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Carriers Continue to Force-Install Junk Apps

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It would seem to me the carriers need to be sued

jt82

May 30, 2011, 1:31 PM
I think it's time the end user sues the wireless companies for disgusting tactics like this. When you are buying a phone you should not have to buy the craptastic apps (especially if you are buying at full retail) without having the ability to have those apps removed, sans voiding your warranty.

Any legal eagles out there want to take this up?
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timmy23

May 30, 2011, 2:30 PM
I don't think that it's grounds for a legitimate lawsuit, cause you're not paying extra for the apps they install. The retail price of the phone is the same as it always was.

Yes it's stupid they pre-install certain apps, yes it's even more stupid you can't remove them without rooting your device, but there is nothing illegal about them doing it.

I'll just touch on this point quickly: Rooting your phone is very simple (there are even one-click rooting apps available), and if you un-root beore you take your phone in to be serviced/replaced, there is no way of the carrier detecting it was ever rooted, so your warranty would still be valid.

If they keep doing things like this, phone enthusiasts who aren't interested in rooting/jail...
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Theuninformed

May 30, 2011, 7:20 PM
Several reasons why i wouldn't follow this logic.

Even if you "allow" the software change, your average consumer isn't going to review software notes on a website to know whether or not it will include something they don't want. Most consumers feel these updates are to improve performance and are mandatory. They certainly are if you want any resolutions to provide.

This is the same as buying a brand new house, finding out the company who made your faucet made it faulty, and they're going to fix it without charge IF you let them install new knobs that you don't want because they're bulky and annoying. That just doesn't happen in any other aspect of our lives.

Imagine your microsoft update randomly installing opera browser. Or gettin...
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T Bone

May 31, 2011, 7:54 AM
"Why do carriers get to decide whats on our phones?"

Because the phones are owned by the carrier, have the carrier logo on them, are often exclusive to the carrier and are sold to the customer on a subsidy with a carrier contract.

Bottom line is when you use their equipment, and demand a discount for them, you play by their rules.


You don't like it? Don't buy carrier equipment, buy unlocked, carrier independent phones at full retail price, which, for the average smartphone is between $500-$700.
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Theuninformed

May 31, 2011, 2:58 PM
No sir. I own the phone. When i sign a contract with a wireless carrier, they sell me the phone for discounted pricing with the agreement i will pay for their service.

Locking the phone to their network to make and recieve calls is something that can be undone. It may have their logo, but it has the manufacturers as well. It does not mean they own it, anymore than Chevy owns my car.

In a court of law, they could not reposess my phone or legally take it back. If i called them and asked them who owns the phone, they would say me.

They force apps onto the phone, and I do have the option to remove them, if I choose to break my manufacturer warranty, which I do. But there is no other product or device that you purchase from a company ...
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Archer Bullseye

May 31, 2011, 3:27 PM
Unless Sprint is dumb (unlikely), the carriers are covered under their T&Cs.
Here is the VZW part where its covered.

"My Wireless Device
Your wireless device must comply with Federal Communications Commission regulations, be certified for use on our network, and be compatible with your Service. Please be aware that we may change your wireless device's software, applications or programming remotely, without notice. This could affect your stored data, or how you've programmed or use your wireless device."

http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/globalText?textNa ... »
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Xyroze

May 31, 2011, 8:43 PM
Yeah, I really don't see any legal grounds for a lawsuit. At least not until someone takes advantage of the loose permissions automatically granted when the apps are forcibly installed. If, for instance, Sprint's lack of better judgement left a huge security hole that resulted in a massive loss of private information or loads of extra charges appearing on people's bills then perhaps there might be something.

Until then, its just a matter of them being disrespectful to their customers.
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Archer Bullseye

May 31, 2011, 8:57 PM
Like Carrier IQ?

Anyway, while I agree with you on some points. The people on this forum are on the top of the mobile world per say. A lot of people do utilize those apps, and the carriers get paid for including the apps.

The more they get paid, could mean lower subsidized prices. (I say could because I have no data to say that the carrier is not just pocketing the money)

I do think that we should be allowed to remove the apps without rooting, but I in no way feel disrespected by having the 'bloatware' on my phone.

-Archer
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