Verizon To Carry Bluetooth Phone?

[Janak Parekh]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.phonescoop.com/news/item.php?n=787' target='_blank'>http://www.phonescoop.com/news/item.php?n=787</a><br /><br /></div>Phone Scoop is reporting that the FCC has approved a Bluetooth Motorola CDMA Phone for... get this... Verizon Wireless. This unit, the V710, has dual color displays, a camera with flash, and even a memory slot. I wonder what OS the unit runs...<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/parekh-20040214-MotorolaCDMABT.jpg" /><br /><br />If it's true, and if Verizon actually intends to carry it with a decent data plan, I'll probably be first in line. Let's hope that, along with the T608, this is the beginning of a turnaround in the CDMA carriers' reluctance to support Bluetooth devices.

[OSUKid7]

And I'll be #2 in line. ;) I'm halfway through a 2 yr contract, so although I'd like to get the iPaq 6000, I might settle with my 3870 and a BT phone.

[dh]

I'm hoping that the CDMA carriers really are moving ahead with better phones for handling data.

I recently gave up on Sprint getting anything that I really wanted and went with their Sanyo VM4500. I was able to resist the T608, mainly because of the poor data plan associated with it.

I would say that the VM4500 with Bluetooth (yeh, right!) would be very close to the perfect cellphone, especially if it could use the unlimited Vision plan. In the absence of BT I'm going to try one of thse SupplyNet cables.

Since I have two lines under contract with Sprint, I don't want to switch to Verizon, especially since their plans tend not to be so generous.

What I really want is for Sprint to go with a Clamshell MS Smartphone. My daughter wants that too because see has her eye on that VM4500. :D

[Janak Parekh]

And I'll be #2 in line. ;) I'm halfway through a 2 yr contract, so although I'd like to get the iPaq 6000, I might settle with my 3870 and a BT phone.
... especially because all the public rumors suggest that the iPAQ 6000 device will be GSM, at least at first, and GSM has lousy coverage at my house. I used to use a T68, and while the BT was nice, having to go to one of three spots at home wasn't. ;)

--janak

[jeremyweisser]

Shame I switched my company phone to AT&T just for the t616.

[dh]

And I'll be #2 in line. ;) I'm halfway through a 2 yr contract, so although I'd like to get the iPaq 6000, I might settle with my 3870 and a BT phone.
... especially because all the public rumors suggest that the iPAQ 6000 device will be GSM, at least at first, and GSM has lousy coverage at my house. I used to use a T68, and while the BT was nice, having to go to one of three spots at home wasn't. ;)

--janak
I have the same problem. GSM coverage is not good at all where I live. Couple this with the fact that GPRS is so slow, it really limits my options.

[arebelspy]

if Verizon actually intends to carry it with a decent data plan

Doubtful. Now that people will have bluetooth phones net access will shoot up, so why not charge em for it? :(

-arebelspy

[DerekTheGeek]

I would not get too excited. I would be very surprised, though gladly so, if Verizon carried this phone without first removing Bluetooth. Look at their track record..

1. Motorola 270c - No support for the Bluetooth module. Phone now D/C.
2. Sony-Ericsson T61c - Only reseller stores carried these and even they knew nothng about using the DBA-10 Bluetooth adapter which could and can use the Bluetooth adapter.
3. Dropped plans to carry version of T608.

Verizon has had plenty of oppourtunities to have Bluetooth phones. They just refuse to carry them. They are more interested in the ridiculous BREW apps for their "Get it now" apps. My bet is that GSM and/or WCDMA gets built up before Verizon actually offers a Bluetooth phone with 3G speeds. I truly hope I am wrong.

- Derek :(

[gorkon280]

IF Verizon has this phone AND a decent data plan, it may preclude me from going with T-Mobile. T-Mobile's coverage stinks, but at least it works where I need it. Currently maintain a GPRS Data only plan with a Merilin G100. If Version does not come down to around 20 a month for unlimited data, I am still switching everything to T-Mobile. Verizon is on notice with me. I have been a Verizon customer since before they were Verizon in my area. LISTEN to the users who WANT BT! They want it so they can PAY you for internet access!

