Microsoft new Lumia 950/950XL Why AT&T only? And why no Canadian carriers? -> The phones has a Universal radio. Works with almost all carriers.

[GoodBytes]

Apparently all Canadian carriers will not carry the Lumia 950 or the 950XL Windows Phone, what's so ever, Neowin reports.
http://www.neowin.net/news/canadian-carriers-will-supposedly-not-offer-the-lumia-950-or-lumia-950-xl

But apparently Microsoft doesn't care:

Limit availability via those carriers that do right by the platform, while also selling the phones directly to individuals in unlocked form.

Microsoft is not interested in market share at all. They could not care less if the phone sells 5 or a million. They are interested in providing the best experience, and once settle, use that to get new users.

Reports Paul Thurrott: https://www.thurrott.com/mobile/windows-phone/6746/your-fear-of-limited-lumia-availability-is-misplaced

It isn't that Microsoft doesn't care about phones and pulling out. If we think about it, Microsoft is putting a lot of effort in Windows 10 Mobile. If they didn't care, they would not do this at all. They would take Windows Phone 8.1 and make a 8.2, rename it to 10 (and even then), and call it a day, similarly to what they have done with Windows RT. But they didn't. They invested heavily for this OS.
 

But I was also told that part of this strategy would involve rethinking its carrier relationships. Those carriers that were friendly to Windows Phone—like AT&T in the United States, I was explicitly told—would continue to be offered the chance to sell Windows phones going forward. Those that were not—Verizon, again, explicitly—would not.

It seams that Microsoft is betting real big. In that people would actually BUY the phone in full from Microsoft, by-pass the carriers, until the carriers see that they are loosing a lot of sells, and wants it, and force to treat the platform correctly, if they want the carry the phone. A very bold move, but perhaps the only possible move in order to offer easy updates to its users and making sure everyone is on the latest version of Windows 10 Mobile. No carrier blocks. No carrier forced bloatware. Basically, be like an iPhone.


So, say you are interested in the Lumia 950 or 950XL, how are you going to get one that works with your carrier? Paul Thurrott reveals after talking with Microsoft, that the Lumia 950 and 950 XL features a secret sauce: It has a universal radio system. That means that the smart phone should work with virtually all carriers no matter where you are with, and where you are in the world. Don't Like Rogers? switch to Bell. Moving to India? No problem. Passing from GSM to WCDMA? Again..no freaking problem. The phone takes it all!

From Microsoft site Tech specs of the phone:

GSM network: 850MHz, 900MHz, 1800MHz, 1900MHz
GSM max data speed DL: EGPRS 296.0kbps
GSM max data speed UL: EGPRS 236.8kbps
WCDMA network: Band 1 (2100MHz), Band 2 (1900MHz), Band 4 (1700/2100 MHz), Band 5 (850MHz), Band 8 (900MHz)
WCDMA max data speed DL: 42.2Mbps (Cat 24)
WCDMA max data speed UL: 5.76Mbps (Cat 6)
LTE FDD network: Band 1 (2100MHz), Band 17 (700MHz), Band 2 (1900MHz), Band 20 (800MHz), Band 3 (1800MHz), Band 4 (1700/2100 MHz), Band 5 (850MHz), Band 7 (2600MHz), Band 8 (900MHz), Band 28 (700MHz), Band 12 (700MHz)
TD-LTE network: Band 38 (2570-2620MHz), Band 40 (2300-2400MHz), Band 41 partially (2555-2575 MHz)
LTE max data speed DL: 300 Mbps (Cat 6)
LTE max data speed UL: 50 Mbps (Cat 6)

http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en_US/pdp/productID.326602300?icid=icid_us_catp_modg_phn_citytalk_100615lnch

 

Update:

It must be noted that it doesn't support CDMA, nor LTE Band of Verizon.



 

I was told that Microsoft would sell all of its new phones directly to customers from its own retail and online stores. These phones would be carrier unlocked and would feature “universal” radios, meaning that they would work with (virtually) any carrier worldwide. The point behind this design decision is obvious enough, but it allows Microsoft to make one version of a phone, rather than multiple versions (like Lumia Icon and Lumia 930) that target different markets and/or carriers.

