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Just 5% of Verizon Customers Using LTE
One Year On From Launch of LTE Network

Verizon has made great strides in the year since they launched their LTE network, but not all that many of the company's users have switched to the new network. The network reaches about 200 million Americans in nearly 200 markets, but according to data from Verizon CTO Fran Shammo, just 5% of Verizon Wireless customers have switched to the faster data network.

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"It is very critical for us, and we’re playing a very delicate balancing act here that I don’t want to spend any more money on my 3G network," Shammo is quoted as saying in a speech to investors today.

Verizon keeps running a promotion where customers can get double their data allotments if they buy a new contract LTE phone, a deal intended to not only nudge users toward LTE, but to free up space for iPhone users on the EVDO network.

You'll see these numbers shift quickly once Apple starts offering an LTE phone later this year, and more efficient chip design and smaller batteries result in LTE Android phones that aren't quite as bulky. As it stands, Apple has been reluctant to offer an LTE iPhone yet due to battery size and life, which is why the iPhone 5 isn't rumored to launch until this fall.
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jchambers28
Premium Member
join:2007-05-12
Peculiar, MO

1 recommendation

jchambers28

Premium Member

250 Gb cap

Give me a 250 Gb cap I will sign up.

Duramax08
To The Moon
Premium Member
join:2008-08-03
San Antonio, TX

Duramax08

Premium Member

Re: 250 Gb cap

HAHA, good one.

jchambers28
Premium Member
join:2007-05-12
Peculiar, MO

jchambers28

Premium Member

Re: 250 Gb cap

Thanks. I want a reasonable cap their caps is unreasonable. Want more customers raise the cap!

thegeek
Premium Member
join:2008-02-21
right here

thegeek

Premium Member

Re: 250 Gb cap

or just get rid of the cap. it's nothing but a money grab anyway.

jchambers28
Premium Member
join:2007-05-12
Peculiar, MO

jchambers28

Premium Member

Re: 250 Gb cap

correct
jchambers28

jchambers28 to thegeek

Premium Member

to thegeek
reminds me that Intel had a complaint about lack of customers buying their drives. Then they release this over priced SSD.

»www.theverge.com/2012/2/ ··· -roundup
BiggA
Premium Member
join:2005-11-23
Central CT

BiggA to thegeek

Premium Member

to thegeek
It won't be a money grab when 50% of customers are on 4G LTE.
firedrakes
join:2009-01-29
Arcadia, FL

firedrakes to jchambers28

Member

to jchambers28
over price period with almost no data plan. that work in real world
biochemistry
Premium Member
join:2003-05-09
92361

biochemistry to jchambers28

Premium Member

to jchambers28
You should have signed up last year like me. I don't have a cap.

IPPlanMan
Holy Cable Modem Batman
join:2000-09-20
Washington, DC

IPPlanMan

Member

This makes AT&T look so hopeless....

So Verizon's doing double data promotions on a built out LTE network while AT&T is pinching pennies, redefining 3G into FauxG and throttling loyal Unlimited Data users with a top 5% scheme that goes down further each passing month.

It's pathetic.

AT&T, I know you're reading this. You're a disgrace.

mix
join:2002-03-19
Romeo, MI

mix

Member

Re: This makes AT&T look so hopeless....

Got to increase earnings per share somehow.

Cjaiceman
MVM
join:2004-10-12
Castle Rock, WA

Cjaiceman

MVM

Re: This makes AT&T look so hopeless....

Pissing off your customers and forcing them to go elsewhere is not the right way...

jmn1207
Premium Member
join:2000-07-19
Sterling, VA

jmn1207

Premium Member

Re: This makes AT&T look so hopeless....

Except the customers are not going anywhere, they just keep coming. How can you blame AT&T when people are supposedly lining up for their service. I don't understand it, but the numbers don't lie.

KrK
Heavy Artillery For The Little Guy
Premium Member
join:2000-01-17
Tulsa, OK

KrK to IPPlanMan

Premium Member

to IPPlanMan
They have a plan. See the other thread about the payola protection racket for apps.

WHT
join:2010-03-26
Rosston, TX

WHT to IPPlanMan

Member

to IPPlanMan
said by IPPlanMan:

You're a disgrace.

That is so 42 seconds ago.

IPPlanMan
Holy Cable Modem Batman
join:2000-09-20
Washington, DC

IPPlanMan

Member

Re: This makes AT&T look so hopeless....

said by WHT:

That is so 42 seconds ago.

