Stay away from Software Upgrade Assistant... - Verizon Galaxy Note 3 General

About 2 weeks ago I read a very disturbing article in the LA Times about Verizon and one of their Marketing strategies that I found deeply disturbing. Now, it dawned on me that certainly Verizon is looking for a way to introduce the idea and certainly pushing this KitKat update in the way it is being handled rather than the form of an OTA kinda plays well with this article. I suggest reading the article; again it was listed in the LA Times called, "Verizon Wireless sells out customers with creepy new tactic." None-the-less this something to be on the look out for.

Yea I saw that article a few weeks ago...it's sad that all the carriers are doing that. What was it...a few years ago there was a big stink about cell phone browsers routing through a DoD database....the price of technology.
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

Nice and informative read, but the one thing they writer of the article could have covered was how to find that page on Verizon Wireless.com and opt out. That is how you provide your readers with value and service. We all know links can become invalid so put in the keywords or something. I am going back grudgingly to Verizon (coverage in certain areas is a must) and I will be looking for the opt out page, using "Disconnect" in Google Chrome and clearing my browser history after each Verizon Wireless.com log in. You need to take a shower after you visit them.

Related

heres to wishing i worked for verizon instead

Hello all my name is Kurtis I am the lead service technician at the st Clair shores store in Michigan. Lately there have been some major tower outages within scs and surrounding cities. I assume its 3g capacity upgrades and lte installation, but being a preferred retailer sprint doesn't tell us squat.
I'm here to formally apologize to all our customers who have been experiencing the notorious robot voice and blocked calls (not dropped, but blocked). Truthfully if I was a network vision engineer we would have had 4g since '10.
I suppose I'm reaching out in hopes someone here light have some insight into when these issues might be resolved.
...thanks...I think?
Look up your zip code on network.sprint.com to see what's going on in your area. Could be upgrades....
Sent from my EVO using xda premium
droiddawg said:
Look up your zip code on network.sprint.com to see what's going on in your area. Could be upgrades....
Sent from my EVO using xda premium
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. I have checked that site religiously for 2 years. I can assure you it has sat at "6 upgrade in the next 6 months" for damn near 20 months lol.
To make it all worse these outages aren't being reported in service render or network events so customer care is constantly telling our customers there is no network issue and that its an issue with their device.
Icing on the cake.
StormMcCloud said:
...thanks...I think?
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Click to collapse
You are most certainly welcome...I think?
Might be time to get in touch with corporate then kurtis. Give them a call and keep having them escalate you until you get like a level 7 tech support supervisor.
I have no idea how high the tiers are....so, 7 was a number that came to find. That, or email Dan Hesse. There was a list on google of all of the "head honchos" emails. Email them and keep resending until you get a humanly response.
Sent from my EVO using xda premium
droiddawg said:
Might be time to get in touch with corporate then kurtis. Give them a call and keep having them escalate you until you get like a level 7 tech support supervisor.
I have no idea how high the tiers are....so, 7 was a number that came to find. That, or email Dan Hesse. There was a list on google of all of the "head honchos" emails. Email them and keep resending until you get a humanly response.
Sent from my EVO using xda premium
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My only issue with this is our store tends to be rather busy, constantly. I usually work 60+ hours a week so calling on my own time is not an option. Because I'm lead, and this point in time the ONLY tech, there is no time in my work day to reach out.
An email is jot a bad idea...but my gut is telling me I would only get some scripted regurgitation in response. I suppose its worth a try.
Alas, working for sprint you might think I have some amazing contacts. Reaching out to my dm or srss has yielded no results.
In the past 5 days I have had at least a dozen people come in and cancel on one of our demo phones because they are unable to cancel their account with their own phone in their own house. Has this jot raised a red flag with corporate??
I work for a preferred company in Cleveland. The best suggestion I can give is make one call to care to submit a network ticket. A network engineer will contact you within 72 hours. Discuss the issues with them and that you need some answers for your customers. They have been very helpful to us in Cleveland. They will tell you straight up what they are working on and timelines for your area. Also just keep communicating network vision with your s&r customers. Network vision is a real thing and its up to us on the front line to keep our customers informed. If they don't understand what's changing on their network then they will be upset.
The biggest thing to consider is that as cell sites are being updated you will have a loss in coverage and capacity BUT it will be better for us all when everythings done.
You say you don't have time to call but if your a tech lead then you need to do whatever it takes to get answers and be truthful to your customers.
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2
kurtiskobain said:
Thanks for the reply. I have checked that site religiously for 2 years. I can assure you it has sat at "6 upgrade in the next 6 months" for damn near 20 months lol.
To make it all worse these outages aren't being reported in service render or network events so customer care is constantly telling our customers there is no network issue and that its an issue with their device.
Icing on the cake.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here dang thing never changes since they launched it.
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lookout4theyeti said:
I work for a preferred company in Cleveland. The best suggestion I can give is make one call to care to submit a network ticket. A network engineer will contact you within 72 hours. Discuss the issues with them and that you need some answers for your customers. They have been very helpful to us in Cleveland. They will tell you straight up what they are working on and timelines for your area. Also just keep communicating network vision with your s&r customers. Network vision is a real thing and its up to us on the front line to keep our customers informed. If they don't understand what's changing on their network then they will be upset.
The biggest thing to consider is that as cell sites are being updated you will have a loss in coverage and capacity BUT it will be better for us all when everythings done.
You say you don't have time to call but if your a tech lead then you need to do whatever it takes to get answers and be truthful to your customers.
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2
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I guess my point was I feel as if all my upper management knows about the issue, why should it be my responsibility to to get this ticket opened for our area. I suppose that's the nature of PCs experts.
However, I do care about my customers, and having seen so many cancellations in front of my own eyes, I certainly have no problem taking on the responsibility. So your saying all I need to do is call care and they can get a network ticket opened? Or should I call advanced tech support? If this ticket is opened will care be able to see it and relay this to the customers? I gotta say that's my biggest gripe
Yes if you just call and request a network ticket for your self, they have a network engineer personally call you. Then just talk to them about the issues and they'll give you some details for your area. I can tell you with any PR company upper management cares about store performance. Its up to your store to find the answers.. That's just how it is :/ your corporate service and repair rep will be useless as well. They always are lol
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2
lookout4theyeti said:
Yes if you just call and request a network ticket for your self, they have a network engineer personally call you. Then just talk to them about the issues and they'll give you some details for your area. I can tell you with any PR company upper management cares about store performance. Its up to your store to find the answers.. That's just how it is :/ your corporate service and repair rep will be useless as well. They always are lol
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2
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I'm struggling to keep my csats above goal BC of these issues. Its hard to get the customer to understand its not our fault, and giving us a bad review will not help their case. As of late I have taken to not even putting people in eticket. NASC has suffered needless to say. I really appreciate your replies and advice...
Its a sad day when fellow nerds on xda are more help than corporate sprint themselves. Then again, perhaps that's a lesson I should've learned long ago.
pm me and I can help you with csat. I maintained above goal csat in s&r for over a year while I was managing an s&r store. I just recently moved to a non s&r store and got their csat from a 60% 90 day average to above 86%.
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2
Oh ya and I don't know if your aware but eticket can generate a survey now just by accessing someones account. You don't even need to submit a ticket, so just be sure to tell everyone about the survey if you access the account through eticket even if you don't do anything. Luckily snap still requires a change to the account to generate a survey
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2
You should reach out to your local RF or net ops team and build a relationship with them. This would help both you and them find issues and troubleshoot them (this would provide the customers with a better experience).
This is only a suggestion but hopefully you follow through with it....
Sent from my EVO
lookout4theyeti said:
Oh ya and I don't know if your aware but eticket can generate a survey now just by accessing someones account. You don't even need to submit a ticket, so just be sure to tell everyone about the survey if you access the account through eticket even if you don't do anything. Luckily snap still requires a change to the account to generate a survey
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2
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Whoa when did this start?
Not to be a jerk but what does this thread have anything to do with the Evo?
Back on topic......
I know thr op is frustrated in this thread but if the wrong person from sprint sees this you will likely be getting your wish and looking to work at Verizon. Just some kinds thoughts from someone who has seen it all before.
In case you haven't noticed Sprint is fledgling to survive and the ones they will cut first are the ones that are not behind them 100%.
With that said I wish you the best. I know what its like to feel helpless when your really 100% behind them ans desperate to make the customer happy.
Think this thread has reached its potential here guys....OP has gotten some advice and I dont want this to turn into a Sprint sucks, or VZ vs Sprint ranting thread either...

