Does VerizonWireless offer phone with Bluetooth yet?

[hausponce]

Does anyone know if Verizonwireless offers a phone with "Bluetooth"? Where I live there are 3 Verizon stores. The people there say they don't know of any phones with Bluetooth but they're not sure. The website tells me to go to my local Verizon store. Any employees with info.?

[vclie]

yes

[OcellNuri]

OK... so how about a link or a product name or something please? I am on Verizon at the moment as well. I wouldn't mind staying with them for my next phone because the coverage is pretty good, but if they don't have a Bluetooth phone I am going to have to move on to someone else.

So what phones does Verizon cary that has Bluetooth built in vclie?

[AK_47/B]

Yes

[OcellNuri]

:D

[soulbarn]

As far as I know, the only Verizon phone currently offered that is Bluetooth-compatible is the Sony-Ericcsson T61c. It requires an accessory (the DBA-10) to work with bluetooth; note that this is not a "smartback" accessory (which is a sleek add-on that replaces the rear battery pack on the phone.) One of those for BT was originally promised for the phone, but never appeared. The DBA-10 clicks onto the bottom of the phone, adding about an inch to it.

The T61c is express network compatible. It is not sold thru Verizon - you can get it at a Verizon-authorized Radio Shack for about $50 or less. (I own one.) It's a good phone, tri-band, nice features, and works nicely as a PC data modem, as well.

If you want to find out about other phones, you should visit this site:

www.phonescoop.com.

They have a cool "phonefinder" page that lets you specify features (carrier, bluetooth, and just about anything else) and automatically ID's upcoming and currently available phones.

- Dan

[soulbarn]

OOps, the DBA-10 costs about $100. OUCH!

[OcellNuri]

Thanks soulbarn. That is exactly the information I was looking for. I will make good use of that website as well.

Yes

I will. :D

[hausponce]

Thanks for the info. people

haus

[megazone]

Verizon's official answer is *no* - they do not sell nor support BlueTooth phones, and have no plans to do so in the near future. They told me I was welcome to go buy a Motorola TimePort 270 and then buy a BlueTooth smartback for it, and they'd be kind enough to let me subscribe it to their network.

Instead I went to AT&T wireless and got a new Sony Ericsson T68i for $149 (and there is a $50 rebate on that) - it is a nicer phone, and they officially support it, and the BlueTooth features. (T-Mobile also offers the same phone around here.) Yes, it meant going to GSM instead of CDMA, but around here GSM coverage is now good - and GPRS data services are nice to have.

[Unregistered]

there is a model, but mostly only offered in certain regions/outlets

[hausponce]

Sony Ericsson T608. The first CDMA mobile phone to feature integrated Bluetooth wireless technology in the United States. The T608 features Java, enabling users to download ring tones, games, images, and other apps. to the phone. Large 65,536-color screen, with 128 x 128 pixel res., speaker phone for hands-free,five-way joystick. This phone is said to be available second quarter of 2003 in North America.

haus

[hausponce]

Sorry forgot to post the website in last post.
www.SonyEricsson.com/pressroom

[tifosiv122]

My older Motorola 270c had BlueTooth...i just never used it.

Erik

[jlbunting]

I am have Verizon also.

I would says yes on the bluetooth but its kinda a loaded question. Best this I could say is if you do a search on Clie Source> you will find there are only two phones right now that will work with bluetooth and both need an adapter.

[Unregistered]

the set608 is not a verizon phone. it will only be offered by sprint.

[Jag]

I would have loved to stay with Verizon because where I live the service and reception are excellent - but no BT. I finally signed up with ATT and got the Sony Ericsson T681, which I really liked but the reception was awful. Went back to ATT and got the Nokia 3650 which is a nice phone and the reception is somewhat better but still bad. Overall I am disappointed with ATT.

[Narniahopper]

I'm a recent subscriber to Verizon, and the reason I chose to go ahead was the promise of a bluetooth phone in two weeks. So the answer, in theory, is yes.

[megazone]

Originally posted by Narniahopper I'm a recent subscriber to Verizon, and the reason I chose to go ahead was the promise of a bluetooth phone in two weeks. So the answer, in theory, is yes. Who told you that? I emailed Verizon Wireless directly two weeks ago and was told directly that they did not carry any BlueTooth phones and that they had no immediate plans to do so. The best my local store could tell me was "Not yet, but I think we might have some in a few months."

Unfortunately it looks like i've already deleted the email from Verizon or I'd share it.

I even hunted around on a number of websites dedicated to cell phones, and everywhere I went it was the same story:
- No current BlueTooth from Verizon
- No plans for the known future
- They used to sell the TimePort 270c, and if you can find one and buy the BT smartback they'll let you use it. And I think there was one other phone that you could connect a BT dongle to - but it made it awkward, not to mention expensive.

