Campaign Verizon To Unlock Our Bootloader!

[Srambo217]

It is being discussed on the XDA boards. If we get the topic trending on Twitter, have a Facebook group, file FCC complaints, and write to corporate employees (politely), we can make our cries heard. The idea of bombarding Verzion CS with calls regarding the bootloader one day non-stop is being considered as well. I know most here are not willing to participate in such antics but is there a community here willing to at least try? We don't have anything to loose.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Android Central Forums

 

[Wontfinishlast]

Saw that in xda, I'm totally in. Whatever I can do to help!

 

[Srambo217]

Here is the email I sent to Lowell.McAdam@verizonwireless.com:

Dear Mr. McAdams,
I have been a loyal customer of Verizon Wireless for quite sometime now. I have come to the decision that after my current contract cycle ends I will no longer be a customer. This decision has been influenced by many factors; discontinuing Unlimited Data Plans, charging an upgrade fee, but the final straw is Verizon's decision to not unlock the bootloader for the Samsung Galaxy SIII. Myself, and many many more were under the impression that the phone would in fact be unlocked allowing us enthusiast to use our devices to their fullest potential. The fact that all other carriers that offer the exact same device unlocked only adds insult to injury. I am aware that Samsung will offer an unlocked device at a premium cost, and had this been made evident at my time of purchase I (and many many others) would have opted for that version.
>
> I truly feel betrayed by a company I have been loyal to for years and have recommended to family and friends. I also feel like the Galaxy SIII was advertised wrongfully, and a that this will not be easily forgotten by the hundreds of Android enthusiasts who preordered the device prior to launch.
>
> If you are at all able to influence a change in this upset by convincing a bootloader unlocker be release for public consumption I would be swayed to change my negative opinions about the company right now. I hope you take this into consideration.

?Jared ******
**********
----------------------------

I will file and FCC complaint when I get home from work.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Android Central Forums

 

[Srambo217]

If anyone is interested in filling an FCC complaint here is a good example:

Just to reiterate... perhaps the government can step in. Goodness knows our government gets their hands in every other aspect of our lives. Everyone go to WWW.FCC.gov and file a complaint. Something like this:

"Of the major US cellular carriers, Verizon is the only one to have released the Samsung Galaxy SIII with a locked bootloader. This means slower development, and less customizability of the device. The devicce was purported by Samsung to be unlocked, so many people ordered this device under the impression that it would in fact be unlocked. There was nothing in Verizon's advertised specifications about a locked bootloader. Their explanation is that the device is locked to maintain the integrity of the network. That's all good, but we later learn that Samsung will be selling "developer edition" galaxy SIII's with unlockable bootloader for use on Verizon's network. How can Verizon say that and then allow such devices on their network. It appears that Verizon has swindled many customers to pay top dollar for a device that they cannot use to its full potential. A classic bait-n-switch."

There's a 1000 character limit for the complaint, so you may need to abbreviate. Also there is a section where you can attach actual documents supporting your views. I didn't have the time to search for VZW's press release or Samsungs advertisement of the developer edition, but it would help to include these.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Android Central Forums

 

[Srambo217]

Here is a petition, please sign and share online!

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1756483

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Android Central Forums

 

[xliderider]

Technically, all carriers are shipping GS3 devices with locked bootloaders. Verizon is the only one shipping GS3 devices with a locked and encrypted bootloader. Big difference, but we wouldn't want Verizon to easily say "every carrier sells devices with locked bootloaders", it would be too easy.

My GNex definitely had a locked bootloader till I unlocked it.

 

[Srambo217]

Technically, all carriers are shipping GS3 devices with locked bootloaders. Verizon is the only one shipping GS3 devices with a locked and encrypted bootloader. Big difference, but we wouldn't want Verizon to easily say "every carrier sells devices with locked bootloaders", it would be too easy.

My GNex definitely had a locked bootloader till I unlocked it.

