Verizon Opens Up Its Network

Verizon dropped some big news on the industry today, when it announced plans to open up its cellular network to any and all wireless devices and applications – providing they meet some minimal technical standards. The company will make its technical standards available to developers early next year, and consumers can expect to see compatible devices by the end of 2008.

Most observers see the move as a logical counter to Google’s Android mobile operating system; however, Techcrunch also points out that the decision may help Verizon win some points in Washington with a critical FCC auction looming (which will require the winning bidder to provide open access to a segment of the wireless spectrum).

When viewed together, these three developments – the Verizon news, Android, and the spectrum auction – paint a picture of an open future, where cell phones work across networks and technical innovation is encouraged.

The Verizon policy is called “Any Apps, Any Device,� and will allow domestic users to port cell phones from other CDMA carriers over to the Verizon network. It’s also likely that previously incompatible international handsets – like the high-tech models we see come out of South Korea and Japan – will interact seamlessly with Verizon’s technology, as long as they run on the right frequencies.