If the local sales reps told you that, I'd email them from the website - don't tell them what you were told, just ask "Will you have a BlueTooth phone soon." See what they say.

[megazone]

Originally posted by Jag
I would have loved to stay with Verizon because where I live the service and reception are excellent - but no BT. I finally signed up with ATT and got the Sony Ericsson T681, which I really liked but the reception was awful. Went back to ATT and got the Nokia 3650 which is a nice phone and the reception is somewhat better but still bad. Overall I am disappointed with ATT. Hmm, it must vary by area. I'm quite impressed with the quality of calls on the GSM network in MA. I noticed a jump going from my CDMA StarTac on Verizon to my GSM T68i on AT&T Wireless. Things were noticably 'crisper' - perhaps it is the phone, the StarTac was 4+ year old tech, but so far no problems with my T68i on the network around here.

[jlbunting]

I have two friends that work for VERIZON> they told me that verizon has not presented to them any information about new phones coming out with verizon. The people I know, are a good source in my opinion because the provide the customer support and sales for verizon.

Below is a Reply from one of these friends:
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: 'Tommy' To: John Bunting
Subject: RE: Bluetooth
" Ok well lets put it this way ...we had a vendor fair come to our place. And there was talk about it. But that was all that was said. They tend to keep things hush hush"
----- Original Message -----
From: John Bunting To: 'Tommy' Sent: Wednesday, April 30, 2003 12:05 AM Subject: RE: Bluetooth
Do you know or have you heard a rumor, Verizon is going to carry cell phones with Bluetooth?
The reason why I ask is because I would really like a phone with Bluetooth and I heard a rumor they were going to start carrying one in about 6 months. I wanted to find out from you if this was true or not, since you work for them I figured you would be a good source.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The ONLY phone with Bluetooth that uses CDMA is: Sony Ericsson T608 CDMA

http://www.sonyericsson.com/us/spg.jsp?page=start

Unfortunately this is on the Sony Ericsson web site under "Coming Soon" How soon I don't know.

I hope this information will clear up any speculations. I use Verizon and have been deal with the frustrating fact that CDMA hardware is slowing progressing technology development than GSM.

Until I can get my hands on a Sony Ericsson T608 CDMA my frustrations will continue.
But All said I still like Verizon. ;-)

[jlbunting]

Opps, If you read this part first my Post will make more sense.


+++++++++++++++++

http://www.cliesource.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=12214&highlight=verizon

This Will answer more of anyone's questions.

Let me set this whole thing about Verizon and Bluetooth straight.
As of a week ago, There is NO phone available with Bluetooth built in that uses CDMA networks.

All you can do is use an adapter, the 270c and the Sony-Ericcsson T61c.

[megazone]

Originally posted by jlbunting
Until I can get my hands on a Sony Ericsson T608 CDMA my frustrations will continue.
But All said I still like Verizon. ;-) I liked them too - but if they can't do what I need, they lose a customer.

The current rumor is that Sprint will have the 608, but Verizon will have the 606 - which doesn't have BlueTooth.

[jlbunting]

I have Hope with Verizon because the T608 is CDMA which means it could work with the Verizon network. Any CDMA phone should work with Verizon.

[megazone]

If they don't sell it you'll have to find one not locked to another provider (Sprint) - and then make sure Verizon will let you use the phone on their network. Now, a CDMA PCS network phone (what Sprint uses) is still CDMA at heart and is capable of working on Verizon's CDMA network, right?

[jlbunting]

From what I understand YES any CDMA phone will work, as long as you can Program it to work on Verizon. (needs to be Unlocked)

I have a 270c and I used it with a different phone company before I went over to Verizon> We I made the switch I just reprogramed my Phone and it worked.

[tifosiv122]

Originally posted by jlbunting
The ONLY phone with Bluetooth that uses CDMA is: Sony Ericsson T608 CDMA

Umm...and the Motorola v270c is what? and has what? Ohh CDMA and Bluetooth.

Erik

[megazone]

Originally posted by tifosiv122
Umm...and the Motorola v270c is what? and has what? Ohh CDMA and Bluetooth.I understood what he meant - the only CDMA phone with BlueTooth built-in.

The 270c does NOT - it uses the add-on SmartBack.

