Verizon Wireless opens network to "Any Apps, Any Device" in 2008

[neilson]

Verizon Wireless opens network to "Any Apps, Any Device" in 2008 - Engadget Mobile

By the end of 2008, Verizon Wireless will open their network to any device which meets a "minimum technical standard." What that standard is, exactly, VZW isn't saying yet -- that will come in "early 2008." So any device (including applications) tested and certified in VZW's new $20 Million test lab is fair game for use on their wireless network. In other words, Verizon becomes the data pipe, and nothing more for these new "bring-your-own" customers. It's too early to say if this is a watershed moment or not. Verizon certainly thinks so with Lowell McAdam, Verizon Wireless president and chief executive officer, calling it, "a transformation point in the 20-year history of mass market wireless devices." As usual, the devil (certification fees, turnaround times for testing, those magical minimum technical standards, etc.) might be in the details.

Verizon Wireless to Introduce 'Any Apps, Any Device' Option for Customers in 2008

My. God. The improbable will happen.

[Fire14]

This almost sounds like a way for people to bring their phones with them from Sprint or Alltel as well as applications being able to be used on their network, this will be their way with the whole "Unlocking" bit that has been talked about lately with the CDMA carriers.

Of course the "Any Device" is a mis-conception since we all know GSM phones can't be brought over, but hey it's a good start.

[neilson]

Originally Posted by Fire14

This almost sounds like a way for people to bring their phones with them from Sprint or Alltel as well as applications being able to be used on their network, this will be their way with the whole "Unlocking" bit that has been talked about lately with the CDMA carriers.

Of course the "Any Device" is a mis-conception since we all know GSM phones can't be brought over, but hey it's a good start.

It means that those sleek HTC devices we see on Telus may well find their way down here onto VZW in the future with no hassles.

Stay tuned.

[Ironwalt]

Here is another post on this story: http://forums.wirelessadvisor.com/ve...-apps-any.html (Verizon Wireless to Introduce 'Any Apps, Any Device' Option for Customers in 2008)

[cheddar]

Didn't Verizon say they were going to LTE long term? If so, this was to be expected at some point.

[WumpusVA]

WOW! Honestly, I'm shocked. This is great news for all consumers and a step in the right direction for Verizon... IF they do what they say they will do.

[bobolito]

I am shocked! Verizon allowing anything into their walled garden? The world must be coming to an end!

There must be a lot of money going on behind the scenes here. First, Verizon launches campaign against Google's proposal for the rules of the 700Mhz auction. Just hours after that, Verizon backs on their position and agrees with Google. Now, Verizon opens their door to non-Verizon devices? Something's cooking there!

[Jay2TheRescue]

Originally Posted by bobolito

I am shocked! Verizon allowing anything into their walled garden? The world must be coming to an end!

There must be a lot of money going on behind the scenes here. First, Verizon launches campaign against Google's proposal for the rules of the 700Mhz auction. Just hours after that, Verizon backs on their position and agrees with Google. Now, Verizon opens their door to non-Verizon devices? Something's cooking there!

I think Verizon was tired of seeing customers leave them for other carriers just because of device issues. They must realize now that in order to stay competetive they must allow other devices, and other versions of device software other than the Verizon UI. ATT and TMO have let customers bring their own device to the network for a long time. Verizon just didn't want ATT to be able to say that they had the largest network and the most subscribers (However since the acquisition of Dobson I haven't looked at the subscriber numbers - maybe ATT does have more subscribers now.)

-Jay

[bobolito]

AT&T/Cingular has had more subscribers than Verizon since Oct. 26th, 2004.

[Andy]

Originally Posted by bobolito

AT&T/Cingular has had more subscribers than Verizon since Oct. 26th, 2004.

I think what Jay was referring to was Verizon's claim to having the most retail subscribers is lost now as well due to the acquisition of Dobson.

[mframe]

One easy way for Verizon to quickly allow other apps/devices on its network, is to allow Java-based phones (which Sprint already does), instead of Brew.

[RadioRaiders]

Originally Posted by Jay2TheRescue

I think Verizon was tired of seeing customers leave them for other carriers just because of device issues. They must realize now that in order to stay competetive they must allow other devices, and other versions of device software other than the Verizon UI. ATT and TMO have let customers bring their own device to the network for a long time.

But it's very different with bringing your own phone to a GSM network vs. a CDMA one. With GSM you can buy any unlocked phone anywhere in the world and just pop in your ATT or T-Mobile SIM and you're immediately up and running. With CDMA it's more complicated due to the fact that user/network info is stored on the phone itsself. Plus the market for CDMA phones is alot smaller compared to GSM. There's not many places to buy them outside of the US. You can't buy them in Europe, they are disappearing from Australia....

How is this new decision by Verizon going to work? If ,for example you have a Sprint phone, you can take it to a Verizon shop and they will re-flash it (or whatever) for you to work on ther network?

[Mobile Mike]

This sounds really good, but I wonder where the fine print is. I find it hard to believe Verizon will make it this easy if there isn't something to benefit them more in the end.

At least it's a start.

[Jay2TheRescue]

Originally Posted by RadioRaiders

But it's very different with bringing your own phone to a GSM network vs. a CDMA one. With GSM you can buy any unlocked phone anywhere in the world and just pop in your ATT or T-Mobile SIM and you're immediately up and running. With CDMA it's more complicated due to the fact that user/network info is stored on the phone itsself. Plus the market for CDMA phones is alot smaller compared to GSM. There's not many places to buy them outside of the US. You can't buy them in Europe, they are disappearing from Australia....

