The new Verizon-powered iPhone 4 became available this morning, and it’s the Verizon website, not Apple’s, that’s swamped with orders.
This might reflect Apple’s preparedness for the launch, but Verizon launched the hugely popular Droid just over a year ago. Verizon knows what web traffic a launch entails.
In this case it looks like folks switching phones are doing it for the service provider, not for the manufacturer. Despite its reputation for inflexible contract terms, Verizon enjoys the view from the top of the dependable-service-provider heap.
Business Insider reports a three-hour wait on the Verizon site, starting at its launch at 5am this morning:
Since I need a new phone, I logged on at 5 A.M. to put in my order. For the last three hours I’ve been greeted with this screen that reads, “Sorry, an error has occured.”
Verizon said it was ready for the crush of users that would come with the iPhone.
I guess they were talking about their network, and not their website.
Verizon seems preoccupied with their launch today. Press Secretary Robert Gibbs tweeted today that “WH unclassified email went down shortly before 8 AM. Verizon is working to solve the problem.
It’s not just web service and White House service that’s become spotty; Verizon is so concerned about the crush of demand anticipated for iPhone 4 that the company asked employees to hold off buying the phone for themselves or their families, citing “tight supplies” and the need to “put customers first.”
From the Forbes blog:
Added Stratton: “To help ensure we meet customer demand for iPhones, Verizon is urging employees and their families to postpone purchases of the popular smartphone, whether online or in retail stores, for the time being,” the email said. “I know customers aren’t the only ones who are excited – employees are, too. While I share your excitement, over the coming weeks we all need to do our part to meet our customers’ needs — this means putting our customers first.”
Apple’s website is still up and running, just as Forbes reported it was doing fine this morning.
Let’s hope Verizon irons out these kinks and keeps service smooth as the network’s friends and families expand.
