Google recently released an LTE variant of its popular Nexus 7 budget tablet and promised to bring even faster data speeds to roaming consumers. So far, the LTE Nexus 7 can operate on T-Mobile and AT&T networks, but despite mounting pressure, Verizon is still not allowing the device to operate on its network until it's "certified."
The complaints from Verizon customers began rolling in soon after many buyers found they could not activate their LTE Nexus 7s on Verizon's network after purchasing the tablet from a third-party source.
Tech website CNET was able to confirm that Verizon will not allow the Nexus 7 to work on its network because the device is not certified in the carrier's database.
"This is not yet a device that is Verizon 4G LTE certified. As you know, when devices are certified, we'll let folks know," a Verizon spokesperson told CNET.
While there has been no official explanation for why the Nexus 7, a popular tablet, has not been certified, some have speculated it's because the tablet doesn't contain a CDMA receiver that would allow the Nexus 7 to fall back onto Verizon's 3G network when LTE signals become unavailable.
The 32GB LTE Nexus 7 is identical to the Wi-Fi models with the added benefit of cellular data reception. The Google Play store is currently offering a $100 AT&T gift card when buying the $350 tablet for AT&T's network and signing up for a two-year contract with the nation's second largest carrier.
Let us know if you have an LTE Nexus 7 and have found a way to make it work on Verizon's network in the comments section below.
Update: Verizon has issued a statement explaining that LTE Nexus 7 model entered certification testing in August and will be certified in the future for use on Verizon's network.
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