Verizon’s Roadmap For 2010, 2011, and Some of 2012 Leaks, Brings About Yet Another Android Revolution

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Being a big carrier, it’s inevitable that you’ll have bigger holes than normal for leaks to find their way through. Fortunately, these leaks don’t cause sinking ships: just sheer excitement on our part. You might want to read this list 10 times over, and then quickly call your doctor as you might pass out from seeing all of the juicy details on some new devices and network plans for Verizon coming your way:

verizon-wireless-600x319

  • In addition to the Motorola DROID and Motorola DROID X, we’re told Motorola will launch a new DROID handset, the Motorola DROID Pro. It is supposed to have a 1.3GHz CPU, 4″ screen and global roaming capabilities. Estimated launch of November 2010
  • Motorola is working with Verizon on a “slab form-factor” device that sort of looks like an old Motorola Q but features a full touchscreen and global roaming. It will run Android 2.2. Maybe this will be a lower cost, MOTOBLUR handset?
  • There are a lot more Android invasions happening before the end of the year, we’re told. This includes a global Android device from both Samsung and HTC.
  • Samsung is working on a 7″ screen Android tablet with front-facing camera. Motorola is also working on a tablet as well, except it will sport a 10″ screen, either 1GHz or 1.3GHz CPU, front-facing camera, and Android 3.0. Don’t expect the Motorola so soon though, as we’re informed that while the launch was supposed to happen in December, Android 3.0 will probably hold up the release of that device and we should expect it around February 2011.
  • Verizon Wireless is aiming and on track to have at least 75% of the country covered in LTE coverage by April 2012
  • There will be a Novatel LTE MiFi device available in January or February that will apparently support up to 10 simultaneous Wi-Fi users.
  • Lastly, we’re told LTE data pricing will stick at $59.99/month, though it’s unclear what the data allowance will be.

Verizon’s taken a strong interest in data-ready tablets and it looks like Android will be the front-runner before any “iPad” makes its way out (from the sounds of things, the tablets will be the Samsung Galaxy Tab and that Motorola TV device we heard of a few days ago). Samsung also joins HTC in bringing a world phone to the carrier – a trend that was only common for their Blackbery handsets. I can’t say I’d be ashamed to be a Big Red customer at this point: it’s clear they have big plans for Android and LTE (regardless of how you feel about the rumored pricing, which will be for data cards and MiFi devices only), and will shake the Android world up even more than they already have unlike any other carrier to date.

[via BGR]

Quentyn Kennemer
The "Google Phone" sounded too awesome to pass up, so I bought a G1. The rest is history. And yes, I know my name isn't Wilson.

[Update: Now It’s Official] Xperia X10 is Definitely Going to AT&T August 15th

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54 Comments

  1. $60/month for a data plan. No thanks. $30/month/person is already pushing the limits.

  2. $59.99/month better not be for just data – I know numerous people that won’t get an Android device because of the $30/month data plan and they want to double it – bad move.

  3. $59.99/month better not be for just data – I know numerous people that won’t get an Android device because of the $30/month data plan and they want to double it – bad move.

  4. I agree, $60 is ridiculous even if its unlimited – $30 is stretching it as it is. Seriously considering going back to feature phone and carrying multiple devices for different needs.

  5. I will be getting a Droid 2 this week with the full knowledge that I will be jealous of the Droid Pro when it comes out in November.

    But hopefully by the time my contract is up, prices will have come down on LTE. Yikes.

  6. data is already at 60 a month this is not for phones its for the data sticks/mifi devices

  7. $59.99 is for the broadband cards people, not the data pricing for a handset. The first thing Verizon will launch on LTE will be a broadband card

  8. I’m glad we’re seeing more phones with global roaming.

  9. Um, hold on people. We don’t have all the information yet. Remember, Verizon charges $59.99/month for 5GB of data with a data card or MiFi device. This leaked info does NOT say what that data plan price will be for, whether it’s smartphones or data cards. If it truly is for smartphones, then I will gladly join the chorus of those screaming at how outrageous that is, that is, IF that’s the only price point (i.e. no tiered pricing).

  10. I wonder if the Samsung 7″ tablet will have phone capability – if so, since I’m still waiting for the streak to release I might as well hold on a while longer…

  11. From BGR “Lastly, we’re told LTE data pricing will stick at $59.99/month, though it’s unclear what the data allowance will be. (This is for data cards, not smartphones”

    Once again not for smartphones for data cards.

  12. Droid pro here I come!! Any chance it has LTE capabilities?

  13. 60/mo for a data plan?! I thought LTE was supposed to theoretically make data traffic for a carrier cheaper and therefore be passed on to customers??? That’s what you get for assuming too much.

  14. $59.99/month should be for data-only devices, such as the air cards or MiFis – that is the same price as they currently charge for 3G service on these devices. Assuming this report is accurate, I’d expect the 4G smartphone data to also stay at $30/month – though I also expect a tiered pricing scheme to come out.

