| Verizon Wireless announced that it will provide | | | | could ensure no degradation in service and |
| customers the option to use, on its nationwide | | | | customer satisfaction. They, after all, are the |
| wireless network, wireless devices, software and | | | | protector of the wireless user. |
| applications not offered by the company. Verizon | | | | So what recent discovery was made that |
| plans to have this new option rolled out nationwide | | | | suddenly enables Verizon to open its network to |
| by the end of 2008. Any device that meets the | | | | everyone? |
| minimum technical standard will be activated on | | | | None...no new technical discovery, they could have |
| the network. | | | | given open access years ago. Recent |
| This is a huge shift for the wireless industry | | | | developments, however, have helped top brass |
| known for protecting their networks and the apps | | | | to "discover" their vulnerability in staying with an |
| and devices that work on them. Just a few | | | | antiquated operating model. |
| weeks ago sources reported Verizon's opposition | | | | Here's what I think. |
| to Google's push for open access on the nascent | | | | The bold move was a necessary preemptive |
| 700 MHz spectrum re-allocation. Verizon even | | | | strike. Verizon is not afraid of opening its |
| sued (and withdrew) the FCC who is imposing | | | | network; the capability to technically protect and |
| so-called open-access rules for parts of the | | | | ensure the service quality of the network exists. |
| spectrum. | | | | They don't care about the devices; any carrier |
| So why the sudden turnabout? According to | | | | would gladly give up the need to manage a huge |
| Verizon, there is no change. | | | | supply chain for little to no bottom line gain. |
| In a July 19th statement Verizon reiterated its | | | | Verizon's concern is what a competing open |
| position on the auction: we oppose the rules not | | | | network would do to its business. Google, who |
| the idea. An email from company spokesman, Jim | | | | plans to bid in the upcoming 700 MHz auction, |
| Gerace, confirms this is still the company's | | | | could pose a threat if they somehow got their |
| position. "We still oppose the FCC rules for 700 | | | | hands on nationwide licenses. Add to that the |
| MHz" says his email, "we said back in July that we | | | | announcement of the Open Handset Alliance |
| supported the idea of open access, but again did | | | | (which includes Verizon competitors T-Mobile and |
| not think that the FCC needed to dictate it." | | | | Sprint/Nextel) Android developer platform a few |
| Fair enough. Anyone who has ever dealt with the | | | | weeks ago. Mix in the fact that Google and the |
| FCC can agree they can be a little overreaching | | | | 32 companies in the OHA have billions in cash and |
| at times. Consumers definitely don't want any | | | | you have a few very nervous Cellular Network |
| branch of the government to dictate choice. | | | | Operators. |
| However, we don't want Network Operators to | | | | It could have been termed a brilliant move if it |
| control our choices either. Until this announcement | | | | was done 6 months ago. Now, however, it just |
| Verizon's business plan was to do just that: | | | | looks like a forced strategic decision. In any event, |
| control devices and apps on its network. | | | | long term this will prove to be good for |
| "Spectrum is a shared resource that needs to be | | | | consumers and ultimately good for Verizon. |
| managed efficiently in order to support the needs | | | | Some call it a ploy, some feel its simply a move |
| of all users" says a recent press release. In other | | | | to dissuade Google from bidding on the 700 MHz |
| words Verizon is saying "we limit and control what | | | | spectrum, still others have applauded the move. It |
| is on our network because it is in the best | | | | could be all three, but as Lowell McAdam, Verizon |
| interest of the public who, by the way, really | | | | Wireless president and chief executive officer |
| owns the spectrum". | | | | says "This is a transformation point in the 20-year |
| Since the first cellular network was built operators | | | | history of mass market wireless devices". |
| have fiercely protected their network so they | | | | |