Verizon's CEO sidesteps questions on iPhone, Android handset
The last time we heard from Ivan Seidenberg, he was letting Sprint know precisely what he thought of it. This go 'round, in a new 'Charlie Rose' interview, the Verizon chief is being entirely more coy. In speaking to recent political happenings, he mentions that the communication coming from the citizens of Iran is "a great thing," and he also notes that attempts to block internet use "can't work long term" as the "power of the people will override that without any question." Sort of comical given VZW's prior persistence to cripple phones in spite of consumer backlash, but we digress. He also dodged (with great skill, might we add) questions on whether Verizon Wireless would carry the iPhone, noting that it was "Apple's decision" on whether it would build one to support the company's forthcoming LTE network. As for Android? He did confess that recent reports of a Motorola handset coming its way "might be true," which is CEO speak for "oh, that's absolutely happening." Hop on past the break for a video of the whole shakedown.
























Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
David Lyle Jones @ Jun 24th 2009 9:10AM
While the video is interesting, its not at all what's talked about in the article. Wrong video link?
coolfx34 @ Jun 24th 2009 9:22AM
How about get some Real Phones for your customers? MR verizon CEO..
AT&T = iPhone
T-Mobile = myTouch 3G
Sprint = Palm Pre
Verizon = ? Blackberry storm
pumkineater @ Jun 24th 2009 9:23AM
How about get some Real Phones for your customers? MR verizon CEO..
AT&T = iPhone
T-Mobile = myTouch 3G
Sprint = Palm Pre
Verizon = ? Blackberry storm. I have that, and it's a piece of crap, after the upgrade, still a piece of crap.
2- year contract renew.. oh you can get a $100 off the LG Env Touch (Crap) or the LG Versa (Crap) These are all kids phones.
Who knows nothing much than texting all day.
How about a real phone that can get an apps. No, because we have the best network.
How many time have we hear that excuse? yes network do matter, but there's a point the Phone weights more than the network.
I am locked with verizon because of $600 early termination fee (4 lines) not because of their network. Get the facts straight.
And why do you have to charge $350 for the HTC Touch Pro when Sprint ($199) AT&T ($199)??
I don't think these type of business strategies will last forever, watch out verizon.
sweet greggo @ Jun 26th 2009 3:04AM
The grass is always greener...
I don't understand the folks that complain about Verizon. If it's that crappy, jump ship. Leaving Sprint seems to be en vougue these days, yet they have the fastest network and now one of the best phones on the market. Plus, Sprint's plans are quite a bit cheaper than the other carriers.
derX @ Jun 24th 2009 10:09AM
"Sort of comical given VZW's prior persistence to cripple phones in spite of consumer backlash, but we digress."
Darren Murph, how can people not love you for that?
t-pain @ Jun 24th 2009 12:00PM
Yeah I think you guys posted the wrong video...
Heavytoka @ Jun 24th 2009 2:08PM
Verizon has great service, they just need to step up their phones
bernardino @ Jun 24th 2009 3:55PM
Apple's choice? Apple came to Verizon first with the iPhone, and the big V told Apple to take a hike when Apple wouldn't agree to let V cripple the iPhone and put all its crappy Verizon software on it.
I used to be a Verizon customer, but their crappy phone selection and constant delaying of phones a year later than everyone else sent me packing. It's like being force by your ISP to only use a crappy eMachine to use the internet. I hope they choke on all their EnVs and Storms. Have fun with that mixed CDMA/LTE network, hopefully this time you'll be able to use the internet and make calls at the same time instead of having data tie up your phone line like a freakin' dial up connection.
Llama @ Jun 24th 2009 7:51PM
I believe the sticking points over the first iPhone between Verizon Wireless and Apple were:
1) No removable battery
2) Apple-only tech support
3) No way to get insurance for the phone
4) Apple's unwillingness to include native Verizon Wireless applications with the device.
In that order.
The original iPhone was already pretty crippled with no cut and paste, no ability to do MMS, etc.
So... we're talking immovable object versus irresistible force. And given that the whole object/force paradox flops against the face of physics, so too do these two seem to be discussing some agreement.
Or maybe it's just wishful thinking on the part of many people.
matrix2004 @ Jun 24th 2009 8:25PM
The clip that was posted is just a small piece of the whole interview which lasted about 45 minutes. Here's the link for the whole thing. Count how many times he says Iphone. LOL. Its obvious Verizon will get it, he's not saying they won't get it and in CEO talk that means they will.
http://www.charlierose.com/view/interview/10403