I remember last year when the first iPhone was close to its launch, many Verizon BlackBerry subscribers contemplated moving to AT&T to get the device.
Fewer than I thought would switch actually did, however, Verizon experienced a bit more churn then they normally do. Quite a few of those who switched actually came back, but, that is for another post.
The BlackBerry Storm is about to come out. Like the iPhone is exclusive to AT&T, the first touch screen BlackBerry will be exclusive to Verizon. I wonder how many AT&T subscribers will switch to Verizon to get it?
Hardly. In fact, if the “Storm” is the best thing RIM can come up with, the IPhone is looking better and better to me.
I would think that BlackBerry users that were already on AT&T who really want a touch phone, would go with the iPhone.
Why switch to get something like an iPhone when you can just stay home and get the real thing?
I am definitely considering switching from ATT to VZ. What is the point of ATT releasing 3G phones when their 3G is garbage? I am this is the reason for the delay of the Bold. They make it look like their 3G is the latest and greatest, but I have tried the IPhone and it is a slick device, but 3G on it sux. VZ data is still faster and more reliable than ATT.
Step up your game, ATT!!! Funnel some of your $$ from all the IPhones into improving your weak Data network. I have been wit ATT for years, but it might be coming to an end after the Strom is relased.
I am definitely considering switching from ATT to VZ. What is the point of ATT releasing 3G phones when their 3G is garbage? I am this is the reason for the delay of the Bold. They make it look like their 3G is the latest and greatest, but I have tried the IPhone and it is a slick device, but 3G on it sux. VZ data is still faster and more reliable than ATT.
Step up your game, ATT!!! Funnel some of your $$ from all the IPhone sales into improving your weak Data network. I have been with ATT for years, but it might be coming to an end after the Storm is released.
@ Kells why would people want the iphone when they need blackberry reliability and service; mobile me is still a disaster so don’t bring that into the fray. amongst other things.
That being said I AM switching from ATT to VZ when the phone hits the market;
IF ATT (and i do mean IF) they had gotten it together and released the bold i would proably be teetering but scince its not here im out!!!
It’s simple really. Most BB users *need* the BB for business reasons that the iPhone can’t (yet) compete with. As I have better choices, and Storm is an appealing choice, I would be a fool to not consider switching (just like some VZ users switched to ATT to get the iPhone). If the ATT mobile networks continue to not scale to their user base, then VZ (regardless of Storm) is an appealing alternative. ATT is in control of keeping me a customer. All it takes is support for phones compatible with *my* business features, and a network that doesn’t fail.
My company pays for me to have a BlackBerry but we don’t support the iPhone and don’t have any plans to any time soon. My AT&T contract went month to month at the beginning of September and I have been waiting for the Bold to come out so that I could sign up a new contract and get the subsidized price, but, know that the Storm is about to come out, I will wait and check it out because I really don’t loose anything since I can expense a Verizon bill just as easily as I can my AT&T bill.
For me it will be whichever device I like best, Bold or Storm. I do like the screen on the Storm though.
If we’re talking about utilizing the smart phones for 3G purposes (tethering for example), then I would if I were an AT&T customer. The networks are certainly different in that capacity. But if it’s just for basic phone and email usage, then I can’t see someone really dropping everything (current phone, network) for the BB Storm unless they are really a BB user/fan (as opposed to just getting an iPhone) who really wants a touch screen.
…and let’s be real…even Bill Curtis is surprised that he got a 3G connection from AT&T! LOL…sorry, couldn’t resist.
I have an 8800 right now and I love for what it could do, very solid. I was waiting to see how this phone stacks up with the G1 Android. I have to say by looks alone it’s 3x better. I’m a bit weary of going through Verizon for they nickel and dime you to death. I think one of my deciding factors will be the 3G network of Tmobile, when I can get a 3G signal will it be reliable.
Don’t like Verizon as it is a penny pitching company.
Try to squeeze every dollar from their customers by blocking all the build-in features from the phones.
Why isn’t Bold available in the US yet? Even though storm is getting ready to be released..It sucks that the US is the only country where Bold isn’t available.
@Dolce,
Because AT&T hasn’t released it yet. There are a lot of theories as to why, but, at the end of the day, AT&T controls when the Bold shows up on their network.
Nope. Verizon is too controlling and nickel and dimes its customers.
I think for more and more people, esp. among the type of people who read these blogs, the question is not so much if one will leave one carrier for another…because many people now own multiple mobile devices on multiple carriers.
So for some the question simply becomes: do you find the Storm compelling enough to buy as another device?
Gotta admit the vast voice clarity at Verizon compared to AT&T is a huge difference for me but like was said before. If I wanted a touch screen I would have just bought an iphone being on at&t.
Why can’t the consumer purchase their phone of choice from any manufacturer? The networks dictate what we can buy compounded by their restrictive contracts. Look at the Blackberry 8220 and where can you purchase one!
Left Verizon for the iPhone (an incredible phone, though lacking in customization), I am an self admitted apple fan boy and waited for a year for the 3G iPhone, however, I am strongly considering returning to Verizon (despite there nickle and dimeing/blocking of features) due to the absolute crap of AT&T’s network, I drop more calls per day than I did per year on Verizon. Also, their 3G network is absolute crap, the signal floats, and barely works if you are indoors. Oh and don’t go farther than 10 miles outside a major city because good luck, or down a hill, behind a tree, between buildings, or if there is a breeze, because you will also loose 3G.
Basically: If the storms interface even comes close to the iPhone’s (I tried to go back already, but could not go back to the trackball after the iphone), then I will most likely be going back to the big V (and buying an ipod touch on the side)!
This is why I stuck w/ VZ after having the service for almost 8 years now. Being an Apple user, I considered switching to ATT, just for the iPhone. The iPhone is the only good thing they have going, but I can’t justify switching to their service, when I’m perfectly happy w/ mine. That said, my current Blackberry 8830 is everything I need in a business/ personal phone, and the upcoming Storm will make it worth sticking w/ Verizon in the long run.
I can’t wait for the storm!! I’ve been with Verizon for over 10 years. I was thinking of switching to the Iphone but what I’ve read and heard about AT&T service. No thanks, I’ll stick to Verizon!
The att network is nowhere near as good as verizons. Verizon is expensive but nothing can beat the network. When i had att i missed so many calls. It was a garbage network all the way around.
I don’t know why people are baging on the ATT 3G network, it’s fantastic, fast and reliable for my wife.
Those of you on ATT that want the Storm, I am under the understanding that ATT will have a touchscreen model of the Blackberry out in 2009. Just like ATT had an exclusive on the 8310 (curve), which Verizon eventually came out with months later.
Personally, I need a Blackberry because the iPhone cannot be purchased against a business/state contract, which is what I am on. As it stands, I can’t afford either phone and my company won’t foot the friggin bill for it.
I just bought my husband and iPhone, and while it’s a really cool phone. I don’t see myself using it’s internet much, I likes my computer for that.
I am concerned about switching to Verizon for my phone (I want the Storm and I love my trackball phone and actually will miss it on the Storm!!!)… where my sister lives and where I ride horses has NO Verizon service there or in the surrounding 3-4 counties, I’m in Kentucky. But, if I got better service here at home, and didn’t get nickeled and dimed to death on the extras…I think I’d switch due to better service in my own area. I’d like to know more about the way Verizon charges for Texting, Internet and all and if I’d have to go to the $99 a month package from my low cost package now…I think I’d have to wait on ATT. Anyone have any input that might help? Thanks!
I will be switching. I’ve got a month left with AT&T contract, after that, I’m gone.
the Iphone aint got SH!T on the storm.