MS store (Oregon) experience - Lumia 920

Hi,
I've been reading around the NL/WP8 forums here for quite a while and just wanted to share my horrid experience at the MS store at Washington Square.
I'd been waiting and wanting a Nokia WP8 device since the rumors began and with some odd luck suddenly had a work related trip to the US for the first time. On my last day in the US I had a few hours to do some shopping and landed up at Washington Square mall in Beaverton, amazingly appeared before me a MS store :good::laugh: . Went over there, played around with the NL920 & 8x, I was originally a bit concerned after reading so many reviews pointing out the weight issue of the 920. While standing there naturally the sales personal starting chatting with me, I immediately stated I was from overseas and that fact I was very interested in the 920. The first lady mentioned that there's no problem using it overseas, again naturally I was surprised and quite suspicious. I kindly asked if she could verify this with someone "technical", to cut a long story short after about 15 minutes standing there and talking with 3 different MS people, the "higher up" insured me "The AT&T logo is just for sales reasons". Sadly my overseas SIM (& phone) were standard and not the Micro variant so innocently I took their word for it and left there a jolly shopper.
BUT once I got home, replaced my SIM with a Micro SIM via my cell carrier I was amazed to discover that it's locked!
I don't want to sound like an imbecile or an over innocent person, I simply believed what 3 different (and very convincing) sales people told me, it was "just what I wanted to hear" but I still couldn't believe the misleading would be so blatant.
Emailing MS & Nokia was completely and utterly pointless, they didn't even say they'll check it out or even make sure the salespeople are aware of this. They both responded that they basically don't care and tried to blame each other, and just ignored my replies without even a word of response. Such disappointing and non-existent customer service from two companies that really need the consumers to back them.
Just wanted to share this with you people and make sure no one else gets scammed by 'em, it isn't too much fun getting home after 16 odd hours of a long flight and work trip to discover you have a giant wp-Pod (even though it's quite a cool device)..
BTW, really appreciate all the people here trying to find and test out unlocking services and as everyone hoping something new comes up soon.
R.
Unfortunately, I'm not surprised. People in this country (even those who work in the Microsoft Store or other U.S. telecom company) have no idea what the difference is between "unlocked" and "off-contract". They also don't know the concept of frequency bands either.
I was at the U Village Microsoft Store in Seattle, WA a few weeks ago. Just for fun, I asked an employee if the Lumia 920 is pentaband. The employee couldn't answer so he ran off to ask another employee. He started a chain reaction. Pretty soon, 5 or 6 employees tried to answer my question. Eventually they just gave up and said that they didn't know.
This past week at the Bellevue Microsoft Store, I saw a couple looking to buy an unlocked Lumia 920. Needless to say, they had a long discussion with the MS Store employee and weren't really making any progress. Eventually I interrupted and showed the couple my unlocked Lumia 920. I gave them a few options (Negri, GSM Nation, etc.). I also told them that they can go up to a Rogers Store in Vancouver to buy one and have it unlocked for $50.
Moral of the story is to take everything you hear at a U.S. tech store with a grain of salt. Most of the time, they don't know anything. Occasionally, you'll find one who actually knows the stuff, but that's extremely rare.
If you need advice on the phones to buy, you'll have to take your time to do research on the internet and ask people on forums. Most of us know a lot more than retail employees.
I hope your situation works out though. I would continue to talk to Microsoft since they were the ones with misleading information. I don't think AT&T and Nokia can help you, since they're not the ones who sold the phone to you.
This is what I have heard....>The phone would work overseas. As long as you are on AT&T (or their partner).
try this
You can try calling up AT&T, explain what happened and get the unlock code. If you browse wpcentral forums you can find folks got the code.
hawc1506, I completely agree about the research part but simply after reading a few times that people did get unlocked devices from some stores, and the fact I actually took out my overseas SIM and "waved" it a couple of times, I was a bit too much of a "sucker" and believed what I'd heard.
After I responded to the MS rep via mail they just started ignoring my email, and when I spoke with AT&T (via Skype) they basically said that only if I join them I'll have some hope.
Someone sent me an IM saying I should try post a YouTube video of the story and as much as I'm really against that kind of "child play" I don't think that any other common-sense will work with these companies and every time I fiddle with my shinny micro-pod it annoys me more.
Thanks for you comments everyone , I do hope at some point we all find some reasonable way of unlocking these devices (better sooner than later )
Well in desperation (+ 2 recommendations by people) I decided to YouTube my story both to share and maybe that'll be the miracle that will cause MS/Nokia to actually pay attention to a customer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdRMQ4pC884
Please excuse the poor experience, it's my first ever video and Powerpoint doesn't seem to convert the audio
P.S. I reviewed the forum rules and didn't see anything against my video so I hope it won't be a problem.
As was mentioned, this was a misunderstanding on the part of the store and I'm sorry you had to go through it. Unfortunately, as was also mentioned, it is not common for Americans to purchase devices SIM free/unlocked. As such, most places have no idea what that even means. I ended up in a similar misunderstanding once in Italy several years ago where I'd spent €450 to buy a Samsung Android phone, only to discover that there was a common defect with the screen. I wanted to get my money back, but the common policy in Italy is that one can only exchange for other goods. As such, I was pretty much forced to find €450 of electronics on which to spend the credit. Lesson learnt.
Hopefully you'll be able to get it unlocked or re-sell it on eBay.