This phone has just become the dream phone for people traveling often for their job or pleasure. We can also see how carrier don't like it. Because now consumers (us) have now the power to put competitive pressure on the service providers, as we can switch as we please, heck we can try all carrier, one every month.


Are you interested in buying the phone in full, but getting a phone where no carrier limitation and works anywhere you want, allowing you to change service providers as you please, when you want?

[iamdarkyoshi]

Are you interested in buying the pone in full

 

Noticed a typo. But this is just silly.

[GoodBytes]

Are you interested in buying the pone in full

 

Noticed a typo. But this is just silly.

Thanks

[Grrizz]

I'm not a big phone person so from a functionality point of view as long as it can call, message, email, browse the web, skype, teamview, take pictures, etc. (the modern basics) and does it smoothly I'm happy, because pretty much every decent modern phone does that its aesthetics sell me and quite frankly the 900 series Lumias have always been some of the nicest looking phones on the market IMO so I am definitely keen on a 950... non-XL because 5.7" is just too big to be comfortable, the whole 4.7" is ideal for in hand comfort is one thing that Apple was absolutely right about IMO, its a shame that damn near nothing flagship comes in under 5" these days because "bigger is better" right!?!?

[QueenDemetria]

I have a feeling that Microsoft doesn't want marketshare. I've been using WP for a few years now and they really treat the platform as "active development" rather than establishing the platform and improving it.

[CommandMan7]

My reaction:

Screw you Microsoft. THE ONE PHONE I WANT AND YOU SCREW IT UP.

Edited October 10, 2015 by GoodBytes

[GoodBytes]

My reaction:

Screw you Microsoft. THE ONE PHONE I WANT AND YOU SCREW IT UP.

Just buy it. And you have AT&T, which apparently takes care of the Windows Phone platform.

I am considering it, personally (i am mean buying it in full)

To me it is: LG G4, Moto X Pure (U.S only), or the 950/950XL that I deciding in between.

[dizmo]

Interesting. I think this would be a better strategy if they weren't asking so much for the devices. I'm not surprised Canada isn't getting it. Very small market, I'd imagine the Windows Phone penetration here is next to nothing.

Beautiful pieces of hardware let down by a pretty bland OS. I've always had high hopes it'd see a massive overhaul,and I'd grow to like it and devs would embrace it.

At least Blackberry is coming back with a wicked device. One dream complete.

 

I'm not a big phone person so from a functionality point of view as long as it can call, message, email, browse the web, skype, teamview, take pictures, etc. (the modern basics) and does it smoothly I'm happy, because pretty much every decent modern phone does that its aesthetics sell me and quite frankly the 900 series Lumias have always been some of the nicest looking phones on the market IMO so I am definitely keen on a 950... non-XL because 5.7" is just too big to be comfortable, the whole 4.7" is ideal for in hand comfort is one thing that Apple was absolutely right about IMO, its a shame that damn near nothing flagship comes in under 5" these days because "bigger is better" right!?!?

We'll, that's what seems to sell so the numbers would dictate that to be true.

Have you ever used a larger device for anything longer than a few minutes or an hour?

 

My reaction:

Screw you Microsoft. THE ONE PHONE I WANT AND YOU SCREW IT UP.

You could always just buy it outright.

You pay the same price to a carrier anyway.

[BuckGup]

Interesting. I personally am with AT&T but don't listen to the radio. Also I like the cool new Staff badge

[Grrizz]

We'll, that's what seems to sell so the numbers would dictate that to be true.

Have you ever used a larger device for anything longer than a few minutes or an hour?

Yep and I didn't like it at all, my current phone is 5" and even that is very borderline dropping it to 4.7" would be an improvement IMO, for anything that requires a large screen I want and have a laptop or desktop.

What makes for good sales material isn't always what is best, as I sarcastically mentioned bigger numbers sell even if its not better e.g. excessive screen resolution that only makes battery life shorter

I know some people like the whole phablet thing but for me a phone is a phone I have other devices better suited for productivity.

