AT&T meanwhile advertises the “Nation’s Fastest 3G Network.” Yes, this has been proven in some areas of the nation, but it has fallen flat in others. On the upside, AT&T uses GSM-based phones that are used internationally. But, again on the downside, its 3G network is NOT, by any means, the largest (as proven time and again by Verizon in its advertisements).
Now, keep in mind, this is not meant to argue that AT&T is better or that Verizon is better. My goal is only to point out the differences between the two networks, and in doing so, prove that neither is entirely telling the truth.
To start off, Verizon is constantly touting its map and bragging about how much coverage the network provides. And sure, they have a WHOLE lot of red across the nation, but I need to re-emphasize the point that Verizon is running older technology. Currently, Europe and Asia are running on the GSM network that uses SIM cards. A tiny SIM card stores the phone’s actual phone number as well as the user’s phone contacts, thereby allowing for easier phone upgrading down the line. It also allows countries like Belgium to sell ANY phone for ANY carrier (and this is actually LAW there!) On the contrary, TDMA and CDMA phones need to be larger and thicker to accommodate the older tech being utilized in them. Because of these limitations, TDMA and CDMA phones are also not able to access a data network while on the phone, i.e. checking movie times on the Internet while simultaneously talking to your friend about what you’re doing tonight. In fact, EVDO actually prevents that from happening entirely.
So what DOES Verizon get you in terms of their service? Exclusive phones. I know, I know, ALL the providers have exclusive phones now. But some of the abilities of Verizon’s phones are actually pretty cool. The Alias, for example, is a great find with its different methods of text entry/screen changing. Verizon also uses a completely different operating system that is unlike that on any of T-Mobile, Sprint, or AT&T’s phones.
Oh, and AT&T is not out of the water either. In fact, they’re just as much to blame with their advertising. Yes they have the iPhone, but a constant issue with AT&T is the popularity of said phone. Since the inception of the iPhone, AT&T’s network has become overburdened with users on their data network. The overuse of their data network has bled into the voice end of things and caused more dropped calls on their network, which in turn has led to a whole LOT of complaints and customers arguing that the iPhone should be on Verizon. But here’s the funny thing: Verizon’s not ready for the iPhone, and here’s why...
Several months ago, Verizon announced that they would be ready for the iPhone (Business Week, December 2009). While that’s quite a lofty claim, when you look at AT&T’s EDGE network, as well as the 3G network, there is no way that’s possible. Although Verizon has a widespread 3G network, it is still based on (again) old technology, which means that Apple would have to develop/build an iPhone specifically for Verizon. Knowing Apple’s innovative ideas, it would be hard-pressed for them to go and do this. And if we look at Apple’s history, the company has never worked with other companies that have turned them down for the opportunity to sell their products the first time offered.
But an interesting note: At the opening keynote at WWDC 2009, Apple displayed 21 of the 22 carriers on a slide displaying who is ready for the iPhone OS 3.0 which included the ability for MMS and Internet tethering.) Guess who was NOT on that slide nor were ready for these features? (MacRumors coverage of WWDC ’09 Keynote) Funny thing is that AT&T has NO plans for Internet tethering. Does this mean that Apple and AT&T are planning a separation? The fact is that no one knows when AT&T and Apple’s exclusive contract will end. Based on iPhones sold internationally, however, there are other carriers worldwide who were not part of the exclusive deals that Apple made and yet who are now supplying the iPhone. This could mean that after the exclusive contract between AT&T and Apple ends, Verizon may get a chance to carry the iPhone after all.
The whole debate can become rather tedious, going back and forth between Verizon and AT&T ads, especially when you realize that neither of them reveal the complete story. It’s also disappointing that the two companies have resorted to so much mudslinging...especially, in my personal opinion, like the ads that Verizon aired during the holiday season. And while I am an AT&T customer, I’m not defending their ads or claims nor am I condoning them. The fact is that both companies have a long way to go before EITHER of them can compare to any of the European or Asian countries and their networks. The U.S. has been behind in cellular technology since the very beginning. T-Mobile (when they were VoiceStream) was the first company to introduce GSM to the mainstream populace, but the company has since fallen behind. So when will that next innovation come? That’s the real question we should be asking. Hopefully, a strong 4G network will be in place in the near future, and Sprint will NOT be the only one on it!
Andy Edelheit is a techno geek who works for a computer retailer in Long Island, NY.