Still no real hype, even at Sprint store...

I was very excited at the notion of getting my N3 today. I drive like a mad man to the Sprint store closest to my home. I was expecting to see SOME type of crowd...(2 p.m.).the store was absolutely empty! So I tell the rep that I want to buy the N3, she said they never got any, not even 1 for launch day? In fact, she said that during the morning conference call, there was no mention of the N3 at all, WTF? She didn't know model numbers or anything else about it, do people really hate the Samsung line that much? After driving to the 3rd Sprint store, I bought the only one that was shipped to their store. Overall, I'm kind of miffed that even the store reps aren't/weren't prepared, knowledgeable or even slightly enthusiastic about this launch, but I'm glad I got my phone!
i went straight to best buy and got mine this morning but they did say they had a limited quantity and no accessories.. so i went to the sprint store around the corner to get a case.
they were excited to see mine said they have never seen the phone and didnt get any in
Local Clearwater store had plenty. Despite all the hype of the Note 3, it's always a sleeper at the Sprint store. The same thing happened last year at the Note 2 launch, and that was even more of a bigger hype since it is the first time the Note series is available from Sprint.
You took the time to complain because there was no rabid crowd like the iPhone zealots do every year? You should be thankful. The store I was at had limited stock AND some stores got their shipments and could not locate them.
atuarre said:
You took the time to complain because there was no rabid crowd like the iPhone zealots do every year? You should be thankful. The store I was at had limited stock AND some stores got their shipments and could not locate them.
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The sprint store here didn't receive theirs and one radioshack only got white ones while the other didn't get theirs at all. I just decided to order mine straight from sprint to avoid everything and to keep myself from being tempted into a white one.
No sign, accessories, or display model at the one i was at. However i was the 4th one sold within the hour.
Sent from my SM-N900P using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
I had an appointment at Best Buy for 10:00 a.m. this morning. There weren't many people when I arrived but by the time I was done (took almost an hour!) there was a line of about a dozen people and and lots of talk about the Note 3.
Overall I am much more impressed with the look of the phone and the soft texture of the back; much better than I thought it might be based on many comments in the forums.
Best Buy also had the Galaxy Gear but it was tethered and the security device made the watch look so thick and impossible to test fit. The whole presentation did nothing to help sell the device. Overall from what I could see it looked nice but not for $300. I think Samsung and/or Best Buy really missed an opportunity by not offering some kind of Note/Gear bundle. Even $50 discount might have made me consider getting both.
atuarre said:
You took the time to complain because there was no rabid crowd like the iPhone zealots do every year? You should be thankful. The store I was at had limited stock AND some stores got their shipments and could not locate them.
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Click to collapse
I was passing on an observation, not really meant to be a complaint. But it was if they had no idea that it was a launch date, no display units, no in-store posters, like they hadn't even heard of the phone. I just found it strange, maybe others here don't.
All the stores in Dallas/Ft.Worth got at least 10-20. I got there at 9am with 1 guy waiting and by the time i left after i kept telling the salesman i dont have to give them my phone that is not under contract..... I saw about 4 people leave the store with them.
boaz65 said:
I was passing on an observation, not really meant to be a complaint. But it was if they had no idea that it was a launch date, no display units, no in-store posters, like they hadn't even heard of the phone. I just found it strange, maybe others here don't.
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Click to collapse
We are smartphone enthusiasts. Sprint employees or corporate generally do not care. If they do, they would be working with Sony to push their XPERIA line. With a little encouragement and dealing, Sony will add a CDMA version. Look at the mistake with the uniband Note 3 and the lack of waterproof phone.
Get a couple of enthusiasts from XDA to the Sprint corporate board room and the company will be profitable real fast. Sprint corporate is often clueless just like the people at HP, just like the idiots at LG and HTC that decides their phone do not need an SD card. They make $5 mistake that cost them lots of unsold phones and hundreds of millions. Samsung don't have to beat them when they keep making stupid decision like that. Of course, this is just IMHO.
If I was managing the Sprint corporate store, you bet I will be promoting the Note 3 or any flagship phone launch with posters, display, cases, hooking it up to the smart dock, etc.. Look at the home page at Sprint. They are pushing the Iphones. Nothing wrong with that but they should be pushing any new flagship phone launch. They do not have the passion like the John Legre dude at T Mobile.
boaz65 said:
I was passing on an observation, not really meant to be a complaint. But it was if they had no idea that it was a launch date, no display units, no in-store posters, like they hadn't even heard of the phone. I just found it strange, maybe others here don't.
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Click to collapse
Thats because no one is trying to hear they only have one option for a plan. lol If you start advertising the Note 3 also people need to be informed that there plan is changing. People hate switching plans especially when the store reps even have a hard time explaining the new plans. Most people can care less about a new phone every yr. We are the minority. I personally thought you get $15 off the plan immediately. Then they tell me you have to wait 2 months. Just very confusing.
dallastx said:
Thats because no one is trying to hear they only have one option for a plan. lol If you start advertising the Note 3 also people need to be informed that there plan is changing. People hate switching plans especially when the store reps even have a hard time explaining the new plans. Most people can care less about a new phone every yr. We are the minority. I personally thought you get $15 off the plan immediately. Then they tell me you have to wait 2 months. Just very confusing.
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You have to wait 2 months for the 15$ off to kick in? They surely didn't tell me that.