Semantics aside, some effort is better than no effort. Even if we're not occupying the streets, it wouldn't hurt to at least try. Verizon will simply justify it by saying it will negatively effect the security and reliability of their network even though they are allowing Samsung to sell an unlocked device for said network.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Android Central Forums

 

[Crispy]

An effort like this needs to include the major news organizations, sites like AC, consumer watchdogs etc. The only way to get this done is to hurt them where it counts - visibility.

e.g. if Sprint/ATT aired an ad which directly attacked VZW for the only GS3 phone which is locked down, you can bet it would be noticed.

But the chances of something like this going mainstream are almost zero. In the end, only a very small % know enough or care about rooting their phone. The carriers know this too which is why they can do this.

The best bet would be Google coming out with a mandate that all Android licensees need to keep the phone open.

 

[joshbdoc]

An effort like this needs to include the major news organizations, sites like AC, consumer watchdogs etc. The only way to get this done is to hurt them where it counts - visibility.

e.g. if Sprint/ATT aired an ad which directly attacked VZW for the only GS3 phone which is locked down, you can bet it would be noticed.

But the chances of something like this going mainstream are almost zero. In the end, only a very small % know enough or care about rooting their phone. The carriers know this too which is why they can do this.

The best bet would be Google coming out with a mandate that all Android licensees need to keep the phone open.

I wish Google would take an action such as that, but I don't see that happening.

 

[Srambo217]

I just wish people weren't so passive about it. How could we get AC to bring more attention to the situation? I emailed Jerry but don't know if he'll even read it.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Android Central Forums

 

[PsYcHoNeWb]

Normally I don't chime in on these but here it goes anyway since I had a Galaxy S3 and returned it due to many reason, not just the locked bootloader. Yes, the locked bootloader sucks but you can't think about it from the standpoint of the enthusiast. Yes, we are the population too however out the vast majority of Verizon Wireless customers we only make up a very small percentage. Most of the average public buying a phone don't even know what a bootloader is or what the implications are if it encrypted or not and more importantly they wouldn't care. Verizon has one fiduciary duty, make money for the shareholders of the company and they have to do that by providing the best possible product to the vast majority of their users.

Now you may come back and say to me that if you someone is just an average user and doesn't know what a bootloader is then whats the point of locking it anyway since they won't know how to access it. While this is very true and wouldn't actually hurt anyone, it would hurt Verizon and their earnings which is a direct contradiction to their fiduciary duty. Believe me, I am in no way shape or form advocating that Verizon lock all bootloaders from here on out. I own a Galaxy Nexus unlocked, rooted and running Jelly Bean. If Verizon unlocked all the bootloaders on all of their devices, they would have to account for the massive amount of warranty claims because of users who brick their devices because they didn't understand how to properly root and unlock their devices.

With the current method of accounting that the United States and pretty much internationally, the company would have to book the warranty expense on their books WHEN THE SALES ARE MADE. This is the called the accrual method of accounting. It requires that expenses be matched with revenues and warranty expenses aren't any different. Companies are forced to estimate the amount of warranty claims and book and entry that will directly reduce their income, therefore reducing their earnings.

If you want a unlocked bootloader when you buy a phone, like myself, buy one that you know for sure will have one. If it isn't on your network, then you can either jump ship or settle with something else. Realistically that is the only thing that is going to happen. I really hate to say this because it will be great if they do, but I highly doubt that Verizon will unlock the bootloader even with a huge amount of support. Sadly, I just don't see it happening anytime soon.

 

[PJnc284]

If Verizon unlocked all the bootloaders on all of their devices, they would have to account for the massive amount of warranty claims because of users who brick their devices because they didn't understand how to properly root and unlock their devices.

Anyone have a figure on bricked Nexus devices returned v locked devices? I, too, can speculate and say that locked bootloaders result in more returns as it's a whole lot more risky. Lots of people can't even tell you what adb is, yet their locked/encrypted devices are running a custom rom. It'd be one thing if the locked bootloaders actually did their jobs and prevented custom software (Verizon's primary excuse) but it's been proven time and time again that the development community owns Verizon. Just installed jelly bean on my "locked" GSIII. Lot of good that locked bootloader did.

