Database Develop

[Q] Sprint HTC Hero CDMA (Hero200) On Verizon Service

In this thread, I would like to gather as much information as possible about transferring Verizon Wireless Service onto a Sprint Branded HTC Hero CDMA (Aka Hero200 & APA6277) with android 2.1 (codename Eclair).
I have already successfully 'rooted' the device....Now I just need a ROM. I cannot find any evidence that a ROM/PRL has been developed for this phone to support Verizon service(Although I believe some people have successfully ported cricket/boost/metroPCS to the Hero200).
I learned that the HTC Hero200 is pretty similar to the HTC Droid Eris, which supports Verizon, but the Eris firmware cannot be installed on the Hero without significant problems. Maybe someone knows of a workaround?
Perhaps we can break down exactly what is required to develop such software and implement the necessary provisioning data into this phone to support Verizon?
Can anyone please help point me in the right direction? Thank you!

even if you get it to work as in pick up their service there is no way they would allow you/ be able to active the phone.

Ok I'm kinda familiar with this as I'm new to sprint from cricket. The rom isn't important. Before you get to deep in to this I would recommend you either go to the Verizon website or call the customer support line and try to register the min on their network. If not then what you have to do MAY be illegal and I'm not sure if I can explain how to do it here. I know I can say what you need to do though. You're gonna have to get a Verizon phone and flash it's serial number to your hero. Remember, this is ONLY if they won't register the phone on their network. Try that first and report back what happens.
Sent from my HERO200 using XDA App

abadasstanker69 said:
Before you get to deep in to this I would recommend you either go to the Verizon website or call the customer support line and try to register the min on their network. If not then what you have to do MAY be illegal and I'm not sure if I can explain how to do it here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I risk bricking the phone, it's cool... I'm more interested in learning about it, and I want to see if I can successfully transfer carriers.
I actually acquired this Hero200 through a 'friend of a friend' which was passed along as a gift, but I think the original owner lost the phone. I'm guessing they may have notified Sprint the device was 'lost/stolen', thus rendering the ESN number useless on Sprints network (But I'm not exactly sure how this works).
So if the ESN for this phone is 'tainted' or I guess 'blacklisted' on Sprint's network, this means I have to either program a new ESN onto this phone, or use a different carrier, right?
Thoughtlesskyle said:
even if you get it to work as in pick up their service there is no way they would allow you/ be able to active the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe you very likely could be right... But what are the exact components that make a phone worthy of activation on a network?
I would like to learn more about what constitutes a phones' "identity".
Surely there must be a way to alter the Hero200's ESN or other appropriate attributes to be interpreted by a carrier as a "valid" client.

Altering or tampering with a phones esn is also highly illegal
BuTTcHiPs said:
If I risk bricking the phone, it's cool... I'm more interested in learning about it, and I want to see if I can successfully transfer carriers.
I actually acquired this Hero200 through a 'friend of a friend' which was passed along as a gift, but I think the original owner lost the phone. I'm guessing they may have notified Sprint the device was 'lost/stolen', thus rendering the ESN number useless on Sprints network (But I'm not exactly sure how this works).
So if the ESN for this phone is 'tainted' or I guess 'blacklisted' on Sprint's network, this means I have to either program a new ESN onto this phone, or use a different carrier, right?
I believe you very likely could be right... But what are the exact components that make a phone worthy of activation on a network?
I would like to learn more about what constitutes a phones' "identity".
Surely there must be a way to alter the Hero200's ESN or other appropriate attributes to be interpreted by a carrier as a "valid" client.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my HERO200 using XDA App

