Smartphone news, in general, is dominated by the introduction of the premium anniversary model Apple iPhone X (that’s “10”). The other major newsmaker of the time is the rather-delayed creation of “Mister Android” Andy Rubin, the Essential PH-1 Phone.

Even when finally made available, the remarkably tough and modular mobile device was beset by problems such as some head-shaking procedures for online order confirmation. Nevertheless, the Essential Phone became available through both the company and mobile carrier Sprint, which was its network launch partner.

It was later followed by T-Mobile and AT&T, making for three out of the four major US mobile carriers. The last one, Verizon, held aloof from the PH-1 for a while, until now.

Verizon-certified

The official Twitter accounts of both Essential Products and Andy Rubin himself made the big announcement that their PH-1 smartphone has passed muster with Verizon. With that provider coming on board, the Essential Phone has pretty much swept the “Grand Slam” of major US mobile carriers as it were.

The telecommunications giant had earlier expressed concerns on whether the Android-operating PH-1 would be compatible with their systems.

Verizon has kept the Essential Phone on hold while it tried to pass a certification process. Judging from the tweets of its creator and his company, all obstacles are now clear.

While it is true that, as its launch partner, only Sprint Mobile has carried the PH-1 Phone for retail at its stores outside ordering from Essential itself, the smartphone itself is an unlocked device capable of being used with an appropriate SIM from any mobile network.

That of course means that some Verizon subscribers who ordered the Essential Phone from the source were able to use their SIMs on these without incident. This time however, the passing of certification means that Verizon can now offer support for their consumers who are using the PH-1 on their network.

Prior issues

Andy Rubin’s startup Essential Products touted itself to having created a truly revolutionary smartphone that could go up against major names such as Apple and Samsung.

Their first end-product, the Essential PH-1, has performed decently according to customers, save for its alleged near-impossibility to repair. Prior to receiving its tech certification with Verizon, consumers of that mobile carrier who have tried using the Essential Phone reported a few connection issues.

Rubin has suggested rebooting the device if there were problems with its using a Verizon SIM. This issue is now moot with the new Verizon compatibility certification, and the Essential Phone is strongly positioned with the four major wireless providers.
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