Mr Matt
join:2008-01-29
Eustis, FL

Mr Matt

Member

This calls for an increase in lobbying budget.

Net Neutrality circumvention to do list for wireless carriers:
1) Increase lobbing budget.
2) Grease the Palms of Lawmakers for their support.
3) Carriers write laws for corrupt lawmakers to rubber stamp favoring carriers wishes.
4) Corrupt lawmakers push through laws.
5) Problem solved.
Terabit
join:2008-12-19

1 edit

Terabit

Member

Re: This calls for an increase in lobbying budget.

Not to mention, as you can see with Wall Street, credit cards, investment banks, broadband sector, wireless sector, etc etc self-regulation works well. /sarcasm.
Kearnstd
Space Elf
Premium Member
join:2002-01-22
Mullica Hill, NJ

Kearnstd

Premium Member

Re: This calls for an increase in lobbying budget.

Yes if Hen House watching worked like Corporate America, The Fox Security would lobby that Foxes have as much right to watch hens as people do even though they are known to steal the eggs.
old_wiz_60
join:2005-06-03
Bedford, MA

old_wiz_60 to Mr Matt

Member

to Mr Matt
Absolutely! This true not just for carriers, but for corporations as well. Congress, the SCOTUS, and POTUS are so easy to bribe it's amazing that they pass any consumer friendly legislation at all.

Congressional ethics rule number 1
"Don't get caught."
Terabit
join:2008-12-19

1 recommendation

Terabit

Member

Re: This calls for an increase in lobbying budget.

I think we all saw that when the (R) SCOTUS ruled that a corporation is no different to a living and breathing American.
bnceo
join:2007-10-11
Bel Air, MD

bnceo

Member

Carrier Phones Suck - Unlock All The Way

We need to get out of his mentality of getting cheap phones. And then whining when you can't leave your contract. I have started to avoid all this and I will only buy unlocked phones and use them on GSM providers. The nonsense that Verizon has done to a Google device has convinced me that carriers have no business messing with a product. Just be a signal carrier and nothing more. Stop messing with phone technology. It hurts everybody.

So I challenge everyone to stop being attracted by the cheap 2-year contract price and escape these carriers. Go unlock and buy your phone outright.
88615298 (banned)
join:2004-07-28
West Tenness

88615298 (banned)

Member

Re: Carrier Phones Suck - Unlock All The Way

said by bnceo:

We need to get out of his mentality of getting cheap phones. And then whining when you can't leave your contract. I have started to avoid all this and I will only buy unlocked phones and use them on GSM providers. The nonsense that Verizon has done to a Google device has convinced me that carriers have no business messing with a product. Just be a signal carrier and nothing more. Stop messing with phone technology. It hurts everybody.

So I challenge everyone to stop being attracted by the cheap 2-year contract price and escape these carriers. Go unlock and buy your phone outright.

Awesome except in my area the only GSM provider is at&t. Also once everyone goes all in with LTE then GSM/CMDA won't exists
bnceo
join:2007-10-11
Bel Air, MD

bnceo

Member

Re: Carrier Phones Suck - Unlock All The Way

If you have AT&T in your area, you can use Straight Talk.

grepya
@comcastbusiness.net

grepya

Anon

Re: Carrier Phones Suck - Unlock All The Way

I second the straight-talk suggestion. I'm using it on my iPhone 4S (I bought it factory unlocked.. but it since straight-talk uses AT&T network, I believe locked ATT iPhones work on it without any mods)
»9to5mac.com/2012/07/30/r ··· ht-talk/

ArrayList
DevOps
Premium Member
join:2005-03-19
Mullica Hill, NJ

ArrayList to bnceo

Premium Member

to bnceo
uhh, all verizon phones are locked.
bnceo
join:2007-10-11
Bel Air, MD

bnceo

Member

Re: Carrier Phones Suck - Unlock All The Way

Which is why I say go GSM. You have some options.

