Verizon Wireless opens up its network

Verizon Wireless made what we see as a ground-breaking announcement today, according to which it will allow any CDMA device to be activated on its network, as long it meets minimal technical requirements. This means that anyone who wants to use another CDMA-based device (phone) like those from other US carriers (like Sprint, Alltel or Helio for example) or even from foreign carriers (like Korea or Japan), will be able to activate them with Verizon Wireless.

During a press conference, company executives explain that they envision not only phone taking advantage of this, but also other devices which require some type of interoperability or data exchange - gaming consoles, appliances, etc.

Logically, phones using other technologies won’t be able to work on the carrier’s network. Such devices include GSM (used in AT&T, T-Mobile and most of European’s carriers), UMTS that is also known as W-CDMA (3G technology commonly used with GSM) and iDEN (used in the Nextel (now Sprint) for its “Walkie-Talkie phones”).

The whole idea is anyone who wants to create own hardware and sell it will be able to do so. For example Me&You Inc will be able to create the hardware, install Google Android OS and then if it passes the tests that Verizon Wireless will perform, sell it directly to customers.

This option known as the ‘Any Apps, Any Device’ will be available for customers throughout the country before the end of 2008.