 

[PsYcHoNeWb]

Anyone have a figure on bricked Nexus devices returned v locked devices? I, too, can speculate and say that locked bootloaders result in more returns as it's a whole lot more risky. Lots of people can't even tell you what adb is, yet their locked/encrypted devices are running a custom rom. It'd be one thing if the locked bootloaders actually did their jobs and prevented custom software (Verizon's primary excuse) but it's been proven time and time again that the development community owns Verizon. Just installed jelly bean on my "locked" GSIII. Lot of good that locked bootloader did.

I agree with you, Verizon's excuse to the lock the bootloader saying that it will provide the best customer experience is garbage but what else could they possibly say on the record?

Verizon isn't that dumb and they know that people will find a way to get around the system. Insert here unlimited data by purchasing phones off contract from now on. However, the vast majority of their customer base honestly doesn't care about all the technical jargon. Yes, being enthusiasts we understand the implications of encrypted bootloaders, no unlimited plans and much more but you really need to take it in the perspective of the greater good. No company will make their entire customer base happy. There will always be the ones who disapprove with the decision they made about either a new policy or new product.

Take the Galaxy Nexus. This is a great device... if you unlock, root and flash custom software. I will be the first to say that this phone isn't all it was cracked up to be out of the box. Therefore, this wasn't a great everyday average person phone. However, the Nexus is very easy to unlock, root and flash custom software on. Even still, its almost impossible to brick. This makes a great phone for us, however many people I know who got this device said it was terrible on battery life and performance. While the Nexus is a great phone, you need to work on it to make it great. Most people don't want that, most people just want it to work when they turn it on.

My own personal experience, I went to an iPhone because I was getting tired of having to flash software on phones after the Thunderbolt. Went from a 4 to a 4S and stayed with iPhone for about a year. When the Nexus came out, I gave Android another shot. I had no intentions at first to unlock or do anything to my phone. I played with it, but I wasn't convinced. After a 2-3 months, I actually went and bought a Razr MAXX because of battery life and poor radio performance. Realizing how much I missed ICS, I went back to the Galaxy Nexus, unlocked it and flashed whatever I wanted. Now I LOVE this phone. Love it even more with Jelly Bean.

I really don't want anyone to think that I am on Verizon's side, I personally would consider jumping ship if they never get another Nexus or similar device. Back on point here, Verizon is doing what they believe is for the greater good of the company and its customers. Yea we get the short end of the stick on the GS3, its just how it works. Sometimes we win some, and sometimes we lose some.

 

[xliderider]

I personally would consider jumping ship if they never get another Nexus or similar device.

I honestly thought the Motorola Droid was going to be the one and only "open" developer phone on Verizon. I was honestly very surprised when it was announced that Verizon was getting exclusive rights to the Galaxy Nexus, but we all know now that Verizin still insisted that their version have some of their Verizon apps on it, thus tainting the whole Nexus experience (marketed as a "Google Experience" device).

I'm not going to hold my breath on having another mass released "open, developer" device on Verizon any time in the future. I believe Verizon has definitely shown it's true colors.

If I had an alternative carrier with reliable and acceptable performance, I'd switch carriers in a heartbeat, but unfortunately due to my geographic location, I am stuck with Verizon.

 

[sfobrien]

The locked bootloader will be a thing of the past in my opinon after the developers continue to make work arounds. Look how fast rooting, clockworkmod, and some roms already have came out.
Verizon might as well give in unlock it because they have already been defeated if you ask me.

 

[PsYcHoNeWb]

The locked bootloader will be a thing of the past in my opinon after the developers continue to make work arounds. Look how fast rooting, clockworkmod, and some roms already have came out.
Verizon might as well give in unlock it because they have already been defeated if you ask me.

Being defeated isn't really what they care about. They care about their bottom line. If a developer or even Samsung for that matter unlocked the bootloader it takes all the issues off of Verizon and hands it off to someone else. If they lock it, they don't have to deal with the warranty expenses. Samsung now will have to with the dev edition and for those who went around the locked bootloader, Verizon can easily say you didn't stick with our software so we can't help you.

 

[davidnc]

The locked bootloader will be a thing of the past in my opinon after the developers continue to make work arounds. Look how fast rooting, clockworkmod, and some roms already have came out.
Verizon might as well give in unlock it because they have already been defeated if you ask me.