ArrayList
DevOps
Premium Member
join:2005-03-19
Mullica Hill, NJ

ArrayList

Premium Member

Re: Carrier Phones Suck - Unlock All The Way

ah, yes. I'm lucky that I live near a metro area and can get decent service on a gsm carrier(I have T-Mobile), but a large portion of the country does not live close to a metro area and cannot do that, therefore they are stuck with the likes of Verizon. It is really unfortunate.
bnceo
join:2007-10-11
Bel Air, MD

bnceo

Member

Re: Carrier Phones Suck - Unlock All The Way

Which is fine. The priority for those people are different. They like their location a lot more than having an overimposing carrier. Can't fault them for that. Glad I live in the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic to have some options.
GLIMMER
join:2004-01-17
Fisher, IL

GLIMMER to ArrayList

Member

to ArrayList
um no there not. I have a droid dna and have put both att and tmobile sims in and they work. this is part of verizons block c provisions
bnceo
join:2007-10-11
Bel Air, MD

bnceo

Member

Re: Carrier Phones Suck - Unlock All The Way

He means locked to Verizon. You can't take a Verizon phone and go to Sprint. Using AT&T or T-Mobile is just using the World Phone part

PhoenixAZ
Get A Mac
Premium Member
join:2004-01-04
Phoenix, AZ

PhoenixAZ

Premium Member

Re: Carrier Phones Suck - Unlock All The Way

said by bnceo:

He means locked to Verizon. You can't take a Verizon phone and go to Sprint. Using AT&T or T-Mobile is just using the World Phone part

Being able to use a Verizon phone on 3 out of the 4 carriers is a GREAT start. Who cares about Sprint?
PhoenixAZ

PhoenixAZ to ArrayList

Premium Member

to ArrayList
Not really, all LTE phones are unlocked, and you can take them to T-Mobile or AT&T with no issues.

ArrayList
DevOps
Premium Member
join:2005-03-19
Mullica Hill, NJ

ArrayList

Premium Member

Re: Carrier Phones Suck - Unlock All The Way

you are saying that if you get a subsidized LTE phone from Verizon that it will work right away with T-Mobile or AT&T?

ilikeme
Premium Member
join:2002-08-27
Stafford, TX

ilikeme

Premium Member

Re: Carrier Phones Suck - Unlock All The Way

said by ArrayList:

you are saying that if you get a subsidized LTE phone from Verizon that it will work right away with T-Mobile or AT&T?

LTE is on different frequencies and no phones support both Verizon and At&t frequencies yet. The HSPA and GSM portions will work if the Verizon phone has them.
wkm001
join:2009-12-14

wkm001

Member

Here is my call with a rep just last night.

I also filed an FCC complaint about it.
»soundcloud.com/caseyreco ··· -verizon

•••

jseymour
join:2009-12-11
Waterford, MI

jseymour

Member

Smartphones: Not So Smart?

The more time I spend in the "smart"phone arena, the more leery of the whole thing I become, and the less-inclined I am to ever have one. Between the escalating costs, poor customer experiences, security concerns and underhanded attempts on the parts of carriers to increase their profits: I'm thinking "smart"phones aren't so smart.

Jim

AVD
Respice, Adspice, Prospice
Premium Member
join:2003-02-06
Onion, NJ

AVD

Premium Member

secure element

Can different apps access the secure element, or is it exclusive to one app at a time?

•••••••••••

meeeeeeeeee
join:2003-07-13
Newburgh, NY

meeeeeeeeee

Member

So long overdue

For the evil twins to get wapped really really hard upside the head with a 2x4. Some MEANINGFUL fines (not the usual $25K cost of doing business fees they historically get) would be a wonderful attitude adjustment, but since they OWN every politician and half the bureaucrats, we're not likely to see that happen. When will people smarten up and stop electing Party mobsters and vote in truly independent people who will work to change this corrupt system?
Terabit
join:2008-12-19

Terabit

Member

Re: So long overdue

Half the issue the majority of the time is trying to get the (R) side to admit that there is a problem. Heck, we see it first hand on here alone, all the time.

meeeeeeeeee
join:2003-07-13
Newburgh, NY

meeeeeeeeee

Member

Re: So long overdue

said by Terabit:

Half the issue the majority of the time is trying to get the (R) side to admit that there is a problem. Heck, we see it first hand on here alone, all the time.

Just like the old USSR... The Party is THE PARTY. Until the sheeples learn this, the beatings will continue. We have the MOST corrupt, self serving government in history. WHEN will you learn???!!!

netwire
Premium Member
join:2001-04-27
Dallas, NC

netwire

Premium Member

rererere

Considering they lied to the FCC and people who have already filed complaints about this I expect them to be in a world of trouble... well, most likely they wont be. But still, I think they need a stern talking to and be forced to allow Google Wallet. Let's face it, Verizon apps normally get a bad rating on Google Market because they're crap. I don't expect this to be any better. Do the world a favor and give their app 1 star so maybe they will give in.