    Personally, I’m looking forward to the Droid Pro as long as it has the rumored keyboard. The Droid 2 doesn’t look that exciting except for the improved keyboard, and I’m not pleased about the locked bootloader. It’s rumored the Droid Pro may not have the locked bootloader. I’ve got a NE2 coming up in Sep, so I’m hoping one of the upcoming qwerty androids will really catch my eye; I’ve tried the virtual keyboards- not impressed. If not the Droid Pro, maybe the qwerty HTC that was just leaked.

  15. I love what Verizon is doing with Android. Instead of just yielding to Apple like many do. Verizon is really pushing Android. I look forward to the Moto tablet. I already have a smart phone, but I’m really interested in a wifi only tablet when it comes out. I’m all over the Droid pro if it sports a front facing camera. I want to skype video call on my device.

  16. If $60/month gives you unlimited data, it might not be too bad. Just cancel your home internet connection to make up for it.

  17. I don’t think 4G will be fast enough to cover some needs of having a home internet cable connection.

  18. “It is supposed to have a 1.3GHz CPU”

    but if that is a 1.3ghz OMAP4 (dual core, same gpu as SGS, out of order processing, improved floating point, etc) then that will really blow everything away.

  19. Well I thought that Motorola’s tablet was going to be the first device to get Android 3.0 but the good news is that its still probably going to be the HTC Emerald with stock Android and the bad news is that if it does take Moto until February to get Gingerbread then that means their tablet will be using Motoblur :(

  20. Still no word yet on samsung fascinate? whats the holdup?

  21. Some clarification by the author would have been optimal but since he failed…$59.99 is for the Mobile Broadband service, NOT data on a smartphone. Notice above that info that the author was talking about MiFi devices which are mobile broadband.

  22. @Cellfish…

    “I can’t say I’d be ashamed to be a Big Red customer at this point: it’s clear they have big plans for Android and LTE (regardless of how you feel about the rumored pricing, ***which will be for data cards and MiFi devices only***)”

  23. Sprint adds on $10 for 4G and then Verizon comes along with an extra $30. So happy I went to Sprint instead of Verizon. I finally figured out Verizon’s V logo. It is a check mark for their checklist of how many things they charge for. Charge for voice:check, sms:check, data:check, LTE:check, visual_voicemail:check, navagation_that_is_free_from_google:check, power_on_phone:check, charge_more_than_any_other_carrier:check……you get the point.

  24. I Think everyone is confused about the LTE data pricing, in the original post on BGR, this was what was said, i think the author of this post left it out and that is a big deal.

    “Lastly, we’re told LTE data pricing will stick at $59.99/month, though it’s unclear what the data allowance will be. (This is for data cards, not smartphones)”

    So chill guys

  25. DAMN, so many dumbasses commenting on this post thinking the lte data pricing is gonna be 60 bucks for smartphones. like you DANIEL you fucking dumbass.

  26. obviously people don’t read…daniele it’
    s for air cards, not for smart phones you twit

  27. I did not read all the comments so if someone said this sorry, but the $59.99 data plan they were referring to is the air card data plan for the mifi not the data plan for the smartphone

  28. That’s right. The $59.99 data plan they were referring to is the air card data plan for the mifi not the data plan for the smartphone.

  29. Verizon sucks! They have a great network that is very useful if you’re in rural areas often, but their pricing is why out of line… (I realize the $59.99 is for the aircard.)

  30. I think overall, Verizon is doing great things with Android. I do agree with some that the pricing is a bit steep (I understand $60/mo is the Broadband card, not smartphone prices.)

    Ignoring the LTE stuff, I think Verizon is doing a great job of giving people TONS of options to move to a phone that fits the niche the customer is looking to fill. I, unfortunately, am still stuck on a BlackBerry Storm2 until mid-September, but it looks like my wait may pay off for some possible new devices towards the end of the year. Let’s just hope that Droid Pro has an unlocked Bootloader and stock Android, eh?

    And to top it all off, Android tablets! Made by reputible companies! The 10″ Moto Tab has really peaked my interest. Can’t wait to see what the rest of the year and 2011 holds.

    Cheers!

  31. I REALLY hope that Motorola is smart and makes a WiFi version of their tablet so then I can pay $20 per month on T-mobile and tether it for free to my Nexus One with 5 to 6 mbps speeds all day long :)

  32. I have no problem paying the $60/month. I’ve already realized tremendous savings by not needing a landline anymore (thanks Goggle Voice) and also not needing my DSL line anymore (thanks Droid 2.2 tethering). I can’t wait for LTE to get here!

  33. Interesting, If the Droid Pro doesn’t have a locked bootloader I might be all over that. Hopefully they offer some kind of easy upgrade for Droid 1 users, which I hope it will be targeted to.

