Verizon Wireless to offer 'any device' option in '08
Any device, any application option will be available over the Verizon network late next year
November 27, 2007 (Computerworld) -- Verizon Wireless announced today it will introduce an "any app, any device" option for customers in its nationwide network next year.
Verizon Wireless, which has been the staunchest opponent to open standards in filings before the Federal Communications Commission, said it will allow its customers by the end of 2008 to use wireless devices, software and applications not offered by the company. Currently, customers must use phones and applications and other software that only Verizon Wireless provides for its network.
The company will provide further details at a Web conference this morning.
A statement released this morning said the company plans to publish technical standards early next year for the development community to use to design products that will run on the Verizon Wireless network. Any device that meets the minimum technical standard will be activated on the network, the statement said.
The devices will be tested and approved in a lab that Verizon Wireless has provided with additional funding this year.
"This is a transformation point in the 20-year history of mass market wireless devices -- one which we believe will set the table for the next level of innovation and growth," said Verizon Wireless CEO Lowell McAdam in the statement.