DigitalRain
@openskytelcom.net

DigitalRain

Anon

Ignore copyright laws and nationalize telecommunications...

We the people must take what's ours.

cdru
Go Colts
MVM
join:2003-05-14
Fort Wayne, IN

cdru

MVM

Re: Ignore copyright laws and nationalize telecommunications...

You're suggestion failed at the 2nd word. There is nothing in the debate that has anything to do with copyright laws.
Expand your moderator at work
ogun7
join:2005-11-29
Bronx, NY

1 recommendation

ogun7

Member

Google created this monster when it got in bed with Verizon

All the griping and bellyaching is for naught since Google cosigned Verizon's position when it wanted a leg up against iPhone by allowing VZ to dictate development direction of not only Android OS but even phones by its partners in exchange for VZ's 'Droid' marketing dollars. Google even backed off of net-neutrality lobbying positions last year when it drafted along with Verizon provisions to allow carrier to 'self-regulate' and ensure their overlordship of the direction of smartphone development.
nanaki333
join:2010-08-11
Chantilly, VA

nanaki333

Member

i wrote the fcc about this

i described how i went from sprint to verizon, same exact phones... verizon would NOT work. google wallet wasn't even visible in the store. of course, i found a way to get around that, but it's annoying.

i got a response from verizon saying they don't block anything, blah blah blah.

IowaCowboy
Lost in the Supermarket
Premium Member
join:2010-10-16
Springfield, MA

IowaCowboy

Premium Member

I like Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless is better in some cities and AT&T is better in others. Verizon has better call quality and they have more cities covered in LTE.

I used to have AT&T and I've had them before the iPhone was born because they had better reception where I live but Verizon caught up and released the iPhone on their network and I switched. My mother initially refused to give up her AT&T phone but she joined my plan when she could join my plan for $30/month for a basic phone.

Stop bashing Verizon. They are a business that is made up of hard working folks that deal everyday with irate customers. I know some of the guys personally at the Holyoke Mall Verizon store and their job can be stressful at times. I requested a certain rep when I bought my iPhone 5 and I do not regret my purchase one bit. Verizon may be more expensive than its competitors but there service is good in my book.

As for the story at hand, my phone does not support NFC and there is not one store at the Holyoke Mall that has NFC terminals. I do use my iPhone to make payments (such as Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts) where they scam a barcode on my phone. I also use mobile barcodes for my loyalty cards (such as CVS and Big Y). I was picking up a prescription the other day and the clerk had a hard time scanning my CVS card on my iPhone. The nice thing about the iPhone is I can do everything on it from ordering prescription refills from the CVS app to programming my DVR with the Xfinity TV app.
ssavoy
Premium Member
join:2007-08-16
Dallas, PA

ssavoy

Premium Member

Re: I like Verizon Wireless

This isn't a local customer service problem. It's ultimately an executive decision and those people are the ones we are frustrated with. My local Verizon store is filled with some of the rudest people I know but I still don't blame them personally for their corporate decisions.
Happydude32
Premium Member
join:2005-07-16

Happydude32 to IowaCowboy

Premium Member

to IowaCowboy
Master Card PayPass is the predominate RFID payment system, and I am having trouble access their list of participating merchants online, so I went to Visa’s website to look at participating retailers for Pay Wave. While in the Holyoke mall there is only one retailer that has a Pay Wave terminal (That would be the Foot Locker) there are upwards of 100 other retailers in an 8 mile radius of the mall that accept Pay Wave.

Holding your phone and having the bar code scanned seems like a stone age way of doing things. But what else can you expect from a company like Apple that lacks true innovation and is constantly behind the times. A lot of places around here have RFID terminals, and I used Google Wallet quite a bit with my Evo LTE, it sucks that Verizon is blocking it. Kinda makes me feel like I downgraded to an iPhone when I actually have to take my credit card out of my wallet to make a purchase, but then I look at my stunning 1080p display and it reminds me that I don’t have the inferior phone.

NOCMan
MadMacHatter
Premium Member
join:2004-09-30
Colorado Springs, CO

NOCMan

Premium Member

Meanwhile..

