From Washington Post's TechNews -

In last week's newsletter, I quoted from a batch of reader emails that
were prompted by my column about hardware choices and wireless plans.
Most of those comments beat up on Verizon Wireless.

Verizon spokeswoman Brenda Raney has since written in with her own
comments -

...About Verizon's policy of not allowing customers to use phones that
Verizon doesn't already sell: "We have an obligation to ensure we only
offer devices that we KNOW will not degrade network performance,
compromise the experience of other customers, or result in customers
being unable to get technical support from our representatives."

No argument about customers not wanting to have their own connection
damaged by somebody else's phone. However, that's why the FCC already
has to test and certify phones - a Sprint phone using the same radio
waves as a Verizon model could cause plenty of interference in its own
right.

Raney added: "Because we serve a mass market, it's not feasible for us
to offer support, technical or otherwise, on individual devices we've
chosen not to sell and therefore not to train our staff to handle or
troubleshoot."

It would be fair for Verizon or any other carrier to enforce a "you're
on your own" policy for customers' independently-purchased phones.

...On how Verizon will disable or deactivate some features on phones:
"Wireless devices aren't like stand-alone home computers - they
connect you to a network. It is interesting to note that many
corporations are locking down their computers so employees can't load
software or download applications on their work computers that could
interfere with the company's ability to run its business. Why, because
they are protecting their internal networks."

Bad example - I don't pay for the computer at my desk, or even for the
time I spend using it. When Verizon gives me a phone for free, then it
can talk about "locking down" hardware.

...On the continued mystery about Verizon's intentions with the Treo
650 smartphone: "We also don't discuss the devices we are testing or
have chosen to sell until the day or just prior to customers being
able to purchase them." But somebody else at Verizon seems to have not
gotten that memo, to judge from this coming-soon page
(www.vzwshop.com/treoinfo)

...On Verizon's spotty Bluetooth support: "Verizon Wireless has not
issued its final word on Bluetooth." Raney noted that
phone-to-computer Bluetooth file transfer is enabled on one model, the
Audiovox xv6600. That Windows Mobile-based smartphone, however,
doesn't offer the Get It Now application-downloading service of most
Verizon phones.

Verizon says the need to secure rented Get It Now programs from theft
means it can't allow Bluetooth file transfer. Personally, I don't find
that reason makes much technical sense - but if Verizon wants to act
that way, give me a Bluetooth phone without Get It Now. I'm sure that
phone manufacturers would gladly build such a thing, but they don't
get to make that decision, and neither do we.

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