Google Wallet and LTE Galaxy Nexus Buyers **PLEASE READ**

[BoogieNYC]

Attention all Verizon Galaxy Nexus buyers. Verizon will probably be blocking Google Wallet. This is an illegal action. When you order or buy the phone, right away ask for the complaints number with corporate. Sure you can look it up online, but Verizon needs to be sent a message that we know they are doing this. The retail stores and Corporate must be made aware. Blocking of Google Wallet is in violation of the Net-neutrality Acts, which prevent providers from blocking content and applications that are legal. Google Wallet is not an illegal app and if Verizon is having issue with their partners for other mobile payment options, that is their own fault. Doing this is not helping the American people, limits competition, and is not how Capitalism works. If Verizon had faith in their own ability to compete, in this area, they would have no problem putting their mobile payment system against Google.

please post your comments/thoughts

It's not illegal. Crappy, lousy and a shame, but not illegal -- unless you consider Verizon blocking tethering applications illegal as well.

It's an agreement between Verizon and Google -- and if it runs counter to what you feel is fair, don't buy the phone. That's the response you'll get if you reach high enough on Verizon's ladder.

I'm not particularly happy about it either -- not to mention the lack of an SD slot -- but if Google Wallet is something I absolutely need, I figure I can always root. The bottom line here is that until carriers wake up to the fact that Google Wallet is something they need to incorporate rather than isolate -- or at least try to isolate -- things will change.

'Til then, not so much.

 

[seoultrain]

The simple truth is that Google probably won't be able to get a cease and desist, and by the time any action is taken, Isis will have taken hold with anti-competitive tactics while anyone who really wants Google Wallet will have already used a workaround to get it (sideload/root). Verizon might get a slap on the wrist, but they'll more than break even once the money starts rolling in with Isis. The only way to hit Verizon where it hurts is to have a lot of their customers leave for another company, but they know we're all slaves to that red V.

 

[ItalianScallion]

Yeah, because back-room handshake deals between billion dollar companies are great for the consumer.

I wouldn't necessarily imply it was some sort of shady deal as they've clearly announced it prior to the launch of the device...it's not as if they started selling the handset then disabled the functionality. If it's important to you, just don't buy it. Vote with your wallet.

 

[Deleted User]

Please provide evidence that Verizon is blocking anything, or stop making outlandish claims.

It's a new phone, on a new OS. It's not coming finished out of the box. It doesn't have Flash either. So unless you have any kind of real evidence that this is a deliberate move by Verizon, these claims are just speculation and hyperbole.

Statement From Verizon On Google Wallet

Statement from Jeffrey Nelson, spokesperson for Verizon:

Recent reports that Verizon is blocking Google Wallet on our devices are false. Verizon does not block applications.

Yawn...

 

[crackers8199]

Google Wallet is different from other widely-available m-commerce services. Google Wallet does not simply access the operating system and basic hardware of our phones like thousands of other applications. Instead, in order to work as architected by Google, Google Wallet needs to be integrated into a new, secure and proprietary hardware element in our phones.

We are continuing our commercial discussions with Google on this issue.

am i the only one that reads this as "we currently don't have any phones available, nor do we have any phones that are ready to be released, that will work with google wallet."

that statement would be technically correct, considering there's STILL no OFFICIAL announcement from verizon about the nexus release date...

 

[GTIMKV]

Here's the official statement from Verizon:

Statement From Verizon On Google Wallet

12/06/2011


Statement from Jeffrey Nelson, spokesperson for Verizon: Recent reports that Verizon is blocking Google Wallet on our devices are false. Verizon does not block applications.
Google Wallet is different from other widely-available m-commerce services. Google Wallet does not simply access the operating system and basic hardware of our phones like thousands of other applications. Instead, in order to work as architected by Google, Google Wallet needs to be integrated into a new, secure and proprietary hardware element in our phones.
We are continuing our commercial discussions with Google on this issue.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jeffrey Nelson
Jeffrey.Nelson@VerizonWireless.com
908-559-7519

 

[Lazdog46]

Statement From Verizon On Google Wallet



Yawn...

A safety concern, really Verizon? Yeah, just like locking the bootloader is a 'security' issue, my @ss... those of us who root/rom/and kernal are ''more secure'' then regular VZW phones bullshitting us. If you have the balls to block a feature, you should be able to step up and say the real reason.
I'd have more respect for VZW if they just came out said "We don't give a rats ass what our customers want or think, you'll get what we give you." I could live with that, more so than their standard doublespeak. They don't block apps, and I created the internet.

