Although not yet officially part of the Open Handset Alliance that is supporting Google’s open-source Android mobile operating system, Verizon Wireless CEO Lowell McAdam tells BusinessWeek, “We’re planning on using Android.” Why not? Talk is cheap when you are trying to come across as all open on the eve of the biggest wireless spectrum auction in a decade. But if it means more support for Android and open networks in general, that is a good thing.
The BusinesWeek story is a big wet kiss that lovingly details Verizon’s seriousness about opening up its network. (The CEO keeps a list with him always of why openness is important to Verizon. Crumpled. In his pocket. The thing is practically near his heart!). Sorry, but the whole thing smells like a well-timed plant. We are still waiting for Verizon to officially join the Open Handset Alliance. And if it really were embracing openness, it wouldn’t treat open devices and open apps like second-class citizens, separate and at a safe distance from its 64 million subscribers.
fail
That’s good. I guess.
“And if it really were embracing openness, it wouldn’t treat open devices and open apps like second-class citizens, separate and at a safe distance from its 64 million subscribers.”
Protection. Verizon spent the money to build their network, test it, and keep it running; why should they let “open devices” have full reign?
The idea of an open mobile computing application being used by the closed Verizon is very newsworthy. Verizon has always been seen as evil due to their contract policies and closedness of their mobile networks.
They need to start allowing the use of ALL phones, not only Google’s Android. They should allow the iPhone regardless of their competing product and they need to start allowing the other phones out there while joining the open handset alliance.
Verizon will open up its’ network or it will fail in the long run. Where would the web be today without openness? Verizon simply has to look at Microsoft’s declining stature in today’s computing environments. Had Microsoft embraced an open development environment it is doubtful we’d have the Internet as we know it today.
Verizon will suffer the same fate, or die a slow death in the marketplace. I hope that their intentions are sincere – everyone will win, including Verizon.
@No Surprise
Why do you and all of the “Open” supporters feel that a closed network will hurt companies in the long run?
Good. Im stuck with them for two more years anyways, the last thing I wanted was to not get any good phones or software because they wont use android.
Erick – spot on. This is another blah announcement from Verizon (and Google). The day they announce a real handset scheduled for their inventory will be newsworthy.
@4: iMarketingGuru: Verizon are a CDMA network and can only support CDMA devices – you won’t find a carrier in the world that can support ‘all’ phones.
Google is “all open”?
The last time we’ve heard of an algorithm implemented by the Google search engine was when Sergey & Co published their paper in the mid-90’s…
“They need to start allowing the use of ALL phones, not only Google’s Android.”
Amen!
But then, isn’t it blatantly obvious that they, and the other providers can only face the inevitable, and do so under the wave of demand that will build, anyway?
Bill Burke
http://wireless...ch.blogspot.com
Interesting…this is from the same company that intentionally disables gps in all handsets so a user has to purchase the Verizon gps solution. I guess openness is all in the eye of the beholder.
Nothing seems new, they need to be more clear on their objectives as how it is going to benificial to ultimate users.
The other aspect to this story is their “embrace” of a GSM network. Different aspect, same story: a well-timed plant.
Verizon is running into alot of opposition of its purchase of Unicel, which runs a GSM network. Even politicians are printing open letters critical of the purchase, which, for Verizon, is bad news. As well, the F.C.C. and state utility commissions are feeling heat.
So an utter load of huey all around from Verizon.