I know a lot of people have been more than skeptical of Verizon Wireless' claims, beginning in late 2007, that they would go open access, allowing any (technologically-compatible, obviously) device and any application on their network. Was this, as many assumed, just a ploy to influence the regulators, simply a cynical attempt to curry market favor supported by little or no real effort? Well, no, it wasn't, and, as a big fan of Verizon's efforts here, I'm pleased to report that they are indeed serious about open access and making some good progress.
At the recent Mobile Internet World conference in Boston, Verizon Wireless VP of Open Development Anthony (Tony) Lewis gave a great talk on both where Verizon stands currently as well as the state of their open access initiative. They've set up a Website with the details; check it out. While the focus at the moment seems to be on non-traditional subscriber units and machine-to-machine, I'm told more typical devices are in the works.
Many have treated Verizon's position on Open Access as, yeah, sure, they'll do it, but they'll also do everything possible to restrict the approval of new devices. You know, they'll take forever to certify compliance, reject products that might compete with theirs, and the usual bureaucratic nonsense. Tony reported that certifications (a) are being done by an outside lab, not Verizon's in-house staff, and (b) the whole process takes all of four weeks start to finish. So there.
I remain impressed that VW will do what they say they will and that their commitment to openness is strong. Now, if they only had a decent handset with Wi-Fi. I'm within a couple of months of upgrading my platform phone (a Motorola Q, on Verizon), and I'd love to stick with Verizon. But while their commitment to open access is evident, their commitment to Wi-Fi trails the industry. I'll wait a little longer, but, at the moment, the HTC Touch PRO from Sprint is at the top of my list. While openness is on the way, finding the right combination of devices to address one's particular mission remains a complex exercise.
Mathias is a principal at Farpoint Group, a wireless advisory firm in Ashland, Mass.
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