Hi all,
Please excuse any repetition here but I just seem to be 'circling' with conflicting information, especially regarding the vroot situation.
I have in front of me a brand new C6833 running 14.1.B.1.510 - I bought it outright so it's unlocked and hasn't even had a sim in yet. I just switched it on and skipped the set up to test the walkman. The only reason I want to root is that I am partially deaf and would like to increase the volume (especially headphones) on the device
Before I do anything, I would like to back up the TA Partition - however this requires a root - and given the argument that vroot etc 'may' be harvesting IMEI etc - what is the best way to go about this.
Advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
This is a tough one! The mods/devs are still investigating so we still don't know if they are collecting IMEIs or not, and if they are actively collecting them for malicious use (which is hard to do). It boils down to if you want to take the chance or not, and I can't help you decide. It's all up to you to do that.
Sent from my C6833 using Tapatalk
glenniek said:
Hi all,
Please excuse any repetition here but I just seem to be 'circling' with conflicting information, especially regarding the vroot situation.
I have in front of me a brand new C6833 running 14.1.B.1.510 - I bought it outright so it's unlocked and hasn't even had a sim in yet. I just switched it on and skipped the set up to test the walkman. The only reason I want to root is that I am partially deaf and would like to increase the volume (especially headphones) on the device
Before I do anything, I would like to back up the TA Partition - however this requires a root - and given the argument that vroot etc 'may' be harvesting IMEI etc - what is the best way to go about this.
Advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I may be wrong here, but I think vRoot and Kingo are the only methods available if you want to backup your TA. You can root by unlocking the bootloader and installing custom recovery and then supersu but that will lose your TA.
I'm in the same boat as you and am gonna wait until we have some further clarification on vRoot before I make any decisions. I don't want my imei harvested or to lose ta so I'm staying put for now.
Sent from my C6833 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
SpyderTracks said:
I may be wrong here, but I think vRoot and Kingo are the only methods available if you want to backup your TA. You can root by unlocking the bootloader and installing custom recovery and then supersu but that will lose your TA.
I'm in the same boat as you and am gonna wait until we have some further clarification on vRoot before I make any decisions. I don't want my imei harvested or to lose ta so I'm staying put for now.
Sent from my C6833 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 too :'(
Sent from my C6833 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
OK - thanks for all your input so far - will leave the C6833 in the box and hold off selling the note 2 for a week or so.
Hard to do with that beast waiting for me, but I'll cope!
glenniek said:
OK - thanks for all your input so far - will leave the C6833 in the box and hold off selling the note 2 for a week or so.
Hard to do with that beast waiting for me, but I'll cope!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I went from note 2 to this and it's awesome. I will never look at a Samsung device ever again.
Sent from my Xperia Z Ultra using Tapatalk 4
noob question, so let's say all of them using vroot already got their IMEI harvested, then what is the worst thing could happen to them?
Justin^Tan said:
noob question, so let's say all of them using vroot already got their IMEI harvested, then what is the worst thing could happen to them?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you've already done it then the worst has happened. Their IMEI's can be used on cloned phones.
Sent from my C6833 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Kingo's new version
Guys, have you checked Kingo's Facebook page ?
facebook.com/kingoapp
They claim that right after XDA's discover of the IMEI harvesting in version 1.1.1, they uploaded a new version of Kingo (1.1.2) in which the IMEI problem has been removed.
I tend to believe them, it seems to me that it would really hurt them if someone on XDA found that they lied.
So, I think one possibility is to go for Kingo...
SpyderTracks said:
If you've already done it then the worst has happened. Their IMEI's can be used on cloned phones.
Sent from my C6833 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
and with their IMEI used on clone phones, what could be done? or what would happen?
Justin^Tan said:
and with their IMEI used on clone phones, what could be done? or what would happen?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can read more about it here.
Evidence indicates that CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) wireless networks, like Verizon and Sprint in the USA or Telus and Bell in Canada, are at greater risk of cloning than GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) networks. AT&T, Vodafone, Orange, O2, Three and T-Mobile are all GSM networks.
However, as GSM phones do not have an ESN or MIN number, but instead have an IMEI number (International Mobile Equipment Identity) it is not the phones internal data that is at risk of getting cloned but the SIM card containing the IMEI.
To answer the question, to clone a mobile phone offers only a limited and probably brief benefit as all mobile phones contain a radio fingerprint within its transmission signal and despite compromising of the ESN or MIN the Cellular Networks have developed methods that search for discrepancies.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
after reading it, it's not that scary to make me postpone rooting my phone though. especially for those who use prepaid sim card, wont matter that much anyway
Related
Hi, i have a SGS3 and the carrier have locked the phone thou i bought it in second hand. With receipt and it was brand new in unopened box. Worked fine untill couple of days ago when it got locked.