Sent from my SM-N900P using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
I pre ordered mine at the best buy in metro Detroit and had mine when I get off work at 2 pm. I got the black one
Sent from my SM-N900P using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
I called sprint to get my upgrade today and the rep was asking me questions on how the galaxy gear worked. Lol.
He said they get a tiny ass powerpoint about the basics and that's it. When I worked for Apple (worst company), I would research online so that I knew everything. Better customer service, better results.
C'mon Sprint. Step your game up.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using Tapatalk 4
Got mine and a Gear, I really like the Gear. It really compliments the Note.
Sent from my SM-N900P using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
My Sprint store got the boxes from UPS as I arrived at 10am. They even had a Samsung Rep on hand doing Note 3 demos and Galaxy Gear. Cases were limited, all they had was the Body Glove case which is actually pretty nice. Overall this is a great phone and im so happy I exchanged my HTC One for this.
Sent from my SM-N900P using Tapatalk 4
atuarre said:
You took the time to complain because there was no rabid crowd like the iPhone zealots do every year? You should be thankful. The store I was at had limited stock AND some stores got their shipments and could not locate them.
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Click to collapse
My sentiments exactly. I dread going to my corporate sprint store. Yesterday, however, i was plesantly suprised that there was no traffic and i was served instantly upon walking into the store. TWICE. By 12 tho, it was filling up and i was glad i was finished.
It is very weird, regardless of what some will have you believe. I was first at one of my local stores to get one (was the only one in the store for the hour or so it took to futz with my account and activate the phone. Got there at store opening). They had not even taken them out of the shipping box yet. Had to go back to the store this morning and they said that I am still the only one to have gotten one. Inexplicable.
I realize the price bump to give preference to Apple (don't agree with it, but understand) but it's almost like Sprint didn't even want this phone to launch at all. Last to announce launch date. No marketing at all. With millions of Note and Note 2's sold, and several million Note 3's already sold world wide, I really can't figure out what's going on. I have seen companies do a lot of weird things, but whatever is going on with Sprint and the Note 3 is beyond me. Sprint's overall lineup of phones is horrendous anyway, getting a true flagship phone should be more of a big deal to them.
I have to say that I love this phone. Coming from a beat up Epic 4G Touch, this is like upgrading from a Pentium 4 to an i7. This is also the first time I have been able to use LTE and I love it.
There is a business aspect to this. Now trust me I don't want to give Sprint more credit than they deserve for being smart because at the retail level they are any thing but smart. However, the bigger push for Apple in all the stores may be a business decision and by design. If you recall, Sprint had to commit to hundreds of millions if dollars to Apple when they got the iPhone line.
Retail stinks anyhow for all manufacturers. I used to be a vp of salrs for a PC company and always felt like being held hostage to retail reps who can't add any value. I recall the days of ComputerLand when I got them to carry my new really cool laptop. There were two versions and we spent a lot of money and time training and motivating their retail team for the launch. I secret shopped the stores and when I asked the sales team what was the difference between model 1 and 2 he said $199 ....I was smart enough to calculate that myself ....the price was on the display.
Yesterday was another good example. I went to the Sprint store and there were no notes on display although they were in inventory. Then I drove to the Best Buy mobile store. Again nothing on display but a bunch in stock. Talked to store manager who said she was given a demo unit by Samsung a few days ago but didn't open it. She also had a Gear which she said she hasn't opened.
A Samsung experience in BestBuy stores is a good idea to help overcome the retail inefficiencies but ultimately we will pay the extra cost. No wonder internet commerce is a multi billion dollar channel
Sent from my SPH-L900 using XDA Premium HD app
inmnbob said:
There is a business aspect to this. Now trust me I don't want to give Sprint more credit than they deserve for being smart because at the retail level they are any thing but smart. However, the bigger push for Apple in all the stores may be a business decision and by design. If you recall, Sprint had to commit to hundreds of millions if dollars to Apple when they got the iPhone line.
Retail stinks anyhow for all manufacturers. I used to be a vp of salrs for a PC company and always felt like being held hostage to retail reps who can't add any value. I recall the days of ComputerLand when I got them to carry my new really cool laptop. There were two versions and we spent a lot of money and time training and motivating their retail team for the launch. I secret shopped the stores and when I asked the sales team what was the difference between model 1 and 2 he said $199 ....I was smart enough to calculate that myself ....the price was on the display.
Yesterday was another good example. I went to the Sprint store and there were no notes on display although they were in inventory. Then I drove to the Best Buy mobile store. Again nothing on display but a bunch in stock. Talked to store manager who said she was given a demo unit by Samsung a few days ago but didn't open it. She also had a Gear which she said she hasn't opened.
A Samsung experience in BestBuy stores is a good idea to help overcome the retail inefficiencies but ultimately we will pay the extra cost. No wonder internet commerce is a multi billion dollar channel
Sent from my SPH-L900 using XDA Premium HD app
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Click to collapse
I almost teared up reading this........ Everything you have stated is correct...
Sprint isn't a very effective VAR for Samsung products and I think they are in so deep with the fruit that they are beginning to regret their metric quotas they are obligated to meet on a quarterly basis in order to be in compliance with the distribution contract they signed in order to get into the very lucrative (Icraze) business model/ecosystem.
I wish Samsung would open a retail brick and mortar but the cult-ish following isn't near the same level as Apple.
So for the near future, we will have to go through the regular channels and hopefully the Samsung experience @ BB can get a foothold and become a starting off point for something better and a more customer orientated experience for Samsung users.