Apparently, using AT&T turns people into pompous a-holes.
jcremin
join:2009-12-22
Siren, WI

jcremin

Member

Re: This makes AT&T look so hopeless....

said by IPPlanMan:

said by WHT:

That is so 42 seconds ago.

Apparently, using AT&T turns people into pompous a-holes.

I thought that is what iPhones did.

thegeek
Premium Member
join:2008-02-21
right here

thegeek

Premium Member

Close to 5.5M people.

Close to 5.5M people using the network isn't bad. It's only been a year since LTE started rolling out. Many people haven't got to the point in their contracts to get a subsidized device. And until recently, all the LTE phones were the high end $200-$300 phones. Most people just don't need the top of the line phone.

I'd surely use LTE if Verizon would just expand the coverage about 1 frigging mile further! Can't quite get coverage at home but about a mile away I do.

Cjaiceman
MVM
join:2004-10-12
Castle Rock, WA

Cjaiceman

MVM

Re: Close to 5.5M people.

They will get there soon enough...
markinect
join:2011-01-20
Lansing, MI

markinect to thegeek

Member

to thegeek
What the hell is a friggin

thegeek
Premium Member
join:2008-02-21
right here

thegeek

Premium Member

Re: Close to 5.5M people.

its my fucking attempt to stop fucking cussing for fucking much online.

C_Chipperson
Monster Rain
Premium Member
join:2009-01-17
00000

C_Chipperson

Premium Member

Re: Close to 5.5M people.


MIABye
Premium Member
join:2001-10-28
united state

MIABye to thegeek

Premium Member

to thegeek
HEY! Watch your god damn language!
iFail 5G
join:2011-08-03

iFail 5G

Member

Re: Close to 5.5M people.

said by MIABye:

HEY! Watch your god damn language!

Watch your damn mouth!
civicturbo
join:2009-11-08
USA

civicturbo

Member

Re: Close to 5.5M people.

I have since heard of people under extreme duress speaking in strange tongues. I became conscious that a steady torrent of obscenities and swearing of all kinds was pouring out of me as I screamed.

-Ralphie as Adult
civicturbo

civicturbo

Member

Re: Close to 5.5M people.

In the heat of battle my father wove a tapestry of obscenities that as far as we know is still hanging in space over Lake Michigan.

pnh102
Reptiles Are Cuddly And Pretty
Premium Member
join:2002-05-02
Mount Airy, MD

pnh102

Premium Member

Pointless

The caps are far too low for me to consider signing up. Bring back the unlimited plans and I might consider it.

aaronwt
Premium Member
join:2004-11-07
Woodbridge, VA
Asus RT-AX89

aaronwt

Premium Member

Verizon got me to dump my unlimited plan...

with their recent special deals. They have some new 4G phones for only $99 with a 2 year contract. That combined with the double data deal and a $327 gift card I got from FiOS made me jump on the deal. They got me to dump my unlimited 3G plan with my HTC Incredible and get an HTC ReZound. Since I didn't know how long the double data special was going to last I figured I might as well get it now. Since a 2GB plan was not going to be enough. I surpassed that around every other my with my 3G phone. And without that incentive I would have stayed with my 3G phone.

MovieLover76
join:2009-09-11
Cherry Hill, NJ
(Software) pfSense
Asus RT-AC68
Asus RT-AC66

MovieLover76

Member

Re: Verizon got me to dump my unlimited plan...

Why would you dump unlimited for 4GB tiered data, on Verizon you can upgrade from a 3G to a 4G phone without losing unlimited data, all existing unlimited customers are grandfathered in, I'm on verizon's 4G network as well, and I think the Iphone factor and the LTE poor battery life as well as people waiting for an upgrade are all big reasons for slow adoption, it will improve it's a much better experience than old evdo
biochemistry
Premium Member
join:2003-05-09
92361

biochemistry

Premium Member

Re: Verizon got me to dump my unlimited plan...

Don't make him hate himself for giving up unlimited data when he didn't have to.
ShellMMG
join:2009-04-16
Grass Lake, MI

ShellMMG to MovieLover76

Member

to MovieLover76
I wanted to do that with our Alltel grandfathered unlimited aircard but VZW wouldn't let me. Now THAT would've been awesome even though LTE doesn't reach me yet.

I'll probably never get a smartphone. My dream would be to use software and a Bluetooth headset on my iPad. Stuff the Mifi in my purse or pocket and I'd be ready to go.