Hope someone sues Verizon under open access rules. Why is my phone's functionality limited by my provider.
They are a pipe not a security firm. What happens if my bank account gets hacked by a person using Verizon's network; will they hold themselves responsible for that? NO! Then why are they claiming responsibility for this piece of security? Oh ya, they have a competing product.

I'm just hoping Isis launches soon. Not to use it, but because Verizon will be in little bit more of a pinch to deny something like Google Wallet when they have the same kind of technology. It will be anti competitive practices and potentially get them in some trouble. Either that or wait til next year, when Apple comes up with their "me too" version of NFC payments and all of a sudden gets credit for revolutionizing mobile.

 

[vincentp]

Is Verizon actually blocking it, though? From what I understand, it will still be possible to install the app, it's just not coming pre-loaded. It also sounds more like Verizon requested that the app not be included. I'm not getting the impression that they are flat out blocking users' ability to install and use Google Wallet. Plus, if Verizon and Google have an agreement, then again it's not really being "blocked". Verizon may have simply said "give us this phone without Google Wallet, or we don't want it on our network". I don't think there's anything illegal about that.

I think it's unfortunate, yes, but I'm doubtful that this action is actually against the law or regulation that was cited in the original post.

 

[s.m.knipe]

Is Verizon actually blocking it, though? From what I understand, it will still be possible to install the app, it's just not coming pre-loaded. It also sounds more like Verizon requested that the app not be included. I'm not getting the impression that they are flat out blocking users' ability to install and use Google Wallet. Plus, if Verizon and Google have an agreement, then again it's not really being "blocked". Verizon may have simply said "give us this phone without Google Wallet, or we don't want it on our network". I don't think there's anything illegal about that.

I think it's unfortunate, yes, but I'm doubtful that this action is actually against the law or regulation that was cited in the original post.

According to them, no they aren't...

http://phandroid.com/2011/12/06/verizon-we-arent-blocking-google-wallet-its-a-security-thing/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

 

[JoJoCal19]

It's not illegal. Crappy, lousy and a shame, but not illegal -- unless you consider Verizon blocking tethering applications illegal as well.

It's an agreement between Verizon and Google -- and if it runs counter to what you feel is fair, don't buy the phone. That's the response you'll get if you reach high enough on Verizon's ladder.

I'm not particularly happy about it either -- not to mention the lack of an SD slot -- but if Google Wallet is something I absolutely need, I figure I can always root. The bottom line here is that until carriers wake up to the fact that Google Wallet is something they need to incorporate rather than isolate -- or at least try to isolate -- things will change.

'Til then, not so much.

It is illegal and yes so is blocking of tethering apps. Neither one is an "illegal" application. An application that Verizon does not like sure, but they are legal apps. The FCC Net Neutrality rules, as I posted above, clearly state you cannot block legal apps.

If we are able to install the app after the face then they are not blocking it. But if they disallow us to install it, then that would be taken as blocking the app.

 

[ylexot]

From their response, it sounds like they should be blocking all use of NFC...including Beam.

 

[dmiller2007]

I can't say that i would ever use google wallet much, but i think it is fairly obvious that Verizon is blocking google wallet because of ISIS.

But a Google spokesman said Tuesday that Verizon Wireless has asked the search company "not to include this functionality in the product."

Link: Verizon blocks Google Wallet - Dec. 6, 2011

You can decide who you believe but i can't see a legitimate reason that Verizon would have to ask them to not include it. That quote sounds different than Verizon's claim that they are working together on it. I admit that i don't know enough to say that ISIS is the reason for this but it sure looks like it.

 

[Jersey Tom]

Doesn't add up to me. Verizon sounds like they're saying that the phone hardware isn't inherently secure enough... something needs to be developed further. Samsung already has the Nexus S out, which does have G-Wallet working on it, no?

Clearly the NFC hardware on the Galaxy Nexus would not be inferior to that of the Nexus S. Same damn hardware manufacturer.

Seemingly the issue wouldn't have anything to do with Verizon's network itself... can already pass around CC info. Since it's a through-the-air communication I don't even see how Verizon's services factor in.

Bit suspicious.

 

[jackdubl]

Now, if only there was a way to root Wallstreet and Capitol Hill. For free, that is.