Note 3 AUDIO problem and Sprint's Response

So many Note 3 users are finding the actual phone to be unusable. There are cracking, distorting sounds when making phone calls. This was cited on some other Android websites so the issue is real.
Sprint acknowledged the issue on their own website forum. A "product ambassador" posted that Sprint and Samsung were aware of the problem and looking to solve it. Many people including myself asked if they could extend the return period since Sprint hasn't issued a statement on whether or not a software update will fix this issue. Sprint has not responded.
I checked Sprint's forum today and lo and behold the thread started by their OWN ambassador is now gone.
I feel that this is their way of hoping it quietly goes away.
In any case I kept a history of it because worst case scenario I will file a claim with my credit card company.
The credit card company will then fight the charges with Sprint. This is way better than me trying to get anything done with them.
Considering the charges for the two phones w/o activation fees were over $800, I'm sure my credit card company won't let it go without a fight.
Here is the link to prove that Sprint did indeed have a page up.
https://community.sprint.com/baw/co...alaxy-note-iii-to-a-sprint-product-ambassador
seoulbrova said:
So many Note 3 users are finding the actual phone to be unusable. There are cracking, distorting sounds when making phone calls. This was cited on some other Android websites so the issue is real.
Sprint acknowledged the issue on their own website forum. A "product ambassador" posted that Sprint and Samsung were aware of the problem and looking to solve it. Many people including myself asked if they could extend the return period since Sprint hasn't issued a statement on whether or not a software update will fix this issue. Sprint has not responded.
I checked Sprint's forum today and lo and behold the thread started by their OWN ambassador is now gone.
I feel that this is their way of hoping it quietly goes away.
In any case I kept a history of it because worst case scenario I will file a claim with my credit card company.
The credit card company will then fight the charges with Sprint. This is way better than me trying to get anything done with them.
Considering the charges for the two phones w/o activation fees were over $800, I'm sure my credit card company won't let it go without a fight.
Here is the link to prove that Sprint did indeed have a page up.
https://community.sprint.com/baw/co...alaxy-note-iii-to-a-sprint-product-ambassador
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Click to collapse
Can you please keep this thread updated with any new information you receive? I am having these sound problems as well and would definitely keep an eye on this if you would keep us informed. Thanks alot, have a good day.
EDIT** Just going to add a few links to other sites where people can see what others are saying
http://www.androidorigin.com/sprint...xperiencing-garbled-distorted-audio-in-calls/
http://www.androidpolice.com/2013/1...ng-and-just-all-around-terrible-call-quality/
seoulbrova said:
So many Note 3 users are finding the actual phone to be unusable. There are cracking, distorting sounds when making phone calls. This was cited on some other Android websites so the issue is real.
Sprint acknowledged the issue on their own website forum. A "product ambassador" posted that Sprint and Samsung were aware of the problem and looking to solve it. Many people including myself asked if they could extend the return period since Sprint hasn't issued a statement on whether or not a software update will fix this issue. Sprint has not responded.
I checked Sprint's forum today and lo and behold the thread started by their OWN ambassador is now gone.
I feel that this is their way of hoping it quietly goes away.
In any case I kept a history of it because worst case scenario I will file a claim with my credit card company.
The credit card company will then fight the charges with Sprint. This is way better than me trying to get anything done with them.
Considering the charges for the two phones w/o activation fees were over $800, I'm sure my credit card company won't let it go without a fight.
Here is the link to prove that Sprint did indeed have a page up.
https://community.sprint.com/baw/co...alaxy-note-iii-to-a-sprint-product-ambassador
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My Sprint rep called me today and told me his store was informed today of the issue and said that no sprint store is supposed to swap these phones out for the sound issue and that a fix is being worked on. Told him I think my battery is acting up, he told me I could come in and get a couple batteries from the returned notes tomorrow lol. So hopefully one of the few I grab will work better than this battery.
Sent from my SM-N900P using xda app-developers app
The coming fix better not be PRL 2000, like on the Sprint Note 2! (I don't know for sure if the issues are the same)
seoulbrova said:
Here is the link to prove that Sprint did indeed have a page up.
https://community.sprint.com/baw/co...alaxy-note-iii-to-a-sprint-product-ambassador
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I remember seeing the Ambassador link on the Sprint website but never clicked on it to read their comments. The link you posted just go to a document not found page I believe. If you have a copy of the original ambassador post including the text can you re post it here so we can all see what the sprint ambassador had to say on this issue. Thanks! My phone sounded like crap on calls all day today and constantly I was asking people to repeat what they they said hoping the second time I could understand the garbled noise.
Sent from my SM-N900P using Tapatalk now Free
pcmanager said:
I remember seeing the Ambassador link on the Sprint website but never clicked on it to read their comments. The link you posted just go to a document not found page I believe. If you have a copy of the original ambassador post including the text can you re post it here so we can all see what the sprint ambassador had to say on this issue. Thanks! My phone sounded like crap on calls all day today and constantly I was asking people to repeat what they they said hoping the second time I could understand the garbled noise.
Sent from my SM-N900P using Tapatalk now Free
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This garbled noise is no myth. I'm experiencing it big time with this phone and it's annoying the crap out of me!
Radio Silence
phyba said:
My Sprint rep called me today and told me his store was informed today of the issue and said that no sprint store is supposed to swap these phones out for the sound issue and that a fix is being worked on. Told him I think my battery is acting up, he told me I could come in and get a couple batteries from the returned notes tomorrow lol. So hopefully one of the few I grab will work better than this battery.
Sent from my SM-N900P using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just got my Note 3 on Monday. It had call issues. It was so bad it was unusable. I called my company account rep and they sent me a new one on Tuesday. It has the same issue. I have a co worker that just bought the phone on his personal account. He said the more he used the phone the worse the issue became. He decided to tough it out. Sent one back today and still have one more to send back. I am hoping that they fix the problem. By the way I asked if the price changed by the time the problem was fixed would I be able to get the phone for the current price. I was told they cant really say. Thanks Sprint.