Sorry the auto correct put min instead of esn. The only thing your phone needs is the prl for text and voice to work. Data is a little more detailed but easily done. Yes it is illegal and if the phone was reported stolen or missing the only places you're going to get it working is a lower tiered service provider like metro pcs or cricket unless you swap the esn. Again it is illegal and I can't tell you how to do it without violating forum rules.
Sent from my HERO200 using XDA App

abadasstanker69 said:
Sorry the auto correct put min instead of esn. The only thing your phone needs is the prl for text and voice to work. Data is a little more detailed but easily done. Yes it is illegal and if the phone was reported stolen or missing the only places you're going to get it working is a lower tiered service provider like metro pcs or cricket unless you swap the esn. Again it is illegal and I can't tell you how to do it without violating forum rules.
Sent from my HERO200 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldnt play with the ESN...why dont you just try to flash an eris rom(it might not run everything)but...activate the phone and flash another rom...(Aosp 0.9.8 is my fav. thanks aosp)
anyway...i am not sure it will work but i think is worth a try than getting into some illegal stuff....

abadasstanker69 said:
Sorry the auto correct put min instead of esn. The only thing your phone needs is the prl for text and voice to work. Data is a little more detailed but easily done. Yes it is illegal and if the phone was reported stolen or missing the only places you're going to get it working is a lower tiered service provider like metro pcs or cricket unless you swap the esn. Again it is illegal and I can't tell you how to do it without violating forum rules.
Sent from my HERO200 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how would you get the PRL? I am running a stock sprint 2.1 rom. Heard some people got it to run under a eris rom. I don't think that matters what Rom your using. i'm soo close.. I keep getting "We're unable to authenticate your phone at this time..." DO i just strip the PRL off the old phone? Isn't there an A-KEY that has to be delt with.?? i've seen lots of people get text and talk (all I need) but how are they getting past the A-KEY???
Is the PRL the answer to my mess?

I was actually looking to do just this, only the opposite. Buy a Verizon phone and activate it on Sprint's network. Altering ESNs is illegal, is it a different story if you rightfully own the ESNs that you are modifying? I had my EVO stolen so I'm stuck paying full price for another smartphone if I want one. I'd love to buy a phone, full retail price, from Verizon so that I legitimately own the device(and its ESN?), and swap its ESN with another Sprint phone which I legitimately own. I'm just unsure if this is allowed or still considered illegal. Can anyone provide insight?
I'm pretty sure this would require changing the ESN of the phone. If you own the phones and ESNs that are being altered/swapped and you aren't cheating the carrier out of any money(i.e. putting a Hero's ESN on an EVO so they don't charge you the $10 premium data charge because they think its a Hero, which would be theft of their services=ILLEGAL) is it still not allowed.

Changing the ESN is highly illegal, no matter if you own both devices. Look at it this way, the fact that you own 2 cars does not give you the right to exchange their VIN numbers. Identification numbers on products are not meant to be modified.
Please proceed carefully with the discussion of this thread. Continued talks about exchanging (cloning) ESN may end up getting this thread closed down.. Thanks.

Hero Chop Shop?
Sent from my HERO200 using XDA App

Still no text and talk,
Running southpaw rom on HERO with Verizon PRL, and Verizon Radio, updated MDN and MIN, and all data info. Only thing I have not done per some guides is call verizon Customer service to update the A-Key. I don't think this is necessary, I think i'm done with this project..

bomix said:
Still no text and talk,
Running southpaw rom on HERO with Verizon PRL, and Verizon Radio, updated MDN and MIN, and all data info. Only thing I have not done per some guides is call verizon Customer service to update the A-Key. I don't think this is necessary, I think i'm done with this project..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have ran into a similar problem like this with authentication problem.
Do you already have service?
Was "donor" phone you used your primary phone that was already activated?
What I did is activate another version phone the reactivated my modified fascinate and got a new a-key.
Email me if you have problems after this I am planning on going down a similar route with a evo If you catch my drift.
Here is my email
[email protected]

Doing this leagelly
Okay so if I can get verizon to activate my htc hero's esn how can I flash the phone myself to Verizon first?
Or better yet how do I get to the menus to program the phone manually. I can get into the menus for the phone I want to replace and change the information accordingly if I can get to the programming menu on the htc hero. Its a sprint phone going to verizon.

iamalanwelch said:
Okay so if I can get verizon to activate my htc hero's esn how can I flash the phone myself to Verizon first?
Or better yet how do I get to the menus to program the phone manually. I can get into the menus for the phone I want to replace and change the information accordingly if I can get to the programming menu on the htc hero. Its a sprint phone going to verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Why did bump a dead thread that is almost a year old?
2. As per older posts any procedures you take flashing a device is HIGHLY illegal. You're better off just getting a Verizon phone.
私のEVO 3Dから送信される。

why would u want to use a hero on verizon anyway phones so outdated u can get xperia plays for 99$ oh and stop bumping these threads when we say its ilegal we mean it.