  34. Ok, you guys are f’n idiots. READ VERY CAREFULLY!!! Data plans for $59.99 are for the MIFI, retards.

    Handset data will be the same.

    Christ people! READ before you post!

  35. EH, i’m a verizon dealer in central texas. for $59.99 you get unlimited mobile to any service provider, unlimited text, and 450 minutes just to land lines. add $30 bucks and you have a basically unlimited plan for $89 bucks. cheaper than shit ass t-mobile, cheaper than shit ass at&t, and sprint is a joke, seriously.

  36. Verizon s wrong for those prices but how if T-Mobile dont step their game up they might not be lost in the dust because the other carriers are way ahead. But it looks like T-Mobile is tryin to step their game up wit their rumred phones and HSPA+ speeds so hopefully they play their cards right to pass up Sprint and AT&T and maybe get to Verizon

  37. Sorry i meant to say they might be lost in the dust

  38. 59.99 better not carry over to phones! Honestly LTE needs to be cheap (like sprint’s $10) for anyone to buy it OR it needs to include 3g data and 4g data. Not enough people are going to pay and additional 20 or 30 bucks for 4g data in addition to the $30 we already pay for 3g data.

  39. @iamsteventucker You forgot $30/month for 1.5mbps tethering for a total of $119.00/month, don’t worry everyone makes mistakes when they are an ignorant douche.

    I pay $60 for mobile to mobile, unlimited text, true unlimited 6mbps internet, 450 minutes, and tethering included with my Nexus One, here in Houston. I get the feeling either you don’t know what the word cheap means or your just ignorant and I bet its the last one. LMAO all the way to the bank.

    Loser

  40. On a side note I really believe with everything the carriers have said about them speeding up their network that T-mobile is going to be America’s fastest network until Verizon spreads LTE all across the country. If I am correct didn’t Verizon even say that for now they will have slower internet speeds than T-mo even on LTE and I am saying that because T-mo said by the end of 2011 they will be on 3G++ 48mbps(which is really 24mbps). If Verizon can take down their ridiculous prices to match what they offer in terms of service and speed and I wouldn’t mind switching to them once they start using sim cards with LTE. Also I don’t mind that they aren’t first to get the newest update even though I am used to being first with my Nexus I can wait one month ;)

  41. If the upcoming amazing new droid-the droid pro-only has a 1.3ghz cpu then what happened to that 2ghz phone coming out from motorola this year?

  42. Biggest ipad seller is wifi only so why are you all excited about verizon tablets with $30 plus plan. people want wifi Android tablet!! The subsidy is not even going to be high and you can bet the loansharks at VZ will require 2 yr contract

  43. Daniel you are so dumb!!! I hate you Daniel!!! It’s not for smartphones its for datacards Daniel you dumb ignorant piece of crap!!!

  44. No people, data only plan for a mifi or broadband card is what is referencedat 60 bucks not smartphone data. Dont get your panties in a bunch

  45. wow, I used to think that most people on this site were decent…. Look at all the venom being spewed by these self righteous aholes… Its not like it was a difficult mistake to make if you didnt read it meticulously.

  46. LTE is actually meant to treat voice, data and (messaging?) as data, so $60 is great.

  47. equalizer, if you dont want to sign a 2 year contract, you are more than welcome to pay full price for the device. you dont HAVE to sign a 2 year contract. that is what i did with my original mifi.
    verizon is leaps and bounds ahead of everyone with their network. sprint’s wimax (their so-called “4G”) is junk, and it was released far before it was ready in hopes to grab some market share before verizon releases their far superior LTE.

  48. spencer; maybe it is dual 1.3 ghz core

  49. Can’t wait for Motorola DROID Pro but the 60 bucks a month data plain is going way over the line!!!

  50. I am in the market myself for a new phone, and as much as I enjoy verizons service, I am considering switching to AT&T since they are smart enough to have a tiered data plan. I don’t want to pay 30 a month for a droid, when I can pay 15 for an iPhone. Especially when carrying a family plan, 5 line at 30 each, or 5 line as 15 each? Going to 60 is just a hugh mistake.

  51. Want a phone I can plug into a tablet and see my phone, and while were at it my laptop and pc by drop down selection–and vice versa.

  52. the sim cards will only be for lte on cdma. meaning no real sim card “gsm” phones on verizon.. so its bullshit all around

  53. I have verizon, have been a loyal customer of verizon, i was just checking to see when lte will be out for verizons phones, i have seen the information i needed, and i also have seen about 20 times, people telling ignorant people that it is 60 dollars a month for air cards, NOT SMART PHONES!!!!!, read everything before you post, if you honestly think that verizon is going to charge 60 dollars as a monthly charge for a smart phone, sell your computer and give up on electronics. THEY WOULDNT MAKE ANY MONEY. Now everyone needs to stop bugging out and posting if you dislike verizon, because what are you trying to prove?, your a tough guy who knows about electonics, way to go. Props verizon for being the best provider around, keep up the progress

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