[Janak Parekh]

I would not get too excited. I would be very surprised, though gladly so, if Verizon carried this phone without first removing Bluetooth. Look at their track record..
Oh, I know. Believe me, I know.

1. Motorola 270c - No support for the Bluetooth module. Phone now D/C.
People did get this to work. It's been discontinued because it's not 1xRTT.

2. Sony-Ericsson T61c - Only reseller stores carried these and even they knew nothng about using the DBA-10 Bluetooth adapter which could and can use the Bluetooth adapter.
The T61c also got very mediocre reviews.

3. Dropped plans to carry version of T608.
The T606 actually had no Bluetooth when it passed FCC certification.

The FCC bit is what makes it interesting -- it means that Verizon and/or Motorola actually paid for the BT part to be tested. It would sound stupid if it were to be disabled after the fact. On the other hand, you're right -- it's not only possible, it's possibly likely. I'm still crossing my fingers though. ;)

I truly hope I am wrong.
Here's why I'm thinking BT is going to become more likely, if for no other reason: cars' handsfree kits. I'm seeing an increasing clamor for BT support, because new cars have BT support built in so that you don't need to get a kit. I've read the newsgroups and I'm seeing an increasing number of people telling Verizon, "sorry, I'm leaving since you don't have BT". Once again, I'm crossing my fingers. ;)

--janak

[rfsjr]

I did just that. Went to Cingular from Verizon and have the Sony Ericsson T616 and use the Bluetooth to the max. However, just after two weeks of having the phone, suddenly I could not make/or receive calls on this phone while at my home. My wife and daughter still had Verizon, and you guessed it>>>they could make/receive calls. I've talked to Cingular, but the problem still persists>>off/on. Changed the phone out and same problem. So, because I am on call 24/7, I cannot use this phone/service. I will return the phone to Cingular. I hope that this Motorola BT is on the market very soon with Verizon.

[DerekTheGeek]

People did get this to work. It's been discontinued because it's not 1xRTT.

You are right indeed. In fact I still have my 270c with a working Bluetooth module I bought from eBay. The data portion works well althogh at 14.4 kps speeds. What keeps me from using it full time is it's off-and-on performance with the Bluetooth headsets I own. I have a Motorola Bluetooth headset and even it does not work reliably with the 270c. I also get varying results with my Jabra BT200 headset. Sometimes it works and other times it doesn't.

The T61c also got very mediocre reviews.

I must say that I am impressed with the phone. It has TONS of features. In fact the phone can even do "digit dial" where you speak the digits and it will dial the phone number. Alas I have also had inconsistent results when using the DBA-10 Bluetooth adapter. I am still working on this though. I think the DBA-10 adapter I have may be defective.

In any case the 710 looks great and the thought off a Tri-Mode phone with Bluetooth gets me thinking crazy. Could it be?


Here's why I'm thinking BT is going to become more likely, if for no other reason: cars' handsfree kits. I'm seeing an increasing clamor for BT support, because new cars have BT support built in so that you don't need to get a kit. I've read the newsgroups and I'm seeing an increasing number of people telling Verizon, "sorry, I'm leaving since you don't have BT". Once again, I'm crossing my fingers. ;)

--janak

Very good point. With Cell Phones and cars being such a hot topic I would think Verizon would be jumping all over Bluetooth. I can only hope that Verizon gets this phone to market faster than they did with the Kyocera 7135 Palm phone.

[Janak Parekh]

In any case the 710 looks great and the thought off a Tri-Mode phone with Bluetooth gets me thinking crazy. Could it be?
I sure hope so. I can dream, right? I can just imagine the two of us fighting to get it first the day it's sold...

--janak

[JustinGTP]

Everyone seems to be talking about BT phones, why not talk about this phone! It is beautiful! I love it; however, it will be damn expensive. :drool:

It looks really nice, go Motorola (there past phones are ugly, but this defies that!)

-Justin.

[ctmagnus]

Is there supposed to be a link in that post?

[Janak Parekh]

Everyone seems to be talking about BT phones, why not talk about this phone!
You mean the v600? It's quite nice, indeed, but we're talking about CDMA because we're looking for a CDMA phone in this thread...

