Verizon Wireless is tearing down the walls of its notoriously gated wireless network and making its service compatible for the first time with many devices and related software it doesn’t sell – including phones from rival Sprint.
Starting at the end of 2008, Verizon’s service will be compatible with almost any wireless device that uses a wireless technology standard called CDMA, as long as it meets the company’s basic technical standards.
“What the device looks like, what the users interface looks like, what applications go on the device – all that is up to whoever provides that device,” said Lowell McAdam, president and chief executive officer of Verizon Wireless.
Pricing for use of third-party devices has not been determined.
The move comes as pressure is mounting on leading cellphone companies to stop dictating to consumers what devices and software they can use on their networks.
Software giant Google has been particularly vocal as it pushes its own open-access agenda.
The most immediate impact of the strategy will be on Sprint subscribers with expired contracts.
They’ll be able to switch to Verizon without buying a new phone, because Sprint’s network, like Verizon’s, is based on CDMA.
Gadget enthusiasts who subscribe to Verizon are also instant winners under the plan.
They will be able to buy Sprint-exclusive phones, new devices from smaller manufacturers, and ad vanced CDMA phones and wireless devices designed and sold outside the US, particularly in countries like South Korea, and use them on the Verizon network.
Unaffected by the move is the iPhone from Apple and other gadgets designed for use with AT&T or T-Mobile. Those carriers use a rival technology standard to CDMA called GSM.
Verizon officials said devices due next year to support Google’s new Android technology can operate on the network, though the company hasn’t decided whether it will sell any Google devices.
Options are growing for consumers looking for open-access wireless devices and corresponding plans. Sprint, T-Mobile and Motorola are among 30 companies that have already announced support for Google’s Android platform.
Long term, Verizon is looking to have its service work with all sorts of next-generation wireless devices including home appliances, gaming systems, cameras, PDAs and more.
“Soon [we] will not be able to meet every customer’s needs with our specific portfolio of devices and applications,” said McAdam.
For now, the company expects the bulk of its consumers will still buy the phones, software and service plans it pushes through its stores.