Verizon Wireless to Introduce "Any Apps, Any Device" option for customers in 2008.

Press Release Source: Verizon Wireless


Verizon Wireless to Introduce 'Any Apps, Any Device' Option for Customers in 2008
Tuesday November 27, 7:30 am ET
New Open Development Initiative Will Accelerate Innovation and Growth


BASKING RIDGE, N.J., Nov. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless today announced that it will provide customers the option to use, on its nationwide wireless network, wireless devices, software and applications not offered by the company. Verizon Wireless plans to have this new choice available to customers throughout the country by the end of 2008.

In early 2008, the company will publish the technical standards the development community will need to design products to interface with the Verizon Wireless network. Any device that meets the minimum technical standard will be activated on the network. Devices will be tested and approved in a $20 million state-of-the-art testing lab which received an additional investment this year to gear up for the anticipated new demand. Any application the customer chooses will be allowed on these devices.

This new option goes beyond just a change in the design, delivery, purchase, and provisioning of wireless devices and applications.

"This is a transformation point in the 20-year history of mass market wireless devices -- one which we believe will set the table for the next level of innovation and growth," said Lowell McAdam, Verizon Wireless president and chief executive officer. "Verizon Wireless is not changing our successful retail model, but rather adding an additional retail option for customers looking for a different wireless experience."

Verizon Wireless will continue to provide a full-service offering, from retail stores where customers can shop, to 24/7 customer service and technical support, to an easy-to-use handset interface and optimized software applications.

While most Verizon Wireless customers prefer the convenience of full service, the company is listening through today's announcement to a small but growing number of customers who want another choice without full service.

Both full-service and "bring-your-own" customers will have the advantage of using America's most reliable network.

Following publication of technical standards, Verizon Wireless will host a conference to explain the standards and get input from the development community on how to achieve the company's goals for network performance while making it easy for them to deliver devices.

Link: http://news.vzw.com/news/2007/11/pr2007-11-27.html

[706VZWUser]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/4.1 (compatible; MSIE 6.0; ) 400x240 LGE VX10000)

I know that I for one can't wait for Verizon Wireless to launch this new policy. I can finally start "leaching" off of Sprint Nextels handset line-up and have them supported by "the network".

[j__1]

By Glenn Fleishman The company that said its First Amendment rights were being challenged by FCC auction rules that required open access now bows to inevitable: Verizon Wireless said today that it would allow devices, software, and services to be used on its network by the end of 2008 as a new “choice”—read, “new billing plan”—a remarkable turnabout from its position during the 700 MHz C Block auction filings process. The company had complained the FCC adding the requirement that the national C Block licenses allow any legitimate device, program, or service to operate was unfair and illegal.
Of course, cellular operators have extensive and expensive certification programs for devices and programs, and typically control the services themselves, even if third parties offer them; the services run through the carriers’ systems. What Verizon’s press release states is that the company will release an open set of technical standards and allow any device meeting the “mininum technical standard” to work on the network. This should dramatically reduce costs, but I wait to hear from the community of firms that currently develop certified cell network devices.
This change could affect the bidding in the C Block auction in early 2008. It was assumed that Verizon would stay out of the auction to keep the price down, and bolster its legal position for future appeals or lawsuits. AT&T was likely to get in, as it had earlier agreed that the basic outline of requirements was fine. With Verizon’s change, this seems to signal that they’ll be part of the bidding, which makes the outcome of the auction more likely to reach the minimum the FCC has set for both C Block ($4.6b) and the entire auction ($10b).

http://wifinetnews.com/archives/008058.html

[Sqube]

I'm excited about this, but I'm far too jaded to believe everything's going to suddenly become puppies and sunshine.

There are rumors of no MMS support floating around, which would suck. Of course, it wouldn't suck enough for me to sacrifice a manufacturer's original UI just so I could send picture messages, but it would suck.

I'm interested to see whether the manufacturers who currently work with Verizon (LG, Samsung, Kyocera) will be allowed to release versions of their phone with the original UI, as opposed to the Verizon GenerUI.

Verizon for coverage and Sprint for data (for the people who use smartphones and/or aircards)? Could it be possible? If it could, it'd be sweet and might make Verizon drive prices down.

But as always, the smartest thing to do is to wait and see.

[706VZWUser]

Originally Posted by Sqube

I'm excited about this, but I'm far too jaded to believe everything's going to suddenly become puppies and sunshine.

There are rumors of no MMS support floating around, which would suck. Of course, it wouldn't suck enough for me to sacrifice a manufacturer's original UI just so I could send picture messages, but it would suck.

I'm interested to see whether the manufacturers who currently work with Verizon (LG, Samsung, Kyocera) will be allowed to release versions of their phone with the original UI, as opposed to the Verizon GenerUI.

Verizon for coverage and Sprint for data (for the people who use smartphones and/or aircards)? Could it be possible? If it could, it'd be sweet and might make Verizon drive prices down.

But as always, the smartest thing to do is to wait and see.

I've also heard those two remarks, but only time will tell. As of now, Verizon Wireless is stating that "basic" phone and messaging functionality will be supported. However, some event may occur in the future that may "persuade" Verizon Wireless to rethink that policy.

[Sqube]

Well, there's still time for them to iron out some of these details. Even if they don't significantly change their data prices (and there really isn't a reason to), they would be dumb not to allow users the full suite of messaging capability.

And if they do decide not to allow the full suite of messaging, is anybody else excited by the prospect of Sprint stepping in and offering a data+messaging plan? I've never been with Sprint, but it's my understanding that their data offerings are generally superior. I'd gladly get two bills at my house per month for the best of all worlds when it comes to voice coverage, data, and text/picture messaging.

Verizon, the gun is loaded and pointed at your feet. Don't pull the trigger.

[706VZWUser]

Originally Posted by Sqube

Well, there's still time for them to iron out some of these details. Even if they don't significantly change their data prices (and there really isn't a reason to), they would be dumb not to allow users the full suite of messaging capability.

And if they do decide not to allow the full suite of messaging, is anybody else excited by the prospect of Sprint stepping in and offering a data+messaging plan? I've never been with Sprint, but it's my understanding that their data offerings are generally superior. I'd gladly get two bills at my house per month for the best of all worlds when it comes to voice coverage, data, and text/picture messaging.

Verizon, the gun is loaded and pointed at your feet. Don't pull the trigger.

The data/messaging bundle would be an awesome offer from Sprint Nextel, but I doubt that Verizon would be willing to lose customers merely over non-pix/flix messaging compatibility. Once they realize the error of their ways (as they did with locking out certain handsets), they'll alter the policy.

P.S
Weren't you a member on HoFo? Welcome to Cellphonesignal

[Sqube]

Yeah, I found this place via HoFo. I'm always interested in having another website to occupy my time.

As far as the data+messaging plan goes... I get the feeling that Sprint-Nextel might end up offering one of those plans regardless of whether Verizon does it or not because you just know Verizon's plan is going to be more expensive.

[706VZWUser]

Originally Posted by Sqube

Yeah, I found this place via HoFo. I'm always interested in having another website to occupy my time.

As far as the data+messaging plan goes... I get the feeling that Sprint-Nextel might end up offering one of those plans regardless of whether Verizon does it or not because you just know Verizon's plan is going to be more expensive.

That is true, Verizon always charges a pretty penny for their data services so it's to be expected.

[Alex]

I wonder how this will affect other companies...it's giving more power to the users finally! Now, these companies will truly have to be the best for us to join...they can no longer slack.