So i'm not able to use the phone cause i cant get no network.
I rooted my phone and deleted the "efs" files so the imei changed but it didnt help my, still no network signal. Cannot connect.
Is there any way to unlock my phone? Please help me get my phone working. Payed about 450 euros for it.
Sorry if i put this thread in a wrong section. Newbie here..
Appreciate the help!
Take it to any phone unlocking shop or kiosk and should cost around £20. Im not sure the currencies exchange rate.
It may also be cheaper where you are from
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
ruggedman said:
deleted the "efs" files
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have really done that and you have no backup of these file: you're screwed!
ruggedman said:
Hi, i have a SGS3 and the carrier have locked the phone thou i bought it in second hand. With receipt and it was brand new in unopened box. Worked fine untill couple of days ago when it got locked.
So i'm not able to use the phone cause i cant get no network.
I rooted my phone and deleted the "efs" files so the imei changed but it didnt help my, still no network signal. Cannot connect.
Is there any way to unlock my phone? Please help me get my phone working. Payed about 450 euros for it.
Sorry if i put this thread in a wrong section. Newbie here..
Appreciate the help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why the hell have you deleted the efs folder?. In the efs folder your imei is in.
Restore your phone if you got a backup of the efs folder. Otherwise use the search function in this forum. Because more people has done the same thing you've done
Are you sure its not been blacklisted maybe by accident... amd congrats on deleting efs folder big mistake
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
I saved the efs files so it's okay. I have restored them.
I deleted the files in the efs folder to get new imei number so i can pass by the lock on my phone, but it didnt help me.
It's maybe imei locked, dont know exactly what it's called.
Does anybody have any idea what to do to unlock the phone?
Thanks
Yes as my previous comment stated, go to a phone unlocking shop/kiosk and get them to unlock it. Really cheap and much safer than messing with it your self.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
donsimmi said:
Yes as my previous comment stated, go to a phone unlocking shop/kiosk and get them to unlock it. Really cheap and much safer than messing with it your self.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you have missunderstod me.. the phone is not locked to a specifik carrier. Thats not the issue. My phone have been blocked/blacklisted or whatever you call it in english.
Blacklisting usually means stolen goods. That's why you should never buy such expensive stuff (if "unopened" or not) from unreliable third parties.
You can't change the IMEI. Deleting the IMEI will give you the default IMEI which no carrier accepts anyway.
Think you've been conned mate. Try and get your money back is all I can advise.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
Yes i have been conned.
There must be any way to fix it, like change the imei?
Oh i understand you now. All i can advice is maybe still taking it to a phone repair shop and seeing if there is anything they can do.
They is no garantee to fix any problems but i dont think it will cost you anything for them to have a look at it for you.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
donsimmi said:
Oh i understand you now. All i can advice is maybe still taking it to a phone repair shop and seeing if there is anything they can do.
They is no garantee to fix any problems but i dont think it will cost you anything for them to have a look at it for you.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dont think phone repair shop can do anything. Think the solution is here in XDA.
Heard that i can go to a local electronic shop and "take" the imei nr from the demo phone (by sdcard or blutooth maybe) in the shop somehow and use that imei on my own phone?
Or flash/rom root or whatever.. just want my phone to work
As I understand it, the emei number is hardwired into the phone , here in UK, it what the carriers use to block stolen/lost phones. I think it illegal to unblock. It also illegal to have the equipment to do this. The only way round I have heard of is a new mother board.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
Does it ask you for a Network locked pin or what comes up when you start your phone? , maybe you can use Voodoo to unlock it
asking about changing the imei is a banned topic on xda it's like warez it is fraudulent and discussion of it is banned
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
It is definitely VERY illegal to change the IMEI in the UK.
A IMEI block would indicate the phone has been reported stolen/lost. Think u been conned. Try n get your money back.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
Yes i have been conned, and no i cannot get my money back because i bought it in second hand, but brand new with the recipt.
The phone doesnt ask any pin or anything like that. I have signal bars but i cant connect to any network.
Whats voodoo?
Maybe it's illegal but it's also illegal to con someone but it happend. What should i do now? Sit with a 500 euros worth phone with no usage? F*ck that!
What country u from? Where did u purchase the phone?