[hausponce]

The more I think about it. Bluetooth is going to cost me alot of money. I'm a Verizon customer(a farely new one too). If I quit them and go with another carrier it'll cost me $125.00 to cancel my contract. To sign up with a new carrier will cost anywhere from $100.00 to $300.00(signup + new phone). Or I can stay with Verizon BUY my own Bluetooth CDMA phone(SE T608) $400.00est. Pray Verizon will allow me to use the phone on thier system. Or I can wait it out and hope big V will come out with a Bluetooth phone if I don't die first. I think it's time to just back-away from the whole idea for now.
haus

[hausponce]

It's kinda funny. 1/3 of Silicon Valley's work force lives where I live(roughly 40+ miles away). No GSM networks anywhere. We finally got cable DSL in our area afew months ago. Talk about being out in the woods.
haus

[Unregistered]

you cannot switch between different CDMA carriers. actually it is possible - but not cost effective, so it effectively is not possible. if you want to learn more about mobile phones, check out phonescoop.com and howardforums.com

and once and for all, the upcoming sony erricson 608 - is ONLY for sprint, not verizon. there may be in fact a verizon version, but not in the first release.

on the other hand, both japan and korea now use cdma phones. if they were in fact switchable, you could buy truly kick *** export phones (through UK dealers) and use them in the U.S. i certainly wish it was possible...but no.

other than that, the best phones in the world are gsm. you can in fact buy export (which means unlocked) models, primarily from U.K. dealers, and activate them on any U.S. gsm carrier. too bad gprs is not cheap here though.

[Unregistered]

on more add - if you really want internet access via your phone (on any carrier), and you know which phone you want and assuming sony sticks with "T" connectors - then check out supplynet.com and you can buy a cable for pretty much any phone. not wireless, but works very good.

[jlbunting]

I agree... http://supplynetwireless.com/ and I used there cable with my N760 and my 270c phone. It worked great.

But Bluetooth would be soo Cool.

[hausponce]

I have a phone cable. It's become my backup to the internet and email.
haus

[CosmicBlend]

SprintPCS will be adding a BT phone to their line soon.. its some Sony-Erricson Model but i dont think its the T68i

[Unregistered]

the next and so far only announced U.S. CDMA phone will be the sprint version of the sony ericsson t608. see above post.

[Unregistered]

http://www.phonescoop.com/phones/phone.php?id=228


here's the link. it is a nice phone. only other options for now are gsm phones, and there are a ton of bluetooth ones. note you need to by export (unlocked) versions. try expansys. not the cheapest, but good reference point for what;s available.

[megazone]

Originally posted by megazone
Unfortunately it looks like i've already deleted the email from Verizon or I'd share it.Ah - found it:

Dear Verizon Wireless Customer,

Thank you for contacting the Verizon Wireless website. As part of our Worry
+Free Guarantee, your concern becomes our concern the first time you contact us.
+We would be happy to assist you with your
Bluetooth question.

The only Bluetooth capable phone that Verizon Wireless has supported is the
+Motorola 270c. Unfortunately, this handset is no longer kept in stock at the
+retail stores. You may be able to purchase
one from Motorola directly (800-331-6456) or by visiting an online auction site
+like eBay.

We are not aware of a planned release for any new Bluetooth capable handsets.

If you have further questions or concerns, please contact us anytime through
+e-mail using the address of wirelessdata@verizonwireless.com. We appreciate
+your business and thank you for choosing
Verizon Wireless.

Sincerely,

Mike
Verizon Wireless
Wireless Data Technical Support

[Byte Me]

that motorola phone requires an add-in for bluetooth. it is not built into the phone itself (and that is not a small phone). the gsm phones are exceptionally good right now - assuming you live in an area where gsm coverage is good. otherwise, the upcoming se t608 should be great for cdma, and i'm sure more will follow.

[tifosiv122]

I have two 270c phones available, one brand new. Both CDMA.
If anyone wants to buy one cheap ($50-75) e-mail me. BTW, the size of the phone was due to its speaker, not bluetooth. It is bar-none the best phone I have ever owned. I HATE my t720, but I paid $500+ to install it in my car before I realized that...what a mistake.

Thanks,
Erik

[hausponce]

I just received this email.

Thank you for contacting the Verizon Wireless website. As part of our
Worry Free Guarantee, your concern becomes our concern the first time
you contact us. We would be happy to assist you with your
Bluetooth question.

Thank you for your interest in the Sony Ericsson T608 phone. Verizon
Wireless tests many phones for use on our network. It is highly probably
that the CDMA version of this phone is being tested right
now, but until it passes our rigorous reliability tests we will not
announce it for sale on our website. We apologize if this is an
inconvenience.

If you have further questions or concerns, please contact us anytime
through e-mail using the address of wirelessdata@verizonwireless.com. We
appreciate your business and thank you for choosing
Verizon Wireless.

Sincerely,

Marshall
Verizon Wireless
Wireless Data Technical Support

"We never stop working for you!"

The above response is subject to the terms of your Service Agreement
and calling plan, which apply to all lines on your account. Please read
those materials for full details. Our liability is
limited. In the event of a conflict between this response and the
terms of your Service Agreement and calling plan, the terms of your Service
Agreement and calling plan will govern. Verizon
Wireless's calling plans, rate areas, rates, agreement provisions,
business practices, procedures and policies are subject to change as
specified in the Service Agreement.

[pstoppani]

Note that the 608 will be for Sprint and that Verizon will use the T606, which does not have Bluetooth :(