Microsoft refuses to install Verizon rootkit, Windows Phone 8 sales may be postponed

There have been rumors that Verizon Wireless, the largest US cellular operator, has postponed the start of sales of smartphones on the Windows Phone 8 platform. The reason is a disagreement with Microsoft over software on smartphones.

The fact is that on phones on the Verizon network, an application for diagnostics and remote monitoring must be installed. Such programs are built into the phone's firmware and collect data on the use of the device, they track various user actions, including calls, SMS, signal strength, user coordinates, touch screen clicks, and are transmitted to the cellular operator.

Since the utility works seamlessly for the user, some researchers classify it as a rootkit .

For example, here is a list of metrics that the CarrierIQ diagnostic utility supports collection, in accordance with the official specifications .
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For details, see the review CarrierIQ on Habré . The fact of installing CarrierIQ into the phone ’s firmware was confirmed by the operators AT & T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon, as well as by such mobile phone manufacturers as HTC, Samsung and Apple, although the latter refused to install CarrierIQ on devices starting with iOS 5.

Apparently, Verizon refuses to sell the device without a "diagnostic program", but Microsoft does not want to give in.

Of course, someone might say that these rumors are Microsoft PR. Indeed, against the background of the Verizon rootkit, anyone looks like a defender of user rights and freedoms.

Home sales of HTC Windows Phone 8X, Nokia Lumia 920 and Lumia 820 on AT & T are scheduled for October 29. What devices Verizon will sell is not exactly known, but cooperation with the number 1 operator in the US is very important for Nokia .