Apple now has 53% of the US Smartphone market.

rchandra
Stargate Universe fan
Premium Member
join:2000-11-09
14225-2105
ARRIS ONT1000GJ4
EnGenius EAP1250

rchandra

Premium Member

don't think it's storing Google ID

The Google Wallet (GW) FAQ says the Secure Element (SE) stores a virtual prepaid MasterCard (MC) number belonging to Bancorp. That MC number is then used to link to your credit or debit card(s) through administering them on the GW Website or in the GW app. Charge this virtual MC, it charges your "real" credit card. It's all handled in-store through the NFC device; you don't need data service or WiFi for it to work, so it would seem there's no need to store anything from Google in the SE...just the MC number, encrypted.

MaggieL
@verizon.net

MaggieL

Anon

T-Mobile is doing the same


BJK
@datareturn.com

BJK

Anon

All carriers are terrible so root and get good features.

I was with T-Mobile for nearly 10 years and found no good devices after picking up my G1 (which I loved at the time). They went downhill pretty fast and their customer service also declined rapidly. It used to be the best CS in the business but their CSRs would tell me they were fulfilling requests and then I would see errors or no change at all on my bill.

When I moved to Verizon, I felt like an orphan kid who was treated poorly and just moved to the Ritz. Being able to change features on my phone on the fly, awesome 4G speed, and some of the best phones available.

Just like any smart phone, you have to root / jailbreak it to uninstall junk you don't want and install things that aren't normally available through their app store. Ok, so root and get on with it.

I've had Sprint, AT&T, T-Mobile, and now Verizon and Verizon has the best features and functionality of any carrier I've used. It might cost a small bit more but it's definitely worth it.
tcope
Premium Member
join:2003-05-07
Sandy, UT

tcope

Premium Member

Re: All carriers are terrible so root and get good features.

said by BJK :

Just like any smart phone, you have to root / jailbreak it to uninstall junk you don't want and install things that aren't normally available through their app store. Ok, so root and get on with it.

Just keep in mind that once you root, you create a locked door to the Secure Element on the phone... where no door existed before. As with any lock, it's only a matter of time before a hacker creates a key. It's difficult which is why it's not been done yet. But I'm betting it does happen. An app will be created that can automatically gain root access and then it's game over.

BJK
@datareturn.com

BJK

Anon

How to install

»www.droid-life.com/2012/ ··· y-nexus/

Kyah
@comcast.net

Kyah

Anon

T-mobile FTW

I can't stand Verizon. So high priced and so many limits. What the hell good is it if I have 25MB 4G if I can only download 6gig before I get butt-raped in the wallet? Then there was all the spying shit they were going to do, and now this? What a bunch of douchebags. Glad I'm with T-mobile. Decent speeds, good signal, totally unlimited data. Can't beat that on a good day at Verizon.

Ahab98
@myvzw.com

Ahab98

Anon

ok... the one with the best service, please raise your hand!

OMG! let me add a few thoughts here... i can break anything i want to but really, unless you have a phone that you can't use with your carrier, what's the point? the patriot act makes it so any and all can be learned... there is no perfect carrier... as much as i hate it, Verizon has the best coverage overall but they all have issues... what company works best where you are most of the time? that's your best carrier... yes, LTE is faster, CDMA and GSM is slower... what speed you want doesn't matter if your carrier sucks in the area you're in... best option? use that thing between your ears, what phone do you prefer? does it work on the sys you prefer? if not, unlock it or buy one unlocked... get a sim for your phone and have fun! its not as hard as you think...
djcrazy
Premium Member
join:2009-08-05
Minneapolis, MN

1 edit

djcrazy

Premium Member

Verizon sucks

I got stuck on Verizon when the old Qwest wireless ( on the Sprint backbone) stopped and Qwest began offering Verizon. Virtually NO signal at home with constant dropped calls and the most expensive even with only pay as you go data at $1.99 per MB which I never used.

To add insult to injury, the customer service was horrible. Then there was the phantom data charges all the time. I am now on T-Mobile with a Samsung Galaxy S 3 which not only has unlimited talk and text but unlimited 4G high speed data. Customer service is great at the local store and the signal is also great. No dropped calls at all. I bought the phone outright so I pay less now for everything than I did to Verizon for just 900 mins and 200 texts.

Verizon is a greedy behemoth and most of their CSRs are limited to what they can do. God forbid you should ever have a billing problem with Verizon, it will be a long nightmare. T Mobile has been just excellent. No issues at all.

The 4G is super fast as I can stream music at high bitrates while browsing the web. Also can stream music at high bit rates while in the car driving around with it hooked up to the stereo without continuous buffering. Downloads are also extremely fast. Way to go T Mobile! This is why we love you!!!
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