Hey I bought an Alltel Hero for the sole purpose of hacking (I'm going to change its ESN/MEID) but we're not gonna talk about that purpose directly..
Just answer this for me.. If I do what I plan to do, do I need to flash a new radio or will the Alltel radio that it already has already "tell" it to look for Verizon towers?

Pre-paid carrier discussion thread: which one do you use and why?

My AT&T contract is going to expire in couple of weeks (yay!) and I am looking to go pre-paid. Have been looking at all major GSM MVNO's and still can't decide which one to go with. I currently use GNex so either AT&T or T-Mo based carrier should be OK.
I have been leaning towards Straight Talk but some of the horror stories of people getting disconnected without notice and losing their phone numbers frankly scare me. I've had my phone number for alost 10 years and do not want to lose it. So, which pre-paid carrier do you use and why.

I'm guessing only American Based User replies are best here?
-----------------
- Swift -, formerly known as IrishStuff09

- Swift - said:
I'm guessing only American Based User replies are best here?
-----------------
- Swift -, formerly known as IrishStuff09
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes sir, I am in US

I don't currently use straight talk, but I know tons of people who use them with tons of dffrent and nice phones that love their service. I do however have a wal mart mobile(I think that's right) sim card I pop in my old 4S and use in my Rezound quite frequently and have 0 complaints about their service. May not be much help but as I stated I know and have personally worked on many peoples phone to get them up and running on straight talk and all of them love it.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using XDA

ksizzle9 said:
I don't currently use straight talk, but I know tons of people who use them with tons of dffrent and nice phones that love their service. I do however have a wal mart mobile(I think that's right) sim card I pop in my old 4S and use in my Rezound quite frequently and have 0 complaints about their service. May not be much help but as I stated I know and have personally worked on many peoples phone to get them up and running on straight talk and all of them love it.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have any of your friends said anything about Straight Talk monitoring their data usage? I have never used more then 3GB per month so never had an issue with AT&T, but according to some stories I read Straight Talk is in a habit of simply disconnecting people's service without a warning.

Straight talk has a data cap/policy that's nebulous at best.
If you, really want an AT&T mvno, I use a RedPocket SIM in my One X. It's 59.99$ a month, unlimited talk, text and 2gb data. 56.99$ if you use www.callingmart.com and buy your refill from there.
T-Mobile has an, online only plan for 30$ a month that includes 100 min, unl sms, and 5gb data. While 100 min may not be enough, some have found grooveip with google voice a viable option for calls.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium

AnyMal said:
Have any of your friends said anything about Straight Talk monitoring their data usage? I have never used more then 3GB per month so never had an issue with AT&T, but according to some stories I read Straight Talk is in a habit of simply disconnecting people's service without a warning.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check out HoFo ....there are many posts on this
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium

Babydoll25 said:
Check out HoFo ....there are many posts on this
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's where I got most of my information so far.

