Verizon Wireless said yesterday that it would allow customers to use any compatible device or software on its network, responding to growing pressure on the wireless industry to give people more control over how they use their phones.
Consumer groups, federal regulators and software developers have called on wireless carriers to open their networks to more devices and applications, a departure from the current business model in which carriers largely decide which phones and features will be available to customers.
Yesterday's announcement is an about-face for the nation's second-largest wireless carrier, which until now has vocally resisted such change. But by the end of next year, consumers will be able to connect to its network using any device, as long as it is compatible with its technology. Apple's iPhone, however, will not work on the network because it runs on a different standard. Third-party software developers will also be able to sell their applications directly to consumers without getting permission from the carrier -- a move Verizon Wireless says will help it keep up with consumer demand for new features.
"We're motivated to make this announcement for two reasons: to give customers a second option to connect to Verizon's network and for the competitive advantage we believe it gives us," chief executive Lowell McAdam said in a conference call.
Verizon Wireless's new approach acknowledges that the wireless industry is moving to a model similar to that of the Internet, where users can access and download whatever they choose, analysts said. The Federal Communications Commission adopted rules that will require the winning bidder on a large piece of wireless airwaves to be auctioned off in January to build a network that allows use of any device or application. It also follows Google's announcement this month that it is partnering with developers, handset makers and carriers, including T-Mobile and Sprint Nextel, to offer a more open system.
"This gets Verizon [Wireless] out in front of potential regulation and competitive pressures so they can set their own terms," said Avi Greengart, a wireless analyst for Current Analysis, a market-research firm based in Sterling. "This positions the company well, regardless of who wins the auction."
Read full: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dy...ewsletter&wpisrc=newsletter&wpisrc=newsletter
Consumer groups, federal regulators and software developers have called on wireless carriers to open their networks to more devices and applications, a departure from the current business model in which carriers largely decide which phones and features will be available to customers.
Yesterday's announcement is an about-face for the nation's second-largest wireless carrier, which until now has vocally resisted such change. But by the end of next year, consumers will be able to connect to its network using any device, as long as it is compatible with its technology. Apple's iPhone, however, will not work on the network because it runs on a different standard. Third-party software developers will also be able to sell their applications directly to consumers without getting permission from the carrier -- a move Verizon Wireless says will help it keep up with consumer demand for new features.
"We're motivated to make this announcement for two reasons: to give customers a second option to connect to Verizon's network and for the competitive advantage we believe it gives us," chief executive Lowell McAdam said in a conference call.
Verizon Wireless's new approach acknowledges that the wireless industry is moving to a model similar to that of the Internet, where users can access and download whatever they choose, analysts said. The Federal Communications Commission adopted rules that will require the winning bidder on a large piece of wireless airwaves to be auctioned off in January to build a network that allows use of any device or application. It also follows Google's announcement this month that it is partnering with developers, handset makers and carriers, including T-Mobile and Sprint Nextel, to offer a more open system.
"This gets Verizon [Wireless] out in front of potential regulation and competitive pressures so they can set their own terms," said Avi Greengart, a wireless analyst for Current Analysis, a market-research firm based in Sterling. "This positions the company well, regardless of who wins the auction."
Read full: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dy...ewsletter&wpisrc=newsletter&wpisrc=newsletter
