Verizon Wireless to Allow Any App and Any Phone on Network |
| Print | |
| Written by Chris Dvoriak |
| Tuesday, 27 November 2007 06:51 |
|
Verizon Wireless will no longer require users to purchase a handset directly from their stores starting in 2008. Instead the wireless company will allow users to purchase devices from outside manufacturers, whose devices can be approved for use through Verizon's new state of the art testing labratory.
{mosgoogle} The move will not only allow users to choose between a large group of handsets, it will also change the way wireless supply chains operate, creating an entirely new division of supply. Customers will continue to have the option of choosing Verizon supported devices, or they can choose to bring their own device to the companies network. Devices will need to pass a set of standards set forth by the state of the art Verizon testing lab before they will work on the providers network, simply meeting the minimum requirements will get the devices approved. Verizon will not offer technical support on non-company based devices, which will be the responsibility of the manufacturers of the device. “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.” This most recent move comes after Verizon Wireless began offering Wireless Proration fees on contracts at the beginning of 2007 and cut many rates across the board, including the addition of their ultra popular "unlimited text messaging" programs that have been copied by many other retailers. This new move will allow Verizon to offer a larger selection of handsets, a practice already proven to work with GSM providers who's networks already support "Unlocked GSM" devices on a large scale, and who often attract business users who choose to purchase phones with more functionality than operator offered mobile devices. You can read the full press release at Verizon Wireless: |