 

[Lazdog46]

Verizon does not block applications.

Isn't that statement spoken by Verizon actually allow for a lawsuit for mis-communication and opposition against their own actions? AKA blocking tethering apps.

 

[jackdubl]

Doesn't add up to me. Verizon sounds like they're saying that the phone hardware isn't inherently secure enough... something needs to be developed further. Samsung already has the Nexus S out, which does have G-Wallet working on it, no?

Clearly the NFC hardware on the Galaxy Nexus would not be inferior to that of the Nexus S. Same damn hardware manufacturer.

Seemingly the issue wouldn't have anything to do with Verizon's network itself... can already pass around CC info. Since it's a through-the-air communication I don't even see how Verizon's services factor in.

Bit suspicious.

Has nothing to do with security and everything to do with business. Verizon is going to run it's own alternate service ISIS.

 

[Deleted User]

Verizon does not block applications.

Isn't that statement spoken by Verizon actually allow for a lawsuit for mis-communication and opposition against their own actions? AKA blocking tethering apps.

They don't block tethering apps. You can download all the tethering apps you want.

They just block you from violating their terms of service by using the tethering app to provide internet access to another computer.

 

[Jersey Tom]

Has nothing to do with security and everything to do with business. Verizon is going to run it's own alternate service ISIS.

That would make sense... to a degree. However, Verizon aren't complete morons - they have to have some sort of defensible position or quasi-legit argument they can try to make.

I'm very curious what the real deal is. Usually lies somewhere between extremes...

 

[az_r2d1]

This is far from a thorough article, but I picked it for the credibility of the source:

Verizon Blocks Google Wallet on New Smartphones - WSJ.com

This, it would seem, is Google's first retaliatory shot in this skirmish. I hope it made enough noise that Verizon retreats quickly.

No word about blocking...It just isn't installed.
Isn;t it a matter of a market app ?
I seriously doubt they are blocking any network connection that google wallet needs.

 

[dmiller2007]

I thought Google wallet wasn't a market app?

 

[BiggestManEver]

They don't block tethering apps. You can download all the tethering apps you want.

They just block you from violating their terms of service by using the tethering app to provide internet access to another computer.

This is just another whole can of Net Neutrality worms.

Who are they to tell me what I should be doing with an internet connection I'm paying them for?

 

[nateap87]

Ill be saving my money for the international version and use it on tmobile.

 

[Homefrrie]

I've never rooted before. But if that is what it takes for Wallet to work, I'm doing it.

This ^^^^


Google wallet was a huge draw for me, and to hear it's blocked is total BS. As someone making the jump from iOS since day 1, to the Nexus, I too will also root/jailbreak, whatever it takes to use GW

But one of my coworkers who has rooted numerous android phones will be doing it for me

 

[brandonhutch]

I don't see how GW is such a huge draw. I did a search for the businesses, in a 50 mile radius around my address, that accept GW ...

Aside from a few places I've never heard of, I got mostly:

Circle K
7-11
CVS
Jack in the Box

Really? That's what everyone is up in arms about? Not being able to swipe your phone to pay for your Slurpee? Talk about getting your panties in a bunch over, LITERALLY, nothing. Gimme a break.

Yes, more businesses will sign on in the future ... but I bet it's waaaay down the road. I, for one, have ZERO desire to put my financial information on a phone where it can be read by machines in close proximity. Is anyone even thinking about what happens when shysters start acquiring the technology to read that info off the phone while standing next to you in line at the local supermarket? Uhhh ... no thanks.

 

[Lazdog46]

I don't see how GW is such a huge draw. I did a search for the businesses, in a 50 mile radius around my address, that accept GW ...

Aside from a few places I've never heard of, I got mostly:

Circle K
7-11
CVS
Jack in the Box

Really? That's what everyone is up in arms about? Not being able to swipe your phone to pay for your Slurpee? Talk about getting your panties in a bunch over, LITERALLY, nothing. Gimme a break.

Yes, more businesses will sign on in the future ... but I bet it's waaaay down the road. I, for one, have ZERO desire to put my financial information on a phone where it can be read by machines in close proximity. Is anyone even thinking about what happens when shysters start acquiring the technology to read that info off the phone while standing next to you in line at the local supermarket? Uhhh ... no thanks.

this is the website to show where you can use GW:
Google Wallet - where it works