KTABNY
@bellatlantic.com

KTABNY to aaronwt

Anon

to aaronwt
Dude u F'd up, I upgraded my phone to 4g and kept my unlimited plan. SMH

jgkolt
Premium Member
join:2004-02-21
Avon, OH

jgkolt

Premium Member

Caps, iphone, battery life

Three things holding back people from LTE:
-battery life of existing phones
-there is no lte iphone out right now
-and datacaps are not attractive especially for a faster service

Defiance
Computer Elite
Premium Member
join:2002-09-11
Minocqua, WI
Hitron EN2251
Ubiquiti AmpliFi Alien

Defiance

Premium Member

Re: Caps, iphone, battery life

said by jgkolt:

Three things holding back people from LTE:
-battery life of existing phones
-there is no lte iphone out right now
-and datacaps are not attractive especially for a faster service

According to AT&T their iPhone 4S is a 4G phone...

»www.unwiredview.com/2011 ··· tus-bar/
tim92078
join:2010-07-15
San Marcos, CA

tim92078

Member

Very expensive to be a beta tester

The LTE network isn't very reliable. I don't know that I'd recommend it to anyone.

••••
bcltoys
join:2008-07-21

1 edit

bcltoys

Member

4g is unreliable.

I rented a Razr for a week and no matter how good a 4g signal I had outside as soon as I went inside a building it would drop back to 3g.As far as their coverage map's never did I get 4g in a extended coverage area even outside.
Wartrace
join:2009-03-07
Wartrace, TN

Wartrace

Member

Re: 4g is unreliable.

That's why I am not upgrading- I am in the "extended coverage" area and knowing Verizon that means "no coverage area". (Not to mention the itiful data cap)
amungus
Premium Member
join:2004-11-26
America

amungus

Premium Member

1GB less than previous plan = double

I love how "double" is only from the recent drop to 2GB as "standard."

They need to sell this without emphasizing the overt reference to less than half of what the 3G plans were less than a year ago.

I also *loved* the early 4G hype about being able to stream video so much better.

Some good that capability is with such low usage caps.

At the very least, 4G needs to have less of a cap for fixed users.
Mr Matt
join:2008-01-29
Eustis, FL

Mr Matt

Member

Same pattern as change from EV-DO Rev 0 to Rev A.

When EV-DO was upgraded from Rev 0 to Rev A customers had to suffer with modems that used to much power and handsets with short battery life. It took several years for carriers to upgrade all of their towers. Now the same problem with the change from 3G to 4G. Modems use to much power and Handsets have short battery life. Wait until 5G is announced and by that time ISP's should have most of the bugs worked out of 4G.
davidhoffman
Premium Member
join:2009-11-19
Warner Robins, GA

1 edit

davidhoffman

Premium Member

Verizon has no LTE coverage in lots of places.

I am waiting on Verizon LTE in Houston County, Bibb County, and Monroe County in Georgia. There is much anticipation, but few buyers as there is no coverage in these areas. We would be happy if they fixed the lack of regular voice and EVDO Rev A coverage in Monroe County, GA. You hear that Verizon Wireless, fix your regular older technology coverage and you will get more customers and more profits.

•••
tmc8080
join:2004-04-24
Brooklyn, NY

tmc8080

Member

what else is new?

On average, 4g/lte phones START at $300 and up.. so the high price of service along with the high price of handsets (some reachine the stratosphere of $500 - $1500, yes for a smart phone handset!!)
krazymon2
join:2008-01-13
Coraopolis, PA

krazymon2

Member

Re: what else is new?

What phone does Verizon currently offer that costs $1500??
mmay149q
Premium Member
join:2009-03-05
Dallas, TX

mmay149q

Premium Member

Considering......

I just started a new month of data service and in the past 5 days have downloaded almost 700 megs, who needs these caps? I mean I get consistent 10 - 20Mbps download, and consistent 3 - 10Mbps upload...

Things I've done with my cell in the past 5 days to reach that amount:

Update multiple applications
Watch a few Netflix videos (hooked phone via HDMI to TV)
Watch multiple YouTube videos/listened to music on Pandora/YouTube
Browsed multiple websites including imdb, facebook, movie theater times, etc on the go.
Maybe played a few online games.

That's all I've done, in my eyes this is normal every day use for lots of smart phone owners... Oh well, just goes to show what happens with your customers when you s**t on their face and tell them they need to pay 2,000% more for the same thing they've been doing for the past 3 years...

Personally I love my VZW LTE, but I hope that people continue not to buy into the service just so adoption rates slow way down and hopefully caps get raised to the minimum of 15 - 20GB's (or done away with completely) showing how much "abuse" the network can really handle...