There is a slight difference between Carrier and GPlay Nexus 5

First lets start by saying THERE are NO HARDWARE DIFFERENCE'S Just the matter of your carrier accepting the device
*Disclaimer : This information may change in the future and I'm not aware of any other CDMA carrier that does this in the UNITED States besides Sprint (If you do post and let us know). Most of the world is on GSM anyway right so this doesn't even matter to you
The Google Play Version allows you to go to Sprint and T-mobile
The T-Mobile Version or Carrier version will only work on other GSM Carriers while the Google play version allows you to go CDMA and GSM
Both of the Carrier and Google versions sold have the same internals and same everything else its just the matter of your carrier accepting it
If you're going to be using it for GSM only the carrier version is fine, however if you would like to use Sprint one day you would need the Google Play one or buy one from Sprint Themselves
Overall From Carrier and or Google Play Hardware/Software is the same its just the matter of your carrier accepting it :good:
Another Difference is that Carrier purchased Nexus 5 GOOGLE WILL NOT RMA only LG can with their Limited 1 year warranty
THE RMA Process is Only available from Google If the device was purchased from them
So for best warranty service try to purchase from Google Play
So Mark...? How do I know this is true and not one of your BUll***** threads again?
Simple Try going to ting and or any BYOD Sprint MVNO or Sprint themselves in order for them to activate it the ESN/IEMI must be in their system the google play ordered device will show however the Carrier purchased one Example T-Mobile wont show
It may sound stupid as all Nexus 5's should be unlocked and can be used anywhere. As it should be but it isn't
This is an Error on Sprint's End. This was similar to the iPhone 4s being GSM unlocked however carriers such as Sprint/Verizon Locked it

I'm not quite sure what this thread is about.
CDMA carriers have to have your ESN in their database for the phone to work on their network. They have all the Google play ESN's and all their own carrier ESN but they don't have other carriers' ESN so you have to ask them to add it. Is that what this is about?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

rootSU said:
I'm not quite sure what this thread is about.
CDMA carriers have to have your ESN in their database for the phone to work on their network. They have all the Google play ESN's and all their own carrier ESN but they don't have other carriers' ESN so you have to ask them to add it. Is that what this is about?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, you can go Sprint to T-Mobile but you cant go to T-Mobile to Sprint

markdapimp said:
Yep, you can go Sprint to T-Mobile but you cant go to T-Mobile to Sprint
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do they refuse to add the ESN when you call them up?

rootSU said:
I'm not quite sure what this thread is about.
CDMA carriers have to have your ESN in their database for the phone to work on their network. They have all the Google play ESN's and all their own carrier ESN but they don't have other carriers' ESN so you have to ask them to add it. Is that what this is about?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am confused as well.

Sprint seems pretty horrific with dealing in ESN's anyways. 6 support calls and a friend of mine could still not activate my old e4gt. They knew it wasn't blacklisted for stolen or funds due. They knew the exact date the phone was last activated but it wasn't until I told him to tell them the old number that they are like oh that hasn't been released from the line (which no longer exists). You would think you would get a clear and concise message trying to activate a device that is attached to another account not cryptic errors people are asking if they have ever seen before. One support staff actually asked him "are you sure its a sprint phone".
We already know AT&T doesn't exactly deal as well with the N5 as we would like to.

RainMotorsports said:
We already know AT&T doesn't exactly deal as well with the N5 as we would like to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really?
I bought the play store edition, popped in my sim card and that was it...
Sent from my Nexus 5

Pirateghost said:
Really?
I bought the play store edition, popped in my sim card and that was it...
Sent from my Nexus 5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats the best way to do it too. You already had service right? Possibly previously owned an LTE device? But its been encountered many a time they won't provision the account with LTE if the device ESN isn't in the system. But if you have an AT&T device available to activate on its no big deal. Already have service even better. Not an issue for say ST Byod or something.

mistahseller said:
I am confused as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is what I understand
Google version=bought from google play
T-Mobile version=bought from tmobile
Hardware wise, they are exactly the same.
However, sprint only has the ESN of the Google version (and their sprint version)
When op tries to activate the tmobile version on sprint, sprint (or ting) was unable to verify the ESN and refused.
Gsm providers are fine because you just pop the Sim in and it'll work (baring other stuff like imei blocking or att not allowing your Sim card to access LTE but allow 3g)

paperWastage said:
Here is what I understand
Google version=bought from google play
T-Mobile version=bought from tmobile
Hardware wise, they are exactly the same.
However, sprint only has the ESN of the Google version (and their sprint version)
When op tries to activate the tmobile version on sprint, sprint (or ting) was unable to verify the ESN and refused.
Gsm providers are fine because you just pop the Sim in and it'll work (baring other stuff like imei blocking or att not allowing your Sim card to access LTE but allow 3g)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But couldn't you just obtain that, give to sprint, they enter it, and then call it did?

mistahseller said:
But couldn't you just obtain that, give to sprint, they enter it, and then call it did?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But what if Sprint's policy is only to allow a whitelisted phone on the network?
Otherwise, you could call them up with a Verizon ESN and get to use a Verizon phone on sprint?
//why I'll never touch CDMA even with a 20 foot pole

paperWastage said:
But what if Sprint's policy is only to allow a whitelisted phone on the network?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is both vzw's and sprint's policy.

