Hell Freezes Over: Verizon to Open Network to “Any Apps, Any Device”
I had to reread this news post several times. The most closed cellphone carrier in the US has pledged to open its network to “Any Apps, Any Device.”
Today Verizon Wireless announced that it will allow customers to use any compatible device, application or software–even those not available directly from Verizon–on its network beginning next year. Verizon said it will publish technical standards that developers can use to create applications and software that can be used on its devices and network. It will also test and certify specific devices in its own lab. Any device or application that meets the minimum standards will be activated for customers who wish to use them. Verizon will be offering this new level of flexibility country-wide by the end of 2008. Verizon’s existing retail sales model will remain in place, and customers will continue to be able to purchase Verizon handsets and services as they do today.
This actually makes the story that Sprint will unlock their phones actually newsworthy!