Matt

P.S. I am willing to bet 80% of the 5.5 million VZW has on LTE are on grandfathered unlimited plans, I know I've already seen 2 articles where a guy was complaining about being throttled for downloading 60 GB's in 1 week, where another guy claims to have downloaded 120GB with no issues...
Crookshanks
join:2008-02-04
Binghamton, NY

Crookshanks

Member

Re: Considering......

said by mmay149q:

P.S. I am willing to bet 80% of the 5.5 million VZW has on LTE are on grandfathered unlimited plans, I know I've already seen 2 articles where a guy was complaining about being throttled for downloading 60 GB's in 1 week, where another guy claims to have downloaded 120GB with no issues...

Verizon doesn't throttle their 4G network.
mmay149q
Premium Member
join:2009-03-05
Dallas, TX

mmay149q

Premium Member

Re: Considering......

said by Crookshanks:

said by mmay149q:

P.S. I am willing to bet 80% of the 5.5 million VZW has on LTE are on grandfathered unlimited plans, I know I've already seen 2 articles where a guy was complaining about being throttled for downloading 60 GB's in 1 week, where another guy claims to have downloaded 120GB with no issues...

Verizon doesn't throttle their 4G network.

I agree, but it's a true story you can find it online on quite a few different venues.

»www.vzbuzz.com/2011/10/i ··· -button/

Here's one, and Verizon even defended their position stating "his usage constitutes as abuse

You know, it's called that clause in the TOS where they can terminate service if they think you're doing something harmful?

Matt
BiggA
Premium Member
join:2005-11-23
Central CT

BiggA

Premium Member

Percentage of data?

I wonder what the percentage of data consumption on LTE is? It may be quite a bit higher...
88615298 (banned)
join:2004-07-28
West Tenness

88615298 (banned)

Member

makes sense

Many people aren't eligble for upgrades yet for 4G phones. I'm not until July. So why would I get one know if I have to pay full price? Also many that have upgraded in the last year didn't have 4G in their area.

As others have mentioned high price is also a factor. Many people will upgrade to phones that are free or under $100. Taking away "new every 2" didn't help any.

Also many people are still on unlimited plans. "double the data" offers aren't going to convince them to give that up. Not to mention that "double the data" should actually be the norm and Verizon needs to offer double that. Also offer FREE tethering not charge $20 for it.

Also Verizon needs to offer family data plans like they have for minutes and texting. Also they need a cheaper data plans for lite users if they insist on making data plans mandatory. Until Verizon makes someof these changes I don't think they are very serious about getting people to switch to 4G or hell ANY smartphone. I know people that will stay with feature phones until Verizon no longer offers them as long as Verizon insists on $30 for a data plan they'll never use.
Kearnstd
Space Elf
Premium Member
join:2002-01-22
Mullica Hill, NJ

Kearnstd

Premium Member

Re: makes sense

And many do not live in LTE areas yet. I know I do not care about LTE until my usual areas I am in have it. once that happens.. its upgrade time.

Fighterpilot
join:2000-04-20
Saint Louis, MO

Fighterpilot

Member

Need Global

I need a global phone. Right now there are only three available from VZW and none of them are 4G. Get a global ready one and I'll think about switching over in April.

midwesttech
@insightbb.com

midwesttech

Anon

no bad battery life here

I have the HTC Vivid on AT&T LTE, my battery lasts all day using about an hour of voice calling and the equivalent of 3 hours of data without a recharge. The network setup that AT&T did for LTE is much better because of how their handoff's work. Having HSPA being directly compatible to the LTE system works quite well for their phones. Had good experience as well with the Samsung LTE device, but preferred the HTC due to the screen. My Verizon work phone is good too, but the problem is when I go out of an LTE area the speed drops back to dial up speeds, which makes it almost unusable because the 3G speeds are less than appealing.

IPPlanMan
Holy Cable Modem Batman
join:2000-09-20
Washington, DC

IPPlanMan

Member

Re: no bad battery life here

Given AT&T's throttling for Unlimited Data customers, it's hard to know the difference anymore between slow service and throttled service.

MalibuMaxx
Premium Member
join:2007-02-06
Chesterton, IN

MalibuMaxx

Premium Member

Using 3G on a 4G headset

yup... I also have a 3G mifi. For the most part battery longer on 3G and I get good enough speeds. 4G is amazing though... better speeds than my cable.

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

AVD

Premium Member

what percentage of VZ users....

...even have a data enabled phone???