Consumers and advocacy groups have been angling for quite some time to have cell phone networks in the U.S. “opened up” so users can pair the device of their choice with the service of their choice. For those who view such a scenario as appealing, Tuesday’s news from Verizon Wireless indicates that, at long last, some discernable traction is being made… no legislation required.

 

Apparently, recent developments in the U.S. wireless market (e.g. Google’s Android (News - Alert) platform) convinced Verizon that the writing is on the wall: open networks are in the cards for U.S. carriers. The operator that bids itself as offering ‘America’s Most Reliable Wireless Network’ will, by the end of next year, be working for its customers in a new way.

 

Early in 2008, Verizon will unveil technical specifications that device manufacturers and software developers can use to create products compatible with the company’s cell phone network, even if they’re not partners offering phones and services through Verizon’s retail system.

 

To facilitate opening its network, and helping ensure compatibility with its network, Verizon Wireless will offer the services of a $20 million testing lab where products can be tested. Once a device is approved, customers can install any applications they want and do not need to subscribe to Verizon’s service to access the network.

 

Lowell McAdam, president and CEO at Verizon Wireless, stressed that the new open network option will represent a parallel business for the carrier, rather than changing its currently successful formula.

 

“Verizon Wireless is not changing our successful retail model, but rather adding an additional retail option for customers looking for a different wireless experience,” McAdam said.

 

He added: “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.”

 

After publication of technical standards in early 2008, Verizon plans to host a conference where manufacturers and developers can learn more about those standards and get input regarding the best way to develop compatible products.

 

New York Times reporter Saul Hansell weighed in on the news with the conclusion that Verizon is opening its network in part to boost future potential revenue, giving the carrier the confidence it needs to bid on the 700MHz spectrum being auctioned off in January.

 

U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC (News - Alert)) