Verizon hears you now {Plans To Open Network}

San Francisco Chronicle ^ | 11/28/7 | Ryan Kim

[SmithL]

In a move that could give cellular customers unprecedented freedom and choice, Verizon Wireless announced Tuesday it will be the first major carrier to allow any device or application to connect to its network.

The nation's second-largest carrier, with 64 million subscribers, said it will launch an initiative next year called Any App, Any Device, which will allow manufacturers of phones and other mobile devices to connect them to the Verizon Wireless network provided they meet some minimum standards. The move is a major reversal for Verizon Wireless, which has been known for jealously guarding access to its network.

The move comes just weeks after Google announced it will create an operating system for mobile phones that similarly will create a wide choice of devices and applications for consumers. Combined with the successful launch of the iPhone from Apple, which peeled back some of the control carriers historically have had over their handsets, the wireless industry appears poised for a revolution as it finally heeds calls to loosen its grip.

"We're seeing a sea change here. If you go back a year ago, there was absolutely no sign anyone was interested in pushing opening wireless networks," said Harold Feld, senior vice president of the Media Access Project, a nonprofit telecommunications law firm. "This is like a Berlin Wall moment, where the pressure is too much for these guys."

[pnh102]

The author of this article clearly isn’t familiar with SIM cards. Customers of phone companies which use SIM cards have been free to buy any phone which is compatible with the communications technology for years.

[rawhide]

Would someone explain to me what this will accomplish? Sounds interesting somewhat? But aren’t you still locked into Verizon and have to pay whatever they demand?

[SmithL]

If you sign up for a two-year plan, you will still be required to meet your contractual obligations.

However, under this policy, you could bring your iPhone to Verizon, and it would work.

[MediaMole]

You can’t use an iPhone on Verizon. Verizon is a CDMA network and the iPhone is a GSM phone. The two systems are technically incompatible.

IMHO, this is nothing but a publicity move. Verizon will have to program any device to use their network and they will almost certainly charge a sufficient fee to discourage people from bringing their own phones.

[reagan_fanatic]

I’m with Verizon on the family plan, and it amazes me just how many miscellaneous charges get added to your bill every month. I was naive enough to think when I first signed up that the price shown for the monthly plan was what you actually paid. Wrong.

[pnh102]

I was naive enough to think when I first signed up that the price shown for the monthly plan was what you actually paid.

That is one of the few instances where I think the government needs to enforce laws against fraudulent advertising. The costs of all non-government-imposed fees should be included in the advertised price of the service.

[BubbaBasher]

Would someone explain to me what this will accomplish?

Verizon has always locked out certain features in their phones so they could be the only provider of things like games and ringtones. This should mean you can get free content using a phone that Verizon hasn't locked down.

[BritExPatInFla]

All this really means is that you will be able to use any CDMA phone on Verizon’s network. iPhones (and any other GSM phones) still won’t work, unless Verizon is going to change or add GSM service to their towers. At any rate, the iPhone is locked to AT&T’s network, not lockd out of Verizon’s, so nothing Verizon does, short of merging with AT&T, will force AT&T to let iPhone owners use Verizon (Or anyone else’s network, except for the European partners in the iPhone).

[reagan_fanatic]

That’s exactly where I was at. I was using Tracfone. In addition to mine, my Wife had one and so did my Daughter. It got to be quite expensive buying minutes for all three phones, so I went with the Verizon family plan. I just wish they were more upfront with all the additional costs you have to incur.

[goldstategop]

It means you can connect to ANY wireless network in America. Not just the one your phone carrier wants you connected to. Its a win win for consumers.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[longtermmemmory]

Clearly the author is technologically ignorant.

GSM phones used by ATT, T-Mobile, and others have been unlockable for years. In fact for a minor fee companies will calculate the code for you. It is SOP in other countries.

Verizon uses the old CDMA types which is basically sprint and verizon. Hardly much “choice”. kind of like choosing Trebi vs Yugo.

[longtermmemmory]

actually it means you can switch back and forth IF your phone has the same frequency and network ability. IN THEORY it means only verizon and sprint.

not very exciting.

[Tree of Liberty]

Just because a carrier locks down a phone doesn't mean you are barred from unlocking it.