Cloud storage, Verizon? Really?

Verizon, though they may not fully understand this, is a mobile service provider. As such, they’ve built themselves into a very respectable space, having the most robust LTE network in the country. They’re pretty innovative with that network, as well. Voice over LTE is coming soon, after years of discussion and conceptualization.

Then, just when we thought they get it, they go and do something like build a cloud storage locker. That’s right, Verizon has introduced an app called Cloud, which lets you store your files with Verizon. I guess they felt there weren’t enough online storage solutions, with Drive, Dropbox, SkyDrive, Evernote, Mega, etc.[quote qtext=”Or, you know, put more effort into supporting devices, and getting customers Android updates in a timely fashion.” qperson=”” qsource=”” qposition=”center”]

Their Cloud app is straightforward enough, and seems to be without a lot of bells and whistles to complicate it. You can store contacts and files of all kinds, which Verizon is touting as a “backup” solution. There is 500MB available to everyone with a Verizon plan, and you can upgrade storage if needed.

Verizon keeps throwing these darts at the board, and haven’t caught on yet that we just don’t want this type of thing. Their failed app store should have been proof of that. All that can be done with Cloud can be accomplished more efficiently with Google services, let alone other cloud storage solutions you may be using. With an Android device, Google backs up your contacts automatically, leaving no need for Verizon’s option. It’s nice of Verizon to give customers a storage option, but 500MB compared to the 5GB you get free with Drive is just not going to stack up.

Of course, that’s only considering Google services. With so many other options, all of them dedicated to cloud storage and not just offering something to bolster their outrageous cost for plans, this just isn’t necessary. Verizon really needs to concentrate on having a network that is amazing everywhere, all the time, and not add-ons like Cloud.

Or, you know, put more effort into supporting devices, and getting customers Android updates in a timely fashion. Less bloatware could be cool, too. We just wish Verizon would let things be, and understand that they don’t need to be any more than what they are, which is a mobile service provider.