Verizon Wireless To Open Network 286
A number of readers are letting us know about Verizon's plans, announced today, to open their nationwide wireless network to devices that they don't sell. A NYTimes blog posting puts VZW's announcement in industry context. From the press release: "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."
Google pressure (Score:2, Insightful)
Re:This seems very much unlike Verizon (Score:5, Insightful)
It seems to me like this is more oriented toward that type of specialized device, rather than simply a "bring your own phone" option.
I think Verizon may have realized that there is potentially a huge new market to be tapped, which could go to WiFi or other carriers if they don't provide the ability to use these type of devices on their network.
This is non-news... (Score:3, Insightful)
Re:This seems very much unlike Verizon (Score:5, Insightful)
Ok cool, but... (Score:4, Insightful)
However...
I never understood why the obsession with mobile companies locked phones/formats? Right, lockin so you can only buy their ringtones and use their premium services. But I worked at Sprint for a couple years and at that time they lost their asses on phone swaps. Wouldn't it be easier if they simply sold service, supported open standards and reduced operating costs by not stocking a giant cache of crappy phones they cover under replacement. That has to chew into those premium service profits really fast.
Offer a solid damn service and let people fight Motorola, Samsung, Sanyo, etc over device issues. It's like expecting the gas station attendant to fix your tranny after he tops you off.
Re:No (Score:4, Insightful)
(1) Apple releases a CDMA version of the iPhone
(2) Verizon changes their network over to GSM nationwide.
(2) isn't going to happen. (1) might, but not until AT&T's exclusive on the iPhone has expired (2012?)
Complete Non Story (Score:0, Insightful)
This is what we've had in the UK for years... (Score:3, Insightful)
Ie, if you have a GSM or 3G phone and a SIM card then you can just use it in the UK.
You'll have to pay the carrier for the SIM and traffic of course, but from any reasonable device you want.
Rgds
Damon
PS. I think most Europeans, used to being behind on technology, are baffled by the US phone 'notwork'...
Re:No (Score:4, Insightful)
*iPhone Grabs 27% of US Smartphone Market [roughlydrafted.com]
Bait and Switch (Score:5, Insightful)
from the summary: "Devices will be tested and approved"
This is the classic strategy whereby they get bragging rights "It's wide open!!!" and yet mysteriously few, if anything will ever get on because of the details conspicuously absent from the announcement.
1. How much does testing cost?
2. How much does approval cost?
3. Once it's approved, how much is the daily/weekly/monthly tax the device/app builder pays to Verizon?
This is Extreme Marketing 101. All the hot oil you can dream up and no popcorn.
VZW is gearing up for a fight. (Score:3, Insightful)
Google is going to open up that spectrum and forcibly alter how the cell phone industry works in the United States. Verizon, not wanting to be outdone, is sort of pre-empting this by saying they will now open up their own network.
The cell phone industry in this country is going to get shaken real soon, and it's going to be nothing short of awesome.
Interesting timing on that (Score:5, Insightful)
Re:No (Score:5, Insightful)
Re:No (Score:3, Insightful)