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
What exactly does this mean for us and rooting? The law seems extremely vague. Any answer would be greatly appreciated
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
enik_fox said:
What exactly does this mean for us and rooting? The law seems extremely vague. Any answer would be greatly appreciated
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your post is extremely vague also. I have no idea what you're even asking
Pretty sure he is talking about unlocking cell phones becoming illegal on Saturday.
Means nothing to us tablet users. Our tablets aren't phones. From my understanding its more to prevent people from using phones on networks they aren't meant for.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
styckx said:
Your post is extremely vague also. I have no idea what you're even asking
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read some news. Its all over everything unless you happen to know of another law kicking into gear on the 26th.
duarian said:
Pretty sure he is talking about unlocking cell phones becoming illegal on Saturday.
Means nothing to us tablet users. Our tablets aren't phones. From my understanding its more to prevent people from using phones on networks they aren't meant for.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the response. The wording is just so... Special its hard to make heads or tails of it.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
duarian said:
Pretty sure he is talking about unlocking cell phones becoming illegal on Saturday.
Means nothing to us tablet users. Our tablets aren't phones. From my understanding its more to prevent people from using phones on networks they aren't meant for.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please elaborate, what the **** is wrong with those bastards? I bought my device and I do whatever I want with it.
Fidelator said:
Please elaborate, what the **** is wrong with those bastards? I bought my device and I do whatever I want with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And you still can but what this prevents you from doing is unlocking your phone and walking over to competing mobile provider B. and activating a phone with them that was originally only meant to work on mobile provider A. This is actually a good thing for Google.
styckx said:
And you still can but what this prevents you from doing is unlocking your phone and walking over to competing mobile provider B. and activating a phone with them that was originally only meant to work on mobile provider A. This is actually a good thing for Google.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually this is just made to screw us customers and to help huge corporations in their never ending quest to get more money off us.
If someone buys a phone with a provider and switches it's because said provider didn't fit the needs of the customer needs, having choices is not bad at all.
The damn government is full of selfish bastards that just care about filling their pockets with bribes, this clearly doesn't help anyone.
Big Brother is not going to beat your door down because you unlocked your phone. Sorry if I ruin anyones day by posting that but unless you run a business doing that I wouldn't even sweat over it
NeoMagus said:
Big Brother is not going to beat your door down because you unlocked your phone. Sorry if I ruin anyones day by posting that but unless you run a business doing that I wouldn't even sweat over it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Galaxy unlock apps from the store might be banned and if we aren't lucky all of the *unlock your device* threads here in XDA will be gone too.
Here is an article and snippet that mentions tablets:
"Digital Millennium Copyright Act will make it illegal to jailbreak and unlock phones. According to the act, it is illegal to unlock both tablets and phones without permission from your wireless provider. ... Unfortunately, that window closes on Saturday, January 26th."
http://www.tmonews.com/2013/01/dmca-law-to-make-unlocking-phones-illegal-after-january-26th/
Of course any tablet without cell network connectivity or purchased from a cell provider is exempt.
so does this leave cyanogen mod in a tight spot? or can we still swap roms and stick with the current carrier?
I don't live in the US but it infuriates me when the government screws the people it's supposed to protect.
I sure hope none of you guys votes for the fags who passed this.
I agree it's a crock. Do we purchase the phone/tablet or rent it? If we are truly purchasing the phone then all they SHOULD be able to do is void our warranty.
This has nothing to do with rooting your phone or switching roms. The interpretation of the law is saying that you cannot take (for example) an AT&T phone that you bought on contract and unlock it to run on T-mobile without AT&T's permission. If you cancel your contract or it is up, AT&T says they will give you the unlock then.
HillsRider said:
This has nothing to do with rooting your phone or switching roms. The interpretation of the law is saying that you cannot take (for example) an AT&T phone that you bought on contract and unlock it to run on T-mobile without AT&T's permission. If you cancel your contract or it is up, AT&T says they will give you the unlock then.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly.. It's not unfair, the `man' isn't holding you down and it's definitely not aliens..
styckx said:
Exactly.. It's not unfair, the `man' isn't holding you down and it's definitely not aliens..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wasn't really worried about them holding me down... was more of a question of what is allowed and isn't... damn wording is so vague... i prefer the cyanogen roms... typically run much better than stock.
As long as i can still do that... i am happy.
Never know an alien could have provided blueprints for your phone
Sent from my XT897 using Tapatalk 2
Dont think it'll be enforced
I honestly dont think this law will be enforced.
