Nov

27

In an out-of-nowhere press conference today, Verizon announced they will open their cellular network to any device starting the middle of next year. Requirements for network access are expected to be low, however, devices must be submitted for testing and approved by Verizon (and presuming the FCC) before being granted access to Verizon’s network. While this requirement may sound limiting, Ars Technica points out, “one Verizon exec went so far as to say that if someone builds a device in their basement on a breadboard, Verizon will test it and activate it.”

Personally, I find this news very exciting. While Verizon has typically been viewed as the evil giant of the cellular industry, locking down phones and charging outrageous data usage fees, a change of heart appears in store. My new Motorola RIZR V6tv (review coming soon) is barely locked down, and Verizon is even adding functionality to existing phones. Verizon may not be evil after all.

Sure, someone could argue Verizon is pinned down with the 700 MHz spectrum auction, Google’s upcoming Android mobile platform, and Apple’s iPhone changing the cellular market, however if that’s the case, isn’t competition doing its job? Competition caused Verizon to open arguably the most reliable cellular network in the United States and only more competitors will follow. I look forward to seeing what this announcement will bring and hope this is the first of many open networks to come.

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