Verizon gives in: call from any device

By Giselle Abramovich

November 28, 2007

Verizon Wireless will allow for the use of mobile devices not offered by the company

In a major departure from past practice, Verizon Wireless will offer customers the option to use mobile devices, software and applications on its wireless network that are not offered by the company.

The open option will be available to customers nationwide by the end of 2008, in line with similar decisions made by rival carriers such as AT&T, Sprint Nextel and T-Mobile. Early next year, the Basking Ridge, NJ-based company will publish technical standards for developers to design products to interface with the Verizon Wireless network.

“Over the past several weeks, the wireless industry has repeatedly demonstrated that competitive market forces bring consumers the choices they want and need in a far more efficient and effective manner than can government regulation,” said Steve Largent, president/CEO of CTIA – The Wireless Association, Washington, in a statement.

“[The] announcement by Verizon Wireless, as well as recent announcements by AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile regarding open platforms, show that wireless carriers listen closely to what their customers demand, and act quickly to bring those desired products and services to market,” he said.

“The commercial wireless industry continues to evolve and works hard to provide what American consumers want and need to stay in-touch and connected in an increasingly mobile world.”

CTIA is the international association for the wireless telecommunications industry, representing carriers, manufacturers and wireless Internet providers.

Any device developed that meets the minimum technical standard will be activated on the Verizon Wireless network.

This will spark change in the design, delivery and provisioning of mobile devices and applications, according to Verizon Wireless.

Following publication of technical standards, Verizon Wireless will host a conference to explain the standards. It will seek input from the development community on how to achieve the company’s goals for network performance while making it easy for them to deliver mobile devices.