Zepius said:
this is both vzw's and sprint's policy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True, but sprint could be doing things differently with the nexus 5
I don't know, but from ops perspective, looks like this is happening.
Imeis (and probably ESN) have a specific structure. (Go Wikipedia imei. On mobile, can't link easily)
If google/sprint version have the same starting digits and are white listed, and T-Mobile has different digits, then yeah

mistahseller said:
But couldn't you just obtain that, give to sprint, they enter it, and then call it did?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have seen posts that suggest this can be done
Most recently:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2672066
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

RainMotorsports said:
Thats the best way to do it too. You already had service right? Possibly previously owned an LTE device? But its been encountered many a time they won't provision the account with LTE if the device ESN isn't in the system. But if you have an AT&T device available to activate on its no big deal. Already have service even better. Not an issue for say ST Byod or something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T don't care what device you use. Call them and tell them you want to pay them money for LTE, give them the imei (they don't use esn) and they provision a sim card.
Sent from my Nexus 5

All you have to do is call sprint and give them the esn and it will work on sprint.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

I ordered my N5 on 1st available day. Then went to local ATT store and set up my ATT Go account and SIM, without the phone, for free. When phone arrived, I just bought ATT Go pin from callingmart, pop in SIM and voilà, LTE.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app

Pirateghost said:
AT&T don't care what device you use. Call them and tell them you want to pay them money for LTE, give them the imei (they don't use esn) and they provision a sim card.
Sent from my Nexus 5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Company policies often have little to do with the current behaviour of high level software that abstracts the process from low level tech support. I don't think it was even an issue until very recently as most international unlocked devices were not compatible with their LTE nor do travelers take contracts. There are a couple of tricks experienced support know and even better if you get a higher level support tech answering your call rather than having to elevate. Sometimes its an easy day some days its hard.
There are words to use with support that can help facilitate a solution but money is not one of them. Its their job to help you no matter a current customer or new and no matter how much or little your spending. Talking about money only produces eye rolling and it falls under the same care level as calling your credit card company and telling the random poor soul your cutting up the card. They don't care, though a bean counter somewhere will tell anyone who asks they do or they should. In reality a rep who only gets motivated by threats or talking about money is a prime candidate for retraining or dismissal.
If they haven't already adjusted for this they need to. With the amount of cross carrier compatible unlocked lte devices on the market they will have more customers on them than ever before. Any extra calls to get LTE provisioned is wasted money for them.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

RainMotorsports said:
Company policies often have little to do with the current behaviour of high level software that abstracts the process from low level tech support. I don't think it was even an issue until very recently as most international unlocked devices were not compatible with their LTE nor do travelers take contracts. There are a couple of tricks experienced support know and even better if you get a higher level support tech answering your call rather than having to elevate. Sometimes its an easy day some days its hard.
There are words to use with support that can help facilitate a solution but money is not one of them. Its their job to help you no matter a current customer or new and no matter how much or little your spending. Talking about money only produces eye rolling and it falls under the same care level as calling your credit card company and telling the random poor soul your cutting up the card. They don't care, though a bean counter somewhere will tell anyone who asks they do or they should. In reality a rep who only gets motivated by threats or talking about money is a prime candidate for retraining or dismissal.
If they haven't already adjusted for this they need to. With the amount of cross carrier compatible unlocked lte devices on the market they will have more customers on them than ever before. Any extra calls to get LTE provisioned is wasted money for them.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Telling them you wanted to pay them money is a figure of speech, like 'hello, I would like phone service' I didn't mean literally call them and say "I want to pay you money for LTE"
Dude, chill out a little. I have been dealing with cell phone companies as an enterprise account for many years.
Sent from my Nexus 5

