In a historic move, Verizon Wireless says it will provide customers the option to use wireless devices, software and applications not offered by the company. Verizon Wireless plans to have this new choice available to customers throughout the country by the end of 2008.
In early 2008, the company will publish the technical standards the development community will need to design products to interface with the Verizon Wireless network. Any device that meets the minimum technical standard will be activated on the network. Devices will be tested and approved in a $20 million state-of-the-art testing lab which received an additional investment this year to gear up for the anticipated new demand. Any application the customer chooses will be allowed on these devices.
“This is a transformation point in the 20-year history of mass market wireless devices, one which we believe will set the table for the next level of innovation and growth,” says Lowell McAdam, Verizon Wireless president and CEO.
That isn't to say Verizon will stop bundling devices, plans and features, as it believes most consumers prefer to buy that way. Still, Verizon is bowing to the inevitable. Open wireless networks are coming.
One has to say that Google already is winning much of what it seeks: an open mobile Internet.
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