Since the deletion of the "product ambassador" statement I have noticed that the original Social Care Specialist Shannon_DE there have been no chatter from Sprint. Are they busy working or hoping we all go away.
pcmanager said:
I remember seeing the Ambassador link on the Sprint website but never clicked on it to read their comments. The link you posted just go to a document not found page I believe. If you have a copy of the original ambassador post including the text can you re post it here so we can all see what the sprint ambassador had to say on this issue. Thanks! My phone sounded like crap on calls all day today and constantly I was asking people to repeat what they they said hoping the second time I could understand the garbled noise.
Sent from my SM-N900P using Tapatalk now Free
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sprint took down the page.
However, notice that the same Ambassador just posted this today:
https://community.sprint.com/baw/co...ors-top-apps-for-your-samsung-galaxy-note-iii
It doesn't address any of the call issues that we're having and in fact, you can't even reply to the thread. I was going to write something along the lines of, "We know the phone is great, we want to know what's being done to resolve the issue."
In any case, it's the same ambassador and it's pretty upsetting that instead of responding to our concerns, they post some useless garbage like that.
I REALLY hope people are registering and posting on the Sprint forum. The louder we get about it, the better our chances at getting this resolved IMHO.
seoulbrova said:
So many Note 3 users are finding the actual phone to be unusable. There are cracking, distorting sounds when making phone calls. This was cited on some other Android websites so the issue is real.
Sprint acknowledged the issue on their own website forum. A "product ambassador" posted that Sprint and Samsung were aware of the problem and looking to solve it. Many people including myself asked if they could extend the return period since Sprint hasn't issued a statement on whether or not a software update will fix this issue. Sprint has not responded.
I checked Sprint's forum today and lo and behold the thread started by their OWN ambassador is now gone.
I feel that this is their way of hoping it quietly goes away.
In any case I kept a history of it because worst case scenario I will file a claim with my credit card company.
The credit card company will then fight the charges with Sprint. This is way better than me trying to get anything done with them.
Considering the charges for the two phones w/o activation fees were over $800, I'm sure my credit card company won't let it go without a fight.
Here is the link to prove that Sprint did indeed have a page up.
https://community.sprint.com/baw/co...alaxy-note-iii-to-a-sprint-product-ambassador
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am curious to why you ended up getting the phone when you said you skip this version? I ask because I know a few folks who are on the fence etc. They have different providers other than Sprint...
grifter9931 said:
I am curious to why you ended up getting the phone when you said you skip this version? I ask because I know a few folks who are on the fence etc. They have different providers other than Sprint...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was going to skip it because of the tri band issue...But seeing as how I had the original Evo and never got wimax in those two years I felt if I upgraded now i'd have an upgrade available sooner than later. In other words I don't think having a tri band phone will make much difference in the next year or so.
seoulbrova said:
I was going to skip it because of the tri band issue...But seeing as how I had the original Evo and never got wimax in those two years I felt if I upgraded now if have an upgrade available sooner than later. In other words I don't think having a tri band phone will make much difference in the next year or so.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That was my feeling as well, however do you mind if I copy and paste the Sprint.com thread from earlier that was deleted?
grifter9931 said:
That was my feeling as well, however do you mind if I copy and paste the Sprint.com thread from earlier that was deleted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nope...go for it. I'm hoping the word gets out on this so Sprint and Samsung feel some pressure. I'm going to post about it on the Sprint "review" on Amazon, Best Buy, etc
Just the fact that their ambassador had the audacity to post today about some nonsense while ignoring the real concerns screams, "screw the consumer." Notice on his thread on the Sprint forum that there is no option to reply...I wonder why that is.
note 3
I have the same problem...
Why does everyone think its a hardware issue? Its clearly a network issue, this has been proved numerous times in other threads. Bugs happen, Im sure it will be fixed soon.
Sent from my SM-N900P using Tapatalk 4
nolimit06 said:
Why does everyone think its a hardware issue? Its clearly a network issue, this has been proved numerous times in other threads. Bugs happen, Im sure it will be fixed soon.
Sent from my SM-N900P using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have this problem on my Note 2, my son's one or my wifes SIII. It could be a software issue? But there is an issue phone related.
Sent from my SM-N900P using Tapatalk 4
I wonder what the root of the cause could be to trigger this into happening..I driver all over Florida from Jacksonville to Tampa to Melbourne to Miami.Ive talked to my wife for hours and never heard crackling or popping or any kind of robotic voice sound.Just the typical dropped call and can you hear me now moments between tower changes while driving.
Sent from my SM-N900P using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
nolimit06 said:
Why does everyone think its a hardware issue? Its clearly a network issue, this has been proved numerous times in other threads. Bugs happen, Im sure it will be fixed soon.
Sent from my SM-N900P using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ive said in numerous posts that it must be software or network related, but until SPRINT verifies that we don't know for sure.
I had the S2 known as the Epic Touch on Sprint. It could never find your location off GPS and that was supposed to be an "easy fix" as well but it never came.
I had to literally reset the phone everytime I wanted to use the GPS.
BrianBaker said:
I wonder what the root of the cause could be to trigger this into happening..I driver all over Florida from Jacksonville to Tampa to Melbourne to Miami.Ive talked to my wife for hours and never heard crackling or popping or any kind of robotic voice sound.Just the typical dropped call and can you hear me now moments between tower changes while driving.
Sent from my SM-N900P using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here in Oklahoma. Got the phone on day of release and not once have I heard any crackling or poppling. Sound is nice and clear.
Wonder if there is a bad batch out there?
I'm using hardware version 900p.12 and no crackling or garbled audio. Just got it a few days ago.
Sent from my SM-N900P using xda app-developers app
skippyg said:
I'm using hardware version 900p.12 and no crackling or garbled audio. Just got it a few days ago.
Sent from my SM-N900P using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the hardware version 900p.12 and my voice calls are all messed up. It's driving me nuts I got the phone at bestbuy on day one
Sent from my SM-N900P using xda app-developers app

