Verizon Wireless Details Open Access Plans; It Will Be ‘Simple, Quick And Inexpensive’
By Tricia Duryee - Wed 19 Mar 2008 10:56 AM PST
Verizon Wireless (NYSE: VZ) unveiled details on how consumers will be able to use any compatible handset or application on its network during a “Open Development Conference” in New York today. Verizon said any company that wants to sell a phone or other device or application on its network will only have to meet the carrier’s minimum technical requirements, the WSJ reports, and that it will be “simple, quick and inexpensive,” according to Dow Jones. “If there’s something you can’t find in our stores, we still want you on our network,” said Tony Lewis, Verizon’s vice president of open development. Webcast.
Some of the specifications:
-- Device makers will be responsible for marketing and distributing the device.
-- Customers can either have a direct relationship with Verizon or the company can buy wholesale minutes and re-sell them to their customers without making them sign a contract.
-- Customer support will be handled by Verizon online, or through limited support via a 1-800 number.
-- Certification will begin at the end of the second quarter, and the process could take as little as four weeks.
Verizon’s plan for openness coincides with a broader industry push that rests on the belief that by offering open access, customers will discover new applications that will generate more revenues for operators. Carriers have been reluctant to do so, building so-called walled gardens up until now. It’s not clear if these actions will change the industry or just create new barriers. To be sure, the list is starting to grow to impressive lengths: Apple (NSDQ: AAPL) just released the iPhone SDK, which will allow third-party developers to build applications for the device. AT&T (NYSE: T) just launched a site yesterday at www.att.com/choice that gives consumers instructions on how to bring GSM handsets purchased elsewhere to its network. AT&T also launched a Web site providing guidelines to developers on how to create applications for its network. Sprint (NYSE: S) Nextel has also made it clear that its upcoming 4G WiMax network will be completely open, allowing any device or application to run on it. In addition, the spectrum auction that ended yesterday will require the C-block winning bidder to make it an open network, requiring any device or application by law.
Posted in: Companies, Apple, Operators, Verizon
