Verizon Won't Activate New Nexus 7 Until KitKat Update

News
By Kevin Parrish
published

A problem with Android 4.3 and the new Nexus 7 4G LTE is preventing the device access to Verizon's network.

The last we heard about the new Nexus 7 and Verizon Wireless, the Big Red carrier was facing the FCC over allegedly blocking the tablet from accessing its 4G LTE network. The tablet actually works on the network, but not officially, and for now, Verizon will not add it to customer subscription plans. That infuriated one journalist to the point of making a formal complaint, hence the FCC's involvement.

Verizon Wireless responded by admitting that Google announced Verizon compatibility with the new second generation Nexus 7 in July. However, Asus supposedly didn't submit the device for certification until August, and that process proceeded "apace." Once the device is certified, Verizon will work with Google to enable the Nexus 7 to be activated on the 4G LTE network in a matter of days. The 4G LTE model didn't ship until the middle of September.

Now the Big Red claims that during certification, it was discovered that the tablet had a "systems issue" that presumably would have caused the device to fail testing. Instead of fixing the issue, Google and Asus reportedly have chosen to freeze the certification process until Android 4.4 "KitKat" rolls out, supposedly in the coming weeks. After that, it's unknown how long the certification process will take.

"During the certification process for the Nexus 7, Google, Asus and Verizon uncovered a systems issue that required Google and Asus to undertake additional work with the Jelly Bean OS running on the device," a company spokesperson said. "Since Google was about to launch its new Kit Kat OS, rather than undertake this work, Google and Asus asked Verizon to suspend its certification process until Google's new OS was available on the Nexus 7."

If that's the case, owners of the Nexus 7 4G LTE model may not see their tablet officially jumping on Verizon's network until December, three months after the tablet shipped to rightful owners. Naturally, all three parties have refrained from admitting the actual issue, and have not indicated if this Jelly Bean problem resides on other Verizon-focused 4G LTE Android devices as well, or if it's an isolated second generation Nexus 7 4G LTE incident.

Kevin Parrish
26 Comments Comment from the forums
  • wshwe
    Verizon is breaking the law. The FCC is doing absolutely nothing.
    Reply
  • InvalidError
    If there are legit interoperability issues between the N7v2-LTE and Verizon's equipment then that would fall within the FCC's permissible exceptions.
    Reply
  • vmem
    ok, seriously? does Verizon only waht iSheep as customers? because I don't see them attracting anyone else
    Reply
  • heero yuy
    Americas consumer protection law in (non)action?
    Reply
  • house70
    No matter how you spin this, Verizon is at fault. They choose not to activate devices that are fully compatible with their LTE network, in disdain of their own customers. Knowing Verizon's "certification" process, you can bet the next Nexus will be out by the time they deem this one "certified" for their precious network.
    Now that Verizon came up with their own cheap tablet the "mystery" was revealed. Verizon just didn't want any competition on their network.

    I guess the other wireless companies can pick up the slack.
    Now all we need is trolls like otacon popping up blaming the tablet, not the network. In 3..2..1..
    Reply
  • sirskeetsalot2013
    break me off a piece of that kitkat bar. :O
    Reply
  • MKBL
    If I have to choose an industry that abuse duopoly or tripoly the most, it's telecom. Especially Verizon. They are good when it comes to technological edge, but worst at ethics. I still have a Verizon phone, good 10 years after they tried to ovrbill me three months in a row. I couldn't find any better carrier, unfortunately.
    Reply
  • JD88
    Verizon knows the Nexus 7 blows the pants off that garbage self-branded tablet it just released. It just wants to get in some cheap holiday sales of that garbage it's pushing.

    There is absolutely no incompatibility as you can stick a Verizon sim card in a Nexus 7 and it works fine.
    Reply
  • web11
    I actually got a nexus 7 working on Verizon by switching the sim card with the one on my Galaxy tab.
    Reply
  • mrjhh
    Just because a device appears to work doesn't mean it isn't causing problems elsewhere. While I know nothing about the Nexus 7, other devices have had problems controlling the signal level of the output, causing interference with other devices. Other problems have included excess signaling traffic.
    Reply