Did Verizon Wireless give new subscribers preferential treatment in its latest phone launch?
Judging from the numbers, Verizon Wireless’ Droid X launch July 15 was a success. Analysts estimate the wireless carrier sold as many as 300,000 units of the Motorola-manufactured smartphone before running out of stock last weekend. Customer satisfaction metrics might tell another story, however. Data collected during the Droid X launch indicate that at least some customers were treated differently depending on their service contracts. After surveying Verizon ( VZ – news – people ) stores across the country by phone, Gleacher & Co. analyst Mark McKechnie and Global Equities Research analyst Trip Chowdry independently concluded that some consumers switching from other carriers were able to obtain phones while some Verizon subscribers looking to simply upgrade their handsets were put on waiting lists.