A Sad Reality

In October 2014, I enthusiastically purchased my Sony Z3v at full price. There is no question in my mind that it was and still is an outstanding device. But this does not excuse the fact that many of us purchased this device with the understanding that Lollipop was imminent by end of year 2014 and simultaneous voice and data would be available shortly thereafter. It doesn't matter if there are hacks available or not. My purchase was predicated on the fact these things were imminent, that Verizon would be enabling and updating these features.
Since then, along with many of you, I have contacted Verizon several times over the last 17 months and each time Verizon representatives have told me to be patient, that the updates were imminent. As a consumer, I had no recourse but to trust what they promised......its not as if I had any options and could sell the device back to Verizon for full value without losing money.
I use my device for work and have suffered loss due to the fact I could not receive data while on calls etc.
This has been such a complete joke. I don't know if a class action suit would even be fruitful. But what I can tell you is that I will never purchase a device or any accessories from Verizon ever again.
So sad.
I completely understand your frustration and sympathize with you on this. Verizon's "policies" makes my blood boil, but only if I associate the device directly with them. (I know, I know... They brand the snot out of everything they sell so you always have their logo to remind you...)
However, I've come to absolutely love this device despite Verizon's broken promises, and actually am now (tonight) buying a second new handset so I may continue to enjoy the Z3V for a few more years to come.
I admit I'm a bit odd; old, set in my ways, don't like change, etc. I went from Droid 1 to iPhone s4 to z3V ever since the Droid came out. But I see handset technology slowing down now. Carriers AND manufacturers are starting to offer less (no SD slots -WTF?!)... I've found a device that suits all my needs and I'm gambling I'll be happy with it for a few years to come. (This thing is twice as powerful as my last laptop and has a 200Gb SD card with a 21MP camera! And a friggin FM radio in it!!)
Granted, you mention a particular need (voice plus simultaneous data), but you knew the handset didn't have that when you bought it and you never really were certain when you did buy it when that feature was supposed to be added. You never got it. Is that a reason to be pissed at the carrier? Yes, most certainly, especially if your livelihood depends partially on it. But the device, well, in my opinion, it's the closest thing to Apple build quality sporting Android that I've seen so far.
My biased, crazy opinion. Afterall, I'm buying a second one to keep in a drawer. LOL!
If I didn't think it would be a total loss, but I'd go grab the Z5/Z5 Premium and go use it on Straight Talk. This is the only way I'd see myself upgrade to a Sony only route.
If I did, I'll buy whatever accessories to keep the phone in top condition since I won't have assurance of a guarantee that I could just warranty my problems if something happened. It's why I'm grateful that having insurance from Verizon on my phone that I could easily get it replaced. :/
Unfortunately the insurance for replacement is "limited time only" at best. I had my handset replaced after I bricked it and it seemed as if it were a close possibility that I might have to settle for something else of "equivalent value". That was 3 or 4months ago. I was super thankful that my replacement looked brand new. I'm pretty particular and I saw no indication that it's a refurb. I can't seem to find a NIB one now.
AddictedToGlass said:
Unfortunately the insurance for replacement is "limited time only" at best. I had my handset replaced after I bricked it and it seemed as if it were a close possibility that I might have to settle for something else of "equivalent value". That was 3 or 4months ago. I was super thankful that my replacement looked brand new. I'm pretty particular and I saw no indication that it's a refurb. I can't seem to find a NIB one now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Limited time only in regards to how many times I can use it? Or how many more months I can have until it somehow runs out?
OTA on the way
Talked to Verizon rep online she talked to the network team and she said this week that ota updates where deployed this month and should be down by end of month. According to them 12% had received the ota. If this is true we should all have lollipop by end of month. If she was lying I will put up her cell phone number so you can all duke it out with her.
GigaSPX said:
Limited time only in regards to how many times I can use it? Or how many more months I can have until it somehow runs out?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Limited in the sense that this model is becoming difficult to find in new condition.
---------- Post added at 06:24 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:21 AM ----------
silentswarm said:
Talked to Verizon rep online she talked to the network team and she said this week that ota updates where deployed this month and should be down by end of month. According to them 12% had received the ota. If this is true we should all have lollipop by end of month. If she was lying I will put up her cell phone number so you can all duke it out with her.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sorry dude, but you have just joined yesterday and this is your one and only post?
You smell funny, so Ima get the big guy to pull yer post (and this one) so we can keep an on topic discussion that doesn't go down this same road yet again.
I'd like to be able to discuss stuff without the thread getting closed down!