Here in South Africa its illegal for the cellphone providers to lock the phones to the network. I guess lucky us.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using xda app-developers app
The provider sates "purchasing" the phone, and we all sign contracts with stated penalties for early termination. So basically they were able to convince the gov't to make a law to change the contract we already had with the provider.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk HD
This isnt talking about rooting your phone, it is about unlocking which network it can be connected to. There are probably less than 1% of people in the US who ever unlock their phone to move them to a different carrier. Everyone in the US buys a new phone with a new contract, and most of the pay as you go stuff is unlocked anyway since you have to enter the APN info yourself or have a service rep do it.
The law itself is retarded and unneeded, and also shouldnt be within the realm of what government is allowed to say you can or cant do. But really it makes not one bit of different to just about anyone.
Searching for Vodafone Smart mini unlock codes or a way to crack it on my own.
stedapa pears
Is it allowed to bump thread on xda? :cyclops:
bumping threads is usually seen as offensive around these corners.
qwertzlcoatl said:
My little brother bought a Vodafone Smart Mini while he was on vacation in Portugal. It's his first Smartphone. The catch is, the vodafone lady told him he needs to unlock it before being able to use it. The way the lady suggested it, it should be really easy to do. The problem is that I've been googling my ass off and just don't find anything worthwhile. There are "unlock codes" that I simply need to type in with the SIM card I want to use, but these codes are all behind some kind of weird paywall. So right now, he can't use his german SIM card in his new smartphone.
Does anybody have any experience with this? Me and my brother would be really grateful.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Make sure your phone is compatible with the carrier you want to be with, if not you'll be better keeping your money in your wallet
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Kelevra_96 said:
Make sure your phone is compatible with the carrier you want to be with, if not you'll be better keeping your money in your wallet
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a "Vodafone Smart mini" and my carrier is Vodafone.
qwertzlcoatl said:
It's a "Vodafone Smart mini" and my carrier is Vodafone. The smartphone was bought in portugal but my carrier is in germany. In theory this should be rather easy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe I was not that clear, doesn't matter the phone name IF the phone does work on the same frequency and does not use the same technology (gsm, cdma, lte, etc) as your carrier it simply won't work even if you buy and apply it a network unlock code.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
For anybody stumbling across this thread in the future:
I bought for 1 Euro a Unlock Code on eBay. 10 Minutes later I got the code and everything works fine now. I'll suggest you do the same if you have a buck to spare.
Not my work just linking..Haven't seen this here yet. Didn't know where to put it..mods can move/delete if needed
http://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-g3/orig-development/root-stump-root-lg-g3-sprint-verizon-t2850906
Sent from my VS985 4G using XDA Free mobile app
An even easier way for us to root! Very good.
Is there any downside after a successful root such as Verizon system updates not showing up automatically or anything like that?
xgman said:
Is there any downside after a successful root such as Verizon system updates not showing up automatically or anything like that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will get notified of an update, but will not be able to apply the update if you made any changes, like removing bloatware, xposed, etc. I have frozen the updater app so I dont have to worry about this. Lets be honest, we dont want the update from Verizon anyways as it will most likely remove root.
I would also like to know if rooting changes the system status from "official" to "modified".
Sent by me.
deuce237bblock said:
I would also like to know if rooting changes the system status from "official" to "modified".
Sent by me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It will change it to modified. I have rooted with no other modifications and it shows modified.
PWn3R said:
It will change it to modified. I have rooted with no other modifications and it shows modified.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What does this ultimately mean? Like you can't send it in if something happens to it? I bought mine off someone so I guess I just have the stock 1 year warranty still, but would have to go through LG if something happened.
tu3218 said:
but would have to go through LG if something happened.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not if you pay for insurance..you can just send it to Verizon
Sent from my VS985 4G using XDA Free mobile app
jager420 said:
Not if you pay for insurance..you can just send it to Verizon
Sent from my VS985 4G using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a loophole in the Verizon system.
If you keep insurance on your line, even when you switch devices the insurance stays.
Adding insurance if you haven't had it on a device purchased elsewhere requires waiting for an open enrollment.
I have never let insurance lapse on any of my lines so that even devices purchased from a private party are covered.
I pay full retail or Swappa so I always keep insurance, actually the TEC (Total Equipment Coverage - extended warranty, insurace, etc..)
tech_head said:
There is a loophole in the Verizon system.
If you keep insurance on your line, even when you switch devices the insurance stays.
Adding insurance if you haven't had it on a device purchased elsewhere requires waiting for an open enrollment.
I have never let insurance lapse on any of my lines so that even devices purchased from a private party are covered.
