[Ampelman]

From the Wall Street Journal:

In a major reversal, the cellphone giant announced that it will allow any compatible device or software to run on its wireless network. Verizon Wireless will publish early next year technical standards for designers to use in creating software, applications and devices that can run on its network. The carrier, which is jointly owned by Verizon Communications and Vodafone, said that any device that meets the minimum technical standards will be activated on the network. (Of course, for now at least, the iPhone is out of contention because of Apple's exclusive deal with AT&T.) Verizon hopes to have new devices and applications available to customers by the end of 2008. The change of heart from the company known for being protective of its network comes amid increasing pressure for openness in the wireless industry. FCC Chairman Kevin Martin has pushed for open access, saying it will spur technological advances, and Google has been pushing an open-standards software platform -- dubbed Android -- and already counts Sprint Nextel and T-Mobile USA as allies.

However, Verizon Wireless's main motive could be a coming radio spectrum auction. The FCC had set aside a portion of those airwaves for wireless networks that allow customers to use any mobile device, not just those approved by the network owner. The move puts Verizon in a better position to win a chunk of spectrum in the auction. Not only is the company now closer to reconciling its strategy to the demands of the FCC, but it potentially makes participation in the auction less desirable for Google. "We see Google's wide partnerships, and now the ability to put a future Google-powered device on the Verizon network, as diluting any economic incentive for Google to be a substantial spectrum auction competitor," Bank of America said in a research note. Opening its network, also puts Verizon Wireless in a better position should it lose out in the auction. The winners now wouldn't be offering a special service that isn't available from Verizon Wireless.

[omnivorette]

Smart.

Damn you, AT&T and Apple.

[rancho_gordo]

Does this mean I stay with Verizon?

[omnivorette]

Yes. Unless you want an iPhone. Then you're screwed.

[porkwah]

Can't you just get a verizon cell phone in addition and use call forwarding?

[Stone]

Yes. Unless you want an iPhone. Then you're screwed.

Cancel the AT&T service to the iPhone and use a Verizon phone tucked away in a pocket or purse and a bluetooth ear device while holding your dead iPhone to your ear. Every now and then exclaim, "I love my iPhone."

[omnivorette]

I actually do love my iPhone. I don't do much talking on my cellphone in general, so it's only annoying sometimes. But I'm quite in love with everything else about it.

[Lex]

We need more detail to see what this means. The announcement says "the cellphone giant announced that it will allow any compatible device or software to run on its wireless network." The key word is compatible. At this point Verizon uses the CDMA standard and no other wireless devices will run on it except their own.

In contrast both AT&T and T-Mobile use the GSM standard. If one of them made the same offer then the wireless devices from the other carrier would work on the network of the carrier making the offer provided that you could unlock them.

More about unlocking. Assume you own a Motorola Razr that works on the AT&T network. Although the phone can "see" the T-M network it can't switch over to it because the phone has been locked in to AT&T via a setting on the phone. This lock can be switched off if you know the magic code and there are places on the Internet which will unlock your phone for a fee. Then all you'd need to do to complete the switch is to open an account with the competing carrier.

That won't work with Verizon because their current wireless standard isn't compatible with anyone else's. Of course they could change that anytime they feel like it. AT&T made the switch from CDMA to GSM over the last 5 years. There's no reason Verizon couldn't do the same and poach the other carrier's customers. Verizon's current coverage advantage is based on their large number of transmission towers and not any inherent superiority in the CDMA standard itself.

[Sneakeater]

But of course if Verizon abandons CDMA then you won't be able to tell people at dinner parties that Hedy Lamar and George Antheil invented the cell phone.

[omnivorette]

[Lex]

But of course if Verizon abandons CDMA then you won't be able to tell people at dinner parties that Hedy Lamar and George Antheil invented the cell phone.

I'm not sure if that line still impresses people the way it used to.

[omnivorette]

It worked on me this week. And it was the second time I heard it in the past week! From the same person!

[rancho_gordo]

Show them this:

[Lex]

It worked on me this week. And it was the second time I heard it in the past week! From the same person!

I had no idea you were this easy.

[omnivorette]

I have a feeling "them" is familiar with this. "Them" being he who started this thread.