What that, you say? Verizon Wireless will be opening their network to “any app, any device?” Surely you jest.
Verizon Wireless is one of the most closed networks in the US. The No. 2 carrier insists on controlling what device you use on their network and even what applications you can install on their mobile phones. But, with their “any app, any device” announcement a while back, Verizon Wireless actually got people believing that their CDMA network would actually be as open as a GSM network.
Today, Verizon Wireless held a press conference to detail just how their network would work with “any app, any device.” Starting the second half of this year, Verizon will start accepting certification submission from hardware manufacturers. Mobile phone manufacturers will have to submit their wares, and pay a fee, for certification from Verizon – a process that should take 4-8 weeks. While there aren’t any UI restrictions, handset manufacturers will have to re-submit their hardware for mandatory re-certification every 36 months. Of course, only FCC approved devices are allowed to play in Verizon’s sandbox.
As far as “any app” on Verizon handsets, the carrier announced that any compatible application will be allowed on devices using Verizon Wireless’s network. And, the open-network policy will extend to Verizon’s future LTE network.
To cap things off, Verizon announced that they are considering a new multi-device, flat-rate calling plan. The plan would allow you to connect multiple devices to the CDMA network for the price of a single calling plan subscription. Not a bad deal, if it becomes a reality.
But, aside from that multi-device flat-rate calling plan, Verizon’s open network initiative is a bit disappointing. Devices have to be submitted for a fee-based certification process, and then resubmitted every 36 months. GSM users are already able to hop between devices at will – full compatibility be damned. The SIM card is a wonderful thing…
[Via: Reuters]