How is this new decision by Verizon going to work? If ,for example you have a Sprint phone, you can take it to a Verizon shop and they will re-flash it (or whatever) for you to work on ther network?

I understand that. Personally, I think they need to implement SIM card technology to CDMA phones to make the service competetive. I am so spoiled by the ability to change phones on a daily basis that I don't think I would even consider another carrier that did not have the same ability.

-Jay

[SmArTeStChIlD421]

Originally Posted by RadioRaiders

But it's very different with bringing your own phone to a GSM network vs. a CDMA one. With GSM you can buy any unlocked phone anywhere in the world and just pop in your ATT or T-Mobile SIM and you're immediately up and running. With CDMA it's more complicated due to the fact that user/network info is stored on the phone itsself. Plus the market for CDMA phones is alot smaller compared to GSM. There's not many places to buy them outside of the US. You can't buy them in Europe, they are disappearing from Australia....

How is this new decision by Verizon going to work? If ,for example you have a Sprint phone, you can take it to a Verizon shop and they will re-flash it (or whatever) for you to work on ther network?

yeah but reflash it to what........the BREW UI??? they would have to have one made up for every phone that comes in.........it wouldnt work that way.........Verizon needs to go back to slightly modified OEM software..............like T-Mobile and AT&T...............they dont have the original OEM software anymore cuz if Cellular Video or MyFaves but it sure is 10 times more flexible.......

[RadioRaiders]

Originally Posted by Jay2TheRescue

I understand that. Personally, I think they need to implement SIM card technology to CDMA phones to make the service competetive. I am so spoiled by the ability to change phones on a daily basis that I don't think I would even consider another carrier that did not have the same ability.

-Jay

Yea, I was just pointing out that GSM is "made" for an easy movement of devices from one operator to another, while CDMA isn't. Even if a CDMA provider suddenly says "Ok, we'll open our network to forign devices", it still won't be as easy and simple as popping in and out a SIM card that anyone can do at home. You still have to go to your local Verizon store for them to make the change for you. Plus, really they are just saying they will allow for phones from Sprint and Alltel, since where else are you going to get a CDMA phone from?

As for CDMA getting SIM cards, that's a good idea, but way too late for that to happen. CDMA is a 2G system that's past it's mid-life point. Operators will be looking to phase it out and not to re-vamp it. Actually, now that Verizon announced it will take the LTE path, the CDMA camp's future doesn't look too bright. Sprint also deviated from the CDMA path by choosing WiMAX as it's 4G technology (altho I don't think WiMAX is stable enough for voice calls, so they may have to keep CDMA or something else around for voice)

[Jay2TheRescue]

Originally Posted by RadioRaiders

Yea, I was just pointing out that GSM is "made" for an easy movement of devices from one operator to another, while CDMA isn't. Even if a CDMA provider suddenly says "Ok, we'll open our network to forign devices", it still won't be as easy and simple as popping in and out a SIM card that anyone can do at home. You still have to go to your local Verizon store for them to make the change for you. Plus, really they are just saying they will allow for phones from Sprint and Alltel, since where else are you going to get a CDMA phone from?

As for CDMA getting SIM cards, that's a good idea, but way too late for that to happen. CDMA is a 2G system that's past it's mid-life point. Operators will be looking to phase it out and not to re-vamp it. Actually, now that Verizon announced it will take the LTE path, the CDMA camp's future doesn't look too bright. Sprint also deviated from the CDMA path by choosing WiMAX as it's 4G technology (altho I don't think WiMAX is stable enough for voice calls, so they may have to keep CDMA or something else around for voice)

I understand that it is too late to implement SIM technology for the current phones they are selling, but it should be something for them to implement in future models.

-Jay

[Telekom]

It's not the kind of announcement you'd expect from Verizon Wireless. But the notoriously protective carrier known for crippling many of the devices running on its network, as well as suing the FCC over the open access stipulations attached to the 700 MHz auction, did a complete about face on Tuesday. In doing so, the U.S.'s second largest carrier now says it will allow anyone with a compatible phone to access its network.
In theory, that means any CDMA phone will now work on Verizon's network. (In practice, those phones will still have to be vetted by Verizon's $20 million testing lab.) It also means that customers will be able to download and use the third-party applications of their choice on those devices, once Verizon publishes technical standards for the development community early next year.

Pigs Fly, Hell Freezes Over and Verizon Opens Up Its Network -- No, Really | Epicenter from Wired.com

[TeleTips Network]

See this article from Reuters, one of many, covering this story.

The real reason for Verizon's announcement might be inferred from this quote from the article:

"Banc of America analyst David Barden said Verizon's move may lessen the need for Google, which is developing its own mobile phone software, to bid in an upcoming airwaves auction."

My point is that Verizon might be gambling that this announcement could cause Google to drop out of the 700 MHz auctions, which are planned for January. After the auctions, Verizon could easily backpedal by retracting their network opening announcement.

A benefit to Verizon of Goggle withdrawing from the auctions is that by removing a deep-pocketed bidder the ultimate prices paid for spectrum might be less.

In other words, this announcement by Verizon can be interpre