The wireless carrier said it will offer network testing of virtually any device or application starting early next year at a reasonable cost, as long as the device or application can function over Verizon's CDMA network and future Verizon Wireless technologies such as EV-DO and LTE systems. The plan is set to begin by the latter half of 2008, said Verizon Wireless CEO Lowell McAdam.
Previously, Verizon Wireless was opposed to open access when the Federal Communications Commission was establishing rules for its 700 MHz spectrum auction in January. The announcement also trumps calls by Google and citizens groups for open access to wireless networks.
The announcement could signal the beginning of the end of the "walled garden" approach used by cellular carriers. The walled garden strategy has restricted users to certain applications and even certain Web sites on smart phone browsers.
Comment Preview