---------- Post added at 06:53 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:24 AM ----------
No worries, mate. GREG BRADLEY says you're not a dupe account, so carry on screwing up this thread with your unsubstantiated claim. -Even though such claims draws arguments like maggots on crap. LOL!
Welp, the moderator has spoken.
Anyhow, I wouldn't care so much if it was new or used as long as its in fine, not banged up, and working condition. It's just knowing how long until it would be I can get the most out of the Z3v though...
I feel the same way. Its a great device but Verizon is lame as soon as my contract is up i am moving to TIng. Sony did a nice job of supporting this phone and even offering a way to unlock all the other models of the Z3 but Verizon wants to keep it locked up and then fails to provide the updates themselves. I think i might buy another Z3 (regular gsm one) once I switch though.
linuxxnut said:
I feel the same way. Its a great device but Verizon is lame as soon as my contract is up i am moving to TIng. Sony did a nice job of supporting this phone and even offering a way to unlock all the other models of the Z3 but Verizon wants to keep it locked up and then fails to provide the updates themselves. I think i might buy another Z3 (regular gsm one) once I switch though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am pleased with my Z3v and will probably use it until the battery starts failing. It would be nice to have an unlocked bootloader but I don't ROM-up phones like I used to and as long as it is rooted and I can use certain root-required apps I like then it is livable.
Unfortunately here in the Nashville, TN area where I live the Verizon network is second to none in quality and coverage, the only viable option if you don't live in an urban area is a Straight Talk phone using the Verizon network. The term "the hills of Tennessee" isn't a glib comment. I have been in situations where friends using other carriers have one or no bars and my Verizon phone had a solid three bars. Also my work occasionally sends me up to southern Kentucky where it is literally a choice between Verizon or nothing. Now there is growing resistance to any new cell towers being erected so it has grown much more difficult for a carrier to improve their network.
I hear ya on that one, Komet1. Verizon is the only carrier that works well in my area too. So this definitely factors into the equation of just how much I can tolerate regarding Verizon's BS policies.
Me as well... Verizon is the only reliable service I can use. So they get my business there by default but that's where I draw the line. So while I am forced to pay monthly for their towers and spectrum I will never buy a phone from them or any accessories from them again. I know it won't make much a difference to them but it's the principle of the matter for me. I can't support their practices in light of my Z3v fiasco with the three Z3v's I have on my account.
silentswarm said:
Talked to Verizon rep online she talked to the network team and she said this week that ota updates where deployed this month and should be down by end of month. According to them 12% had received the ota. If this is true we should all have lollipop by end of month. If she was lying I will put up her cell phone number so you can all duke it out with her.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anyone seen any evidence of this happening or do we have a troll in our midst?
Komet1 said:
Anyone seen any evidence of this happening or do we have a troll in our midst?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dunno. He Pmed me a link, but I didn't bother checking it out as I was in a hurry. Guess I'll bite, but I don't hold my breath on any of these leaked reports. I find it just a bit curious that he/she had only one post and by date given, seemed to have registered JUST to post that.
Edit: I just checked the link silentswarm sent me via PM and all it is is a screenshot, supposedly of his phone, with a text from Verizon stating, "Free Verizon Msg: The Xperia update to Lollipop is expected to rollout by the end of February. Thanks for your patience."
That's about as weak as I've seen as far as "proof" this far.
I'll eat my words and apologize to silentswarm if he is found to be correct.
I just checked the Verizon forums, one would think if this was legit they would be on fire but no, all is quiet. I'll calling this one bogus.
silentswarm PMed me after the first post this morning with a link to the same screenie, I just spotted it. Granted it looks real.
He said he was a bit of a lurker, I can relate to that, I've been hanging around Reddit for several years and still don't have an account. I guess it was my lack of trust that Verizon will do anything that makes me suspicious.
Why has no one shared of said image for everyone to view on here? :v
GigaSPX said:
Why has no one shared of said image for everyone to view on here? :v
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL... didn't you know this rumor is TOP SECRET?
Shhhhh! Don't tell a n y b o d y!
heh, never thought about it despite silentswarm's OK. I stop thinking Friday afternoon and don't really start again until Monday morning when I merge into the disaster named I-40 Westbound...here ya go
silentswarm said:
I follow the forums pretty often just never needed to create a account cause I had nothing to add. Here is text I received from version after I chatted with network support.
http://postimg.org/image/tuxfyslid
Feel free to share it I don't have enough posts to share links or pictures yet
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess that's pretty legit enough being sent through text message. Although this is the first time I ever saw a carrier would send out an update announcement through text.

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