I think the phones locked/ encrypted bootloader's on vzw's network are going to be the standard for vzw. Actually I will be surprized to see another Nexus be available with vzw is the cell provider.
Vzw almost ruined the Nexus,but at least it was able to get unlocked without the neeed for a hack.But not getting updates directly from Google suks.
Still tho GSM Nexus is the only one "officially supported" by Google.
If that was not bad enough Vzw was worse with the GS3 ,insisiting that the bootloader locked /encrypted.Im glad there are developers out there willing to accept the challenge and will be interested how much they can get around this bootloader .I know alot has already been done as a work around it tho.
Actually every cell phone sold in the US has a locked bootloader just some are easily unlocked (Nexus) and some as we know are not,on Vzw's network (Moto's DX ,Samsung's GS3)
That being said I dont think Vzw will allow another Nexus type phone on their network such as the Galaxy Nexus is.I can hope they will,,,,, but doubt they will .

 

[PsYcHoNeWb]

I think the phones locked/ encrypted bootloader's on vzw's network are going to be the standard for vzw. Actually I will be surprized to see another Nexus be available with vzw is the cell provider.
Vzw almost ruined the Nexus,but at least it was able to get unlocked without the neeed for a hack.But not getting updates directly from Google suks.
Still tho GSM Nexus is the only one "officially supported" by Google.
If that was not bad enough Vzw was worse with the GS3 ,insisiting that the bootloader locked /encrypted.Im glad there are developers out there willing to accept the challenge and will be interested how much they can get around this bootloader .
Actually every cell phone sold in the US has a locked bootloader just some are easily unlocked (Nexus) and some as we know are not,on Vzw's network (Moto's DX ,Samsung's GS3)
That being said I dont think Vzw will allow another Nexus type phone on their network such as the Galaxy Nexus is.I can hope they will,,,,, but doubt they will .

I honestly don't foresee it anywhere in the future. Google want's the phone to be a full on Google experience and Verizon wants to make it a Verizon experience. Can't do both and Verizon is probably the most thick headed of any of the carriers out there. Yes it has the best 4G coverage out there so that cause some to think before the jump ship. However, you need to vote for a company with your pocket, not with words. If you don't like Verizon and what they are doing and there is a suitable alternative, dump them.

Personally myself, I am part of a family share plan but my contract is done soon. I have been looking at other plans around such as AT&T and Sprint. While Verizon has been good to me, it seems that AT&T or Sprint gets the better bunch of phones (HTC One X and EVO most notably).

 

[davidnc]

I honestly don't foresee it anywhere in the future. Google want's the phone to be a full on Google experience and Verizon wants to make it a Verizon experience. Can't do both and Verizon is probably the most thick headed of any of the carriers out there. Yes it has the best 4G coverage out there so that cause some to think before the jump ship. However, you need to vote for a company with your pocket, not with words. If you don't like Verizon and what they are doing and there is a suitable alternative, dump them.

Personally myself, I am part of a family share plan but my contract is done soon. I have been looking at other plans around such as AT&T and Sprint. While Verizon has been good to me, it seems that AT&T or Sprint gets the better bunch of phones (HTC One X and EVO most notably).

Yeah I know .Sprint is a no go for me as of right now .Their coverage just isnt that good here or where I travel to.
AT&T 's coverage is better then Sprint's both for my home use and for my traveling but still AT&T's coverage isnt too good/ to non existence in a few spots I travel too.
That may well change in the new furture as AT&T has made progress ,and may become a option for me .I agree that it seems AT&T and Sprint have been getting the better phones lately.

 

[PsYcHoNeWb]

Yeah I know .Sprint is a no go for me as of right now .Their coverage just isnt that good here or where I travel to.
AT&T 's coverage is better then Sprint's both for my home use and for my traveling but still AT&T's coverage isnt too good/ to non existence in a few spots I travel too.
That may well change in the new furture as AT&T has made progress ,and may become a option for me .I agree that it seems AT&T and Sprint have been getting the better phones lately.

Originally I had no plans to dump verizon because of locking in my unlimited data but honestly, everywhere I go I pretty much can get a WiFi connection, and most of the time I would use data intensive apps would be at home on WiFi any. Unlimited is great but I feel like I could do without it if need be.