[Mobilepartners] Verizon Wirelss to "open" its network

[Andrew Yu]

Greetings!

On Tuesday, Verizon Wireless announced its plans to open its network to any 
devices and software that customers want to use by the second half of 2008. 
Devices will need to pass Verizon's minimal test, so it remains to be seen 
as what non-Verizon devices will actually be allowed to be used.

It's likely that CDMA devices (those available from Sprint, Alltell, Helio, 
etc.) would be allowed to be used on Verizon's network. But, GSM devices 
(those available from AT&T and T-Mobile) will probably remain incompatible.

This also means that one of the most closed carriers is embracing the 
concept of opening its network. (Verizon has a reputation for the "walled 
garden" approach by tightly controlling devices, software, and even web 
browsing). Along with Google's recent announcement of the Android platform 
and the Open Hand Alliance, this is definitely a step in the right direction 
for the mobile device users. So, by the end of 2008, there will be more 
device choices for Verizon customers or those who want to switch to Verizon. 
We may also see other carriers following this trend in the near future.

Related Articles:
CNET:
http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9823944-7.html
Information Week:
http://www.informationweek.com/blog/main/archives/2007/11/is_verizons_ann.html

Cheers,

Andrew
_______________________________
Andrew Yu
Mobile Devices Platform Coordinator
Information Services & Technology
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Phone: 617-324-8985
Email: andrewyu at mit.edu
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