Verizon tries to outdo Google
SOUNDS OF Verizon Wireless desperately trying to pull the rug out from underneath Google with its announcement today of an 'open access' model for 2008. What exactly this will provide is uncertain.
The plan is to enable its US subscribers to purchase whatever devices they like; connect them to the Verizon cdmaone network; and then run whatever apps they like.
There's a few caveats. Verizon will still insist on putting new devices through its labs to test they actually work. That's important because a duff cdmaone device can crash the network. GSM devices don't operate the same way so they can't bring the network to its knees.
There's been plenty of speculation as to what this actually means. Jan Dawson, a US vp with industry watcher, Ovum, reckons that "it allows Verizon to test the waters for a number of possible future initiatives, such as reducing handset subsidies, opening up its walled garden portal more, and moving to more purely usage-based pricing models."
The notion of Verizon customers connecting just what they want is a chimera, of course. Most ordinary folk might think, “
"Oh, great. I can use that AT&T phone on Verizon now."
Oh no you can't. It's like trying to run Mac apps of a PC.
Well at least the cdma supporters club – the CTIA – likes the move.
CTIA CEO, Steve Largent, said, “"Today's announcement by Verizon ... shows that wireless carriers listen closely to what their customers demand, and act quickly to bring those desired products and services to market.”
Of course the CTIA hopes loads of developers will now flock to cdmaone based development and the Beast of Redmond is certainly backing the move.
It's a nice ploy by Verizon to make itself look more 'open'. We'll have to wait until early 2008 before the company explains exactly what this will mean in association with a few device manufacturers and key developers µ
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Verizon's strength really is their network. It's celluar broadband is the best in the States right now, though it is exspensive.

Devices are Verizon's weekness however. They are god awful slow with new product introductions, and hopefully this will help out on that end.

The Google phone is really no threat to cell carriers if users have thier choice of devices.

It's ultimately about the network, and Google will have to buy or build one to be an intresting player in the mobile arena, which is not out of the question. 

Another mobile device is litterally a drop in the ocean.