Pirateghost said:
Telling them you wanted to pay them money is a figure of speech, like 'hello, I would like phone service' I didn't mean literally call them and say "I want to pay you money for LTE"
Dude, chill out a little. I have been dealing with cell phone companies as an enterprise account for many years.
Sent from my Nexus 5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right but you might be surprised how many customers are serious and speak like that as if the service rep is part of this corporate entity. I guess you can tell a battered customer service veteran. I once had a guy tell me he was going to file a complaint on me for basically enforcing a policy that had been changed...
I'm a bit bummed actually. As much as I loved getting off sprint I was excited about the device support. So I'd hate to have any issues going back. However if I ever went AT&T it would probably be an mvno.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Remove carrier label?

Is there any way to remove the t-mobile carrier text/logo from the top of the screen/statusbar ON THE LOCKSCREEN?
I'm running Validus LP7 and I can easily remove it from the statusbar while it's unlocked, but the one bonus that Euphoria had was that you could remove it from the lockscreen as well.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app

I think it is probably best to point out the main reason why you won't have too many people jumping on this; that label is NOT carrier advertising. It is informational, and states the name of the carrier whose network you are *connected* to, which is not necessarily the same as the carrier whose SIM you have. I.e., you use that information to decide if you want to answer that phone call in case you might be roaming on a network that charges more than the call is worth. This happens FREQUENTLY if you happen to be near an international border.

Well the thing is that I work for a vzw retailer and I have t-mobile as my service provider.
When I pull my phone out in the middle of the store is like it if t-mobile want showing at the top corner of my phone
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app

Well its either a case of looking for a ROM with the setting or decompiling the ROMs and hard coding vzw in the string

Predtechhacker said:
Well the thing is that I work for a vzw retailer and I have t-mobile as my service provider.
When I pull my phone out in the middle of the store is like it if t-mobile want showing at the top corner of my phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As a verizon *employee*, you should probably be demoing the demo hardware and not your own personal phone.

I'm not a Verizon "employee". I don't work for Verizon, I work for a retailer. Plus I never said I was demoing my phone to anyone, it's simply whenever I use it for my personal use. Secondly, Verizon will be releasing the device on its network soon.
Finally, please keep your ridiculous insinuating comments to yourself. If i want your opinion on my phone I'll ****ing ask for it.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app

FCC bootloader complaint

I did something like this for the GS3, back in 2012. It's likely that nothing will come of it, but it certainly doesn't hurt to let Verizon know that its tech savvy customers are not happy with the restrictions on devices for which we pay top dollar, ie locked/encrypted bootloader. Strength in numbers! I encourage everyone to take a minute to file a consumer complaint.
Go to: https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov/hc/en-us?return_to=/hc/en-us/requests
Here is the language I used:
"I filed a similar complaint in 2012 on Verizon Wireless, for locking and encrypting the bootloader on the Samsung Galaxy S3, at the time, the best phone money could buy. Here we are in 2015, now with the Galaxy S6. I pay full retail price for my smartphones, so expect to be able to modify, customize, and optimize my devices, to my liking, particularly to remove useless Verizon software, and removing ads. Once again, Verizon has forced Samsung to encrypt the bootloader making it virtually impossible to take advantage of all the device can do. This slows down the device, forces consumers to use Verizon's preinstalled apps, stalls development of software, and ultimately, when Verizon halts the updating of its own software, pushes consumers to pay top dollar for the next flagship device. Verizon often claims that is to protect the integrity of the network. But then why are developer editions available for a select few models? As our smartphones move closer and closer to being our sole computing devices, the restrictions placed on those devices need to be lifted, especially at the price consumers pay for both the devices and the service. I've been with Verizon for 9 years, and have no intention of switching carriers, but I do not believe loyal customers should be treated this way. Please investigate!"
Sent from my One using XDA Free mobile app

