Verizon and Microsoft are still at it — the two just cannot play nice with one another.
In the battle brewing between the country's largest wireless communications service provider and the Redmond-based software firm, it's Microsoft's latest Lumias that are taking a hit.
The Windows-based Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL smartphones will not work on Verizon's networks. According to well-known tech journalist following the Microsoft beat Mary Jo Foley, Verizon won't authenticate the new Lumias to work on its network, unlocked or not. This isn't surprising for seasoned Windows Phone fans who are accustomed to not having Microsoft's new flagships available across multiple carriers.
Technically, both of the latest Lumias should be able to run on Verizon's LTE network. Each is equipped with a Qualcomm chipset with universal radios that allow the devices to hook onto all available network bands, such as Verizon's CDMA network. Due to the nature of CDMA networks, any devices riding on the band must first have their MEIDs (Mobile Equipment Identifier) added by the network. In this troubling case, it seems Verizon refuses to give the Lumias its "blessing" to work on its network.
As a result, reports reveal that Microsoft has taken it upon itself to disable the CDMA radio in its new handsets since Verizon won't have them anyway. In the past, Microsoft has stated that it would only focus on carriers that are actually receptive of its mobile platform. Its statement was widely viewed as a jab at Verizon and, in return, this seems to be Verizon's response to Microsoft.
At the same time, Microsoft seems to be doing its fair share of picking favorites. Their new Lumias work on GSM carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile, but the company has also seemed to have ignored T-Mobile (which just recently brought back its most popular promo ever) opting instead to offer the Lumia 950 exclusively to AT&T.
Nonetheless, the relationship between the two companies seems to be far off from reaching a peaceful conclusion. Google's latest Nexus devices — the larger Nexus 6P and the compact 5X — will work on CDMA carriers like Verizon and Sprint. If Microsoft really wants to get Windows Phone into the hands of more people, it's going to have to start playing nice first.
Photo: Maurizio Pesce | Flickr