Nevertheless, it is worth pointing out that Motorola seems finally to have woken up -- they're cranking out some neat phones now.

--janak

[disconnected]

dh,
I've read about the 3MB limit for the t608, but apparently if you have a current plan with unlimited Vision, you can just switch it over to the t608 and still have your unlimited Vision. That's what I did, and it seems to have worked. I got my first bill after the switch, and I still have the unlimited Vision. Some people have posted on Sprintpcsinfo that they have gotten unlimited Vision even when signing up for a new plan. The speed is not spectacular, but it's not too bad, and not having cables is great. I just live in fear that the phone will break and they won't have any replacements. If Verizon is really going to release this new phone, maybe it will force Sprint to have more (and more up-to-date) bluetooth phones too.

[JustinGTP]

Yes, Im talking about the phone that is showcased in the beginning of this article :roll:

[rbrome]

FYI, more info is available now:

http://www.phonescoop.com/phones/phone.php?p=475

[Janak Parekh]

Yes, Im talking about the phone that is showcased in the beginning of this article :roll:
Then why did you ask:

Everyone seems to be talking about BT phones, why not talk about this phone!
The first news of this phone surfaced yesterday, and here we are talking about it. So what's your point again? :?

--janak

[Janak Parekh]

FYI, more info is available now:
Thanks, Rich. The logo seems to make it look pretty official. I can only hope. :)

--janak

[Npalamidis]

Here is the manual of the phone and pictures of it from the FCC site. :)

https://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/oet/forms/blobs/retrieve.cgi?attachment_id=396500&native_or_pdf=pdf

https://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/oet/forms/blobs/retrieve.cgi?attachment_id=396495&native_or_pdf=pdf

sorry no memory card. :(

[dh]

Here's why I'm thinking BT is going to become more likely, if for no other reason: cars' handsfree kits. I'm seeing an increasing clamor for BT support, because new cars have BT support built in so that you don't need to get a kit. I've read the newsgroups and I'm seeing an increasing number of people telling Verizon, "sorry, I'm leaving since you don't have BT". Once again, I'm crossing my fingers. ;)

--janak
I tend to agree with you here. Indeed Sprint had a webpage long before the T608 arrival showing that the T608 was going to available through Lexus dealers integrated into the car's BT system.

dh,
I've read about the 3MB limit for the t608, but apparently if you have a current plan with unlimited Vision, you can just switch it over to the t608 and still have your unlimited Vision. That's what I did, and it seems to have worked. I got my first bill after the switch, and I still have the unlimited Vision. Some people have posted on Sprintpcsinfo that they have gotten unlimited Vision even when signing up for a new plan. The speed is not spectacular, but it's not too bad, and not having cables is great. I just live in fear that the phone will break and they won't have any replacements. If Verizon is really going to release this new phone, maybe it will force Sprint to have more (and more up-to-date) bluetooth phones too.
Yes, I've read of people keeping their unlimited Vision with the T608 and I've also read of people getting large bills. I did think hard about getting a T608 but there were too many reasons not to.

I have no desire to switch from Sprint. I have had very good luck with their service and the 1xRTT network seems to work fine in all the areas I need it to. I previously used ATTWS with GPRS and Sprint is a lot faster and MUCH better coverage. I'm going to give the Supplynet cable a try and see how that works out.

[Steven Cedrone]

Well, it certainly will be great to finally be able to get a Bluetooth phone. I really like Verizon, but they sure have been dragging their feet on this. When it becomes available, I'll be the first in line!

Steve

[DerekTheGeek]

sorry no memory card. :(

Thanks for the links Npalamidid! It is not unusual at all for Phonescoop.com to get details about a phone wrong.

- Derek

[spinedoc]

I have not had any experience in the last couple of years with Moto, but before that they were an awesome company. My favorite phone, the V8162, will always bring me fond memories.

Hopefully Sprint wakes up and gets in gear.

On a related note Phonescoop says it has a "mini SD" slot. What is this? Is this a new format, or did they mean to say SD? If it has some kind of a media player then this would be one rocking phone.