morrowa2 said:
I did something like this for the GS3, back in 2012. It's likely that nothing will come of it, but it certainly doesn't hurt to let Verizon know that its tech savvy customers are not happy with the restrictions on devices for which we pay top dollar, ie locked/encrypted bootloader. Strength in numbers! I encourage everyone to take a minute to file a consumer complaint.
Go to: https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov/hc/en-us?return_to=/hc/en-us/requests
Here is the language I used:
"I filed a similar complaint in 2012 on Verizon Wireless, for locking and encrypting the bootloader on the Samsung Galaxy S3, at the time, the best phone money could buy. Here we are in 2015, now with the Galaxy S6. I pay full retail price for my smartphones, so expect to be able to modify, customize, and optimize my devices, to my liking, particularly to remove useless Verizon software, and removing ads. Once again, Verizon has forced Samsung to encrypt the bootloader making it virtually impossible to take advantage of all the device can do. This slows down the device, forces consumers to use Verizon's preinstalled apps, stalls development of software, and ultimately, when Verizon halts the updating of its own software, pushes consumers to pay top dollar for the next flagship device. Verizon often claims that is to protect the integrity of the network. But then why are developer editions available for a select few models? As our smartphones move closer and closer to being our sole computing devices, the restrictions placed on those devices need to be lifted, especially at the price consumers pay for both the devices and the service. I've been with Verizon for 9 years, and have no intention of switching carriers, but I do not believe loyal customers should be treated this way. Please investigate!"
Sent from my One using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I filed a complaint.

Perhaps nothing came of it because the FCC has no control or say in locked bootloaders? Locked bootloaders has nothing to do with radio emissions or broadcasts. It is a security feature.
The other thing to consider is that a locked bootloader does not prohibit in any way the use that the carrier or manufacturer intended.
There are also many phones out there with a locked bootloader that still have root and are customizable. The real issue is you have no root.
You should be on complaints.com or some consumer oriented site, not the FCC.

KennyG123 said:
Perhaps nothing came of it because the FCC has no control or say in locked bootloaders? Locked bootloaders has nothing to do with radio emissions or broadcasts. It is a security feature.
The other thing to consider is that a locked bootloader does not prohibit in any way the use that the carrier or manufacturer intended.
There are also many phones out there with a locked bootloader that still have root and are customizable. The real issue is you have no root.
You should be on complaints.com or some consumer oriented site, not the FCC.
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Thank you for clarifying. I guess my main point is to encourage everyone to speak up in one form or another, and if the FCC has some oversight on mobile phone companies, it's as good an avenue as any. If you can suggest better language to use, I'm sure there are many of us that would want to make their voices heard.
Sent from my One using XDA Free mobile app

morrowa2 said:
Thank you for clarifying. I guess my main point is to encourage everyone to speak up in one form or another, and if the FCC has some oversight on mobile phone companies, it's as good an avenue as any. If you can suggest better language to use, I'm sure there are many of us that would want to make their voices heard.
Sent from my One using XDA Free mobile app
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I think you are better off with consumer complaint type sites like complaints.com. The thing is, the community that wants to root their phones are less than 1 percent of Verizon's sales....and they have increased their sales to military and corporate by more than 10% by drastically increasing the security. There really is no venue that has any power to push Verizon to change this policy. Smartphones are personal computers where people are doing all their financial business now. 99% of the customers want them as secure as possible.

I got a response. They said Verizon will be responding to me.
I know it won't make a diff. But they are in some violation of some FCC stuff in terms of limiting how we use our unlimited data as they ruled its our data we can use it as we want.
Atleast its some unwanted attention. FCC can not do anything but Verizon does not want to hear from the FCC. Know they can't do anything but some times you have to use everything you can get. I look forward to Verizon response of why I can not unlock my bootloader. My phone bought off contract and I should be able to install Ubuntu on it if I want.