[atrash]

From where I come from (Malaysia), people usually buy their phone in full price, unlocked. Hell even if you buy directly from the telcos, all phones are always unlocked. But I'll still buy one here in UK full price because I always hated contracts or paying in instalments (if I don't have the money to buy it in full price, it means I can't actually afford it).

 

Imo, I'd say good move Microsoft. Don't bent over to the telcos. Give more powers back to the consumers. Also I believe both 950 & 950XL has dual sim slots. Even a better option for those wanting a flagship and travels a lot. And adding to the direct updates from Microsoft, that's the cherry on top.

[Dabombinable]

Ok. If the price is good, I'll be putting my old Sony Erison K750i on display and going with the new Lumia. This phone's radio system is a dream come true.

[Sors]

Interesting. I personally am with AT&T but don't listen to the radio. Also I like the cool new Staff badge

 

The radio they mention is the transmiter for the celular signal, not the AM, FM kind of radio.

[Nowak]

"The phones has a Universal radio. Works with all carriers, everywhere."

 

It does not support the 3G bands on Verizon, so no. The Lumia 950 series don't entirely work with every carrier.

[suicidalfranco]

why people give so much importance to carrier branded devices will always amaze me

[GoodBytes]

why people give so much importance to carrier branded devices will always amaze me

It is because they want to spend the money for the phone. They prefer to have payment plan integrated with their monthly service plan (which they end up paying the phone more, of course). But they don't need to pay all in one shot.

[Guest Kloaked]

WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

 

 

I was planning on getting the Lumia XL or an iPhone 6s+, then decided yesterday I'd give Windows phone a shot before I jump to iOS.

 

I swear man. foeiwrj89upvnmcwejur-9nvcpqgemwor;mvjcgqpomraecpjxoimlwekau[n0rmv34qioc,nhg voq

[GoodBytes]

WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

 

 

I was planning on getting the Lumia XL or an iPhone 6s+, then decided yesterday I'd give Windows phone a shot before I jump to iOS.

 

I swear man. foeiwrj89upvnmcwejur-9nvcpqgemwor;mvjcgqpomraecpjxoimlwekau[n0rmv34qioc,nhg voq

Your iPhone plan will be ~100$+ per month as the phone needs to be payed. If you buy the phone you can get the cheaper plans. The iPhone 6s+ is like 1000$ for the fancy model, this much cheaper.

[spwath]

I am really considering one of these as my next phone.

[Guest Kloaked]

Your iPhone plan will be ~100$+ per month as the phone needs to be payed. If you buy the phone you can get the cheaper plans. The iPhone 6s+ is like 1000$ for the fancy model, this much cheaper.

 

I'd be getting it through Verizon.

[GoodBytes]

I'd be getting it through Verizon.

But Verizon blocks updates.

[Guest Kloaked]

But Verizon blocks updates.

 

I can't do anything about that. Every other carrier has poor service where I'm at.

[GoodBytes]

"The phones has a Universal radio. Works with all carriers, everywhere."

 

It does not support the 3G bands on Verizon, so no. The Lumia 950 series don't entirely work with every carrier.

Verizon is on 4G, and all frequencies s(if wikipedia is correct), is supported by the Lumia 950/950XL

Apparently support 3G will be removed by Verizon in 2021

[Misanthrope]

That's one thing Android being popular helps with: cheap no contract phones with stock android and ease of updates at least through non-official roms. Now if microsoft sells this phones off contract from their store I'd consider one just to get the fuck out of having a contract which no one likes anyway.

[AlexGoesHigh]

That's one thing Android being popular helps with: cheap no contract phones with stock android and ease of updates at least through non-official roms. Now if microsoft sells this phones off contract from their store I'd consider one just to get the fuck out of having a contract which no one likes anyway.

They are selling them unlocked through the MS store, they actually announced unlocked pricing first that AT&T will be the only carrier in the US to sell it on a plan or whatever they do now.

 

The 950 goes for 549$ and the XL for 100 more