Verizon Asks You To Call Them About Google Wallet if You’re “Concerned”

Verizon today responded to a consumer’s FCC complaint, wherein the customer complained that Verizon Wireless was blocking Google from offering Google Wallet on the Samsung Galaxy Nexus.

The carrier responded that because Google Wallet uses a “secure element” (their words) to encrypt Google Wallet transactions, that Google Wallet required additional testing and approval to use NFC on their version of the Galaxy Nexus.

Further, Verizon Wireless argued that they have provided to Google a testing and approval process, but refused to state what steps were still needed, what the testing/approval process was, or what was the sticking point exactly that Google Wallet lacks.

Verizon backs Isis, a consortium that rivals Google Wallet. Many believe Verizon is intentionally making it impossible for Google Wallet to use NFC on any Verizon Wireless device, to underhandedly promote Isis as it matures as a platform. This would give Isis an antitrust-grade advantage if true… but that’s the beauty of Verizon refusing to comment on what the “secure element” approval process actually is.

One thing is clear, Google knows what the process is, and will only say that Google Wallet cannot be made available to consumers on Verizon at this time.

However, Verizon did one thing we find downright insulting. In response to the consumer directly, they instructed him to call customer service if he had further questions about the matter, rather than providing a policy contact at Verizon. We here at PhoneNews.com all find that to be the height of rudeness – customer service is clearly not comprehensively trained on a matter like this, and that showed to us that Verizon was clearly unhappy that a lowly consumer forced them to address the matter.

So, we’re turning it to you. Follow Verizon’s advice. Call Verizon at 800-922-0204, or *611 from your Verizon phone. Ask them what the approval process is to get Google Wallet (or any “secure element” app) on their phones. Verizon claims their 4G LTE testing and approval process is out in the open – we’re sure they’ll be ready and willing to explain it to you.

At the least, when the FCC asks how many customers, or potential customers, have called up Verizon, they won’t be able to say very few anymore.