If nothing else these carriers (Verizon at&t among others) could offer the option of developer or retail version device...best of both worlds. Theirs my 2 cents.
Sent from my SM-G920V

stealyourface1 said:
If nothing else these carriers (Verizon at&t among others) could offer the option of developer or retail version device...best of both worlds. Theirs my 2 cents.
Sent from my SM-G920V
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Or do what HTC did, allow you to unlock it via the HTC Dev website. That way people who want it secure can keep it secure, and those that want to tinker with it have the choice.

bignazpwns said:
I got a response. They said Verizon will be responding to me.
I know it won't make a diff. But they are in some violation of some FCC stuff in terms of limiting how we use our unlimited data as they ruled its our data we can use it as we want.
Atleast its some unwanted attention. FCC can not do anything but Verizon does not want to hear from the FCC. Know they can't do anything but some times you have to use everything you can get. I look forward to Verizon response of why I can not unlock my bootloader. My phone bought off contract and I should be able to install Ubuntu on it if I want.
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Agreed. I still would like to see more people do this.
Sent from my One using XDA Free mobile app

I also added a bit about the fcc rules on the block c action (700MHz lte band verizon uses)
Also does this practice interfere with CFR 42 Section 27.16 Paragraph b (Use of devices and applications), explicitly "restrict the ability of their
customers to use the devices and applications
of their choice on the licensee’s
C Block network" where the choice of the OS(ROM) is an application of the customer's choice?
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The argument being on a pc you have the choice to install windows or linux which is, in large, a software application.
Cheers

geoff5093 said:
Or do what HTC did, allow you to unlock it via the HTC Dev website. That way people who want it secure can keep it secure, and those that want to tinker with it have the choice.
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Verizon blocked that as well.

bignazpwns said:
I got a response. They said Verizon will be responding to me.
I know it won't make a diff. But they are in some violation of some FCC stuff in terms of limiting how we use our unlimited data as they ruled its our data we can use it as we want.
Atleast its some unwanted attention. FCC can not do anything but Verizon does not want to hear from the FCC. Know they can't do anything but some times you have to use everything you can get. I look forward to Verizon response of why I can not unlock my bootloader. My phone bought off contract and I should be able to install Ubuntu on it if I want.
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Please keep us informed as to what they say.

Complete waste of time. The FCC has no control of device security. Even if they did, do you really think anything will come of it? Comcast and Time Warner, multi billion dollar companies couldn't get the to make a decision for nearly 18 months. What do you think your chances are?

sqeeky wheel gets the oil. Verizon does not want the fcc saying there name due to how they limit how you use your unlimited data and the fcc already said your data you can use itt how you please. locked bl and no root i am unable to use my tethering option of choice to use my data how i please. So if we want yes the fcc can get involved.

bignazpwns said:
sqeeky wheel gets the oil. Verizon does not want the fcc saying there name due to how they limit how you use your unlimited data and the fcc already said your data you can use itt how you please. locked bl and no root i am unable to use my tethering option of choice to use my data how i please. So if we want yes the fcc can get involved.
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Agreed... may not accomplish anything for this device, but it doesn't harm anything to file a complaint. The more people do it, the stronger our voice.
Sent from my SM-G925V using XDA Free mobile app

Why are you buying a known locked device.

morrowa2 said:
Agreed... may not accomplish anything for this device, but it doesn't harm anything to file a complaint. The more people do it, the stronger our voice.
Sent from my SM-G925V using XDA Free mobile app
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Out of curiosity, wouldn't all this energy be best directed at the cause? If 1000's of people could give Verizon a good enough reason to offer a bootloader unlock like HTC does for other carriers, perhaps they would consider it...even if it was a pay service...like $20 and your warranty is void kind of thing.

bignazpwns said:
sqeeky wheel gets the oil. Verizon does not want the fcc saying there name due to how they limit how you use your unlimited data and the fcc already said your data you can use itt how you please. locked bl and no root i am unable to use my tethering option of choice to use my data how i please. So if we want yes the fcc can get involved.
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Click to collapse
That's not how it works. The FCC can NOT tell a company how to secure or not secure its devices. It can only regulate COMMUNICATION, not boot loaders.

Yes but verizon has to comply with regulations attached to the 700MHz band which says that they cannot deny access to the network and have to allow customers to choose how to use their devices (47 CFR 27.16).

jmstumme said:
Yes but verizon has to comply with regulations attached to the 700MHz band which says that they cannot deny access to the network and have to allow customers to choose how to use their devices (47 CFR 27.16).
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That does not mean requiring unlocked bootloaders.