Verizon (News - Alert) Wireless has announced that its cellular network will be available to outside devices, services and applications according to a news release. This is a reversal to its previous stance of strict gatekeeping of its network.

The FCC (News - Alert) auction of the 700-MHz spectrum for wireless broadband networks to be conducted in January is seen as the reason for Verizon’s move. All companies wishing to bid are required to file a license application for the auction which gives a chance for having open and accessible wireless broadband network in the US.
The advantage for Verizon is that developers and manufacturers of handsets, non phone wireless devices like Internet tablets, ultramobile PCs and gaming devices can now manufacture equipment to suit the Verizon network. These devises are usually 3G network capable and based on UMTS technology and not EV-DO system of Verizon.
The announcement by verizon enables mobile phone manufacturers like Sony Ericsson (News - Alert), Samsung and LG Electronics to make phones which would work on verizon’s CDMA network as Verizon’s technical specifications are now available.
With an open network available people especially business travelers can access the internet with their laptops, more features can be added in portable electronic devices and it enables the government and utility agencies to connect any device for example meter readers to the network.
 
Further this move would act as an example for other carriers to follow suit. This is true as all carriers would like to move towards an open network according to Carmi Levy, senior VP for strategic consulting at AR Communications.
Google (News - Alert) search company would find the open network of Verizon advantageous as it need not invest billions of dollars in the 700-MHz spectrum for broadband networks for its mobile phone platform Android launched last month.
 
“As the Internet has demonstrated, open models create better services for consumers and stronger businesses for providers. We are excited to work with Verizon and other industry leaders to achieve this vision,” said Eric Schmidt, CEO at Google who lauded Verizon on its announcement.

Although some industry leaders are skeptical about Verizon’s announcement and the motives behind, Apple’s iPhone (News - Alert), Google’s Android besides other innovative introductions and Verizon’s open network are all favorable trends in the wireless industry.



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