I pay full retail or Swappa so I always keep insurance, actually the TEC (Total Equipment Coverage - extended warranty, insurace, etc..)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That being said, based on what I've seen with the LGG2, if you wipe the device with the factory restore tools, they will never know it was ever rooted. I haven't tested with the LG G3, but I've seen people post that if you do a factory restore, the device will show as unrooted
I really want to root my g3, but now that I'm on the edge program, I feel more hesitant. Has anyone upgraded a rooted phone to a vzw store while under the edge plan?
Sent from my VS985 4G using XDA Free mobile app
Mystikalrush said:
I really want to root my g3, but now that I'm on the edge program, I feel more hesitant. Has anyone upgraded a rooted phone to a vzw store while under the edge plan?
Sent from my VS985 4G using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unrooting and restoring to stock is actually pretty easy to do.
slimc84 said:
Unrooting and restoring to stock is actually pretty easy to do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can this Stump root app remove root as well then?
Sent from my VS985 4G using XDA Free mobile app
Mystikalrush said:
Can this Stump root app remove root as well then?
Sent from my VS985 4G using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not sure. I used IOROOT when I rooted. Here is the link to the thread that goes over returning to stock.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-lg-g3/general/restore-verizon-to-stock-t2827878
Mystikalrush said:
I really want to root my g3, but now that I'm on the edge program, I feel more hesitant. Has anyone upgraded a rooted phone to a vzw store while under the edge plan?
Sent from my VS985 4G using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just got my G3 on the Edge program by trading in a previously rooted S4. If you can root, you can return to stock pretty easily.:good:
rleague81 said:
I just got my G3 on the Edge program by trading in a previously rooted S4. If you can root, you can return to stock pretty easily.:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got mine on edge. New to it. So what happens if it's rooted and they want it back or something. I'm not waisting time to go back to stock for them to be happy. Lol
zakkyzombie said:
I got mine on edge. New to it. So what happens if it's rooted and they want it back or something. I'm not waisting time to go back to stock for them to be happy. Lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They never checked to see if I had altered mine at all so not sure if they even care. I just always erase my tracks so they have no way to screw me
rleague81 said:
They never checked to see if I had altered mine at all so not sure if they even care. I just always erase my tracks so they have no way to screw me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok. Thanks man. RMFT! Lol
So you guys think vzw will even care to look if I give them a rooted G3 when the time comes for my edge upgrade?
Sent from my VS985 4G using XDA Free mobile app
I don't know what Verizon stores you all are shopping in, but any one I've ever been in they wouldn't know a rooted phone if I threw it at them.
Found this and I'm not sure if it's real...
http://**********.website/upgradeupdate-sony-xperia-z3v-to-5-0-lollipop/
Sent from my D6708 using XDA Free mobile app
Anyone confirm?
sookieball said:
Found this and I'm not sure if it's real...
http://**********.website/upgradeupdate-sony-xperia-z3v-to-5-0-lollipop/
Sent from my D6708 using XDA Free mobile app
Anyone confirm?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
link is invalid
Its fake
Yeah I thought it was too good to be true. Lol
Sent from my D6708 using XDA Free mobile app
I think we're getting to desperate for our own good before we could even get some common sense grounds to pop in. A link looking like they is too suspicious and couldn't possibly be trustworthy. Just rely on the ones that are well known.
As a matter of fact, it's really all on the hands of Verizon. Whenever they release it, they do it. Either them or though the Xperifirm software...
Sent from my D6708 using XDA Free mobile app
http://www.techtimes.com/articles/5...es-imminent-for-t-mobile-verizon-z3v-next.htm
lollipop is coming guys. :fingers-crossed:
Holy crud, went through this with the old LG Spectrum, at least we finally got custom ROMs for them.
Another reason for VZW to allow bootloader unlock, it would keep the masses happy and the masses would not have to wait for VZW to add all the bloatware to the ROMs.
With lollipop being more locked down and root exploit resistant we need the bootloader unlock more than ever now.
Oh, VZW Droid Turbo to receive lollipop in June.
xuanphucn said:
http://www.techtimes.com/articles/5...es-imminent-for-t-mobile-verizon-z3v-next.htm
lollipop is coming guys. :fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My big questions are:
1. When (of course)?
2. Will it include VoLTE?
3. Will it include functional Visual Voicemail?
4. Will it fix auto-bluetooth functions?
I'm back to using a *@#% iPhone 6 for now...when connected to bluetooth in my 2015 Volvo the damned Z3v would call the wrong number. I'd pick someone from my "recent" call log and it would dial some random person in my address book instead about a third of the time. Not even someone I'd called in years. That's just totally unacceptable.
I really want my son's LG G2. Maybe I can trick him into a trade?
verizon blows... this device is tight, verizon is not.