[Janak Parekh]

I have not had any experience in the last couple of years with Moto, but before that they were an awesome company. My favorite phone, the V8162, will always bring me fond memories.
Ha! I had an 8160, the Verizon version. I got it the first week it was available.

On a related note Phonescoop says it has a "mini SD" slot. What is this? Is this a new format, or did they mean to say SD? If it has some kind of a media player then this would be one rocking phone.
Further posts on this thread suggest that this is a typo and there is no slot. Oh well.

When it becomes available, I'll be the first in line!
No you won't. I will be. ;)

--janak

[Steven Cedrone]

No you won't. I will be. ;)

Yeah, but where I live, there won't be a line. By the time you have yours, I'll have been using mine for hours! :wink:

Steve

[spinerep]

Is everyone positive about no mini sd card. if you look at the inside picture from the fcc filling it looks like there is a slot.
https://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/oet/forms/blobs/retrieve.cgi?attachment_id=396296&native_or_pdf=pdf

It sure would be cool.

[Steven Cedrone]

Is everyone positive about no mini sd card. if you look at the inside picture from the fcc filling it looks like there is a slot.
https://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/oet/forms/blobs/retrieve.cgi?attachment_id=396296&native_or_pdf=pdf

It sure would be cool.

I'd love to be able to say it does have a slot, but where do you see it? I looked at that PDF and honestly, I don't see it!

Steve

[ctmagnus]

I'm thinking the second picture?

[Cruiser]

The Sony Ericsson T608 can be used on Verizon.

All you have to do is buy one off ebay, get the MSL code from the phone with a serial cable, and program your number and settings in it. Get Verizon to do an ESN change, and there you go... a CDMA / bluetooth phone on Verizon's service.

[ber84f]

1. Motorola 270c - No support for the Bluetooth module. Phone now D/C.
People did get this to work. It's been discontinued because it's not 1xRTT.

Yes - the 270c/bluetooth module/Verizon combination works great for me with my HP 2200 or a laptop with a Linksys bluetooth USB adapter. It is slow (only 14.4) but I can receive and send email and 'slowly' surf the web almost anywhere and pay only for the price of a cell phone call. I end up using it quite often.

I've never tried the BT headsets with the Motorola 270c due to high price of the headsets.

Brian

[DerekTheGeek]

The Sony Ericsson T608 can be used on Verizon.

All you have to do is buy one off ebay, get the MSL code from the phone with a serial cable, and program your number and settings in it. Get Verizon to do an ESN change, and there you go... a CDMA / bluetooth phone on Verizon's service.

It is not that simple. Sure you can get the MSL code from somewhere and then possibly force a PRL update to Verizon (and this in itself is not easy) but you will not be able to get the internet side of the phone working. I have read read posts where someone has gotten the voice side of the phone to work with Verizon but the Internet side is programmed in ROM for Sprint PCS Vision. To me it's pointless to have a bluetooth capable phone if it cannot hook your PDA and or laptop up to the net.

- Derek

[buckyg]

Alright, it's tri-mode!!! That's ultimately why I went with Verizon. Our families live out in the middle of nowhere, sometimes you're stuck with analog. We've got VW's Singlerate plan, can use the minutes for data when in digital areas too. That's the best plan and coverage we could find for the national carriers, for our needs. Seems like a lot of the new phones with all of the neat features (at the time) were digital only.

[echernosky]

Verizon Wireless finally releasing a BT phone is really, really sad actually...

One of my favorite things to do is to walk into a Verizon Wireless store and ask the eager Sales Associate which of the phones support Bluetooth.

The looks I've gotten over time are priceless. "Blue what?" :wink:

[Sven Johannsen]

To me it's pointless to have a bluetooth capable phone if it cannot hook your PDA and or laptop up to the net.

- Derek
You apparently do not have a BT handsfree set in your car, or live in one of the many areas that are making talking on the phone in a car without a handsfree set illegal.

My wife's car has the BT handsfree. Her company phone is Verizon. She has no desire to get internet access through her phone but by golly she'd like the BT HF to work. She'd buy a new phone out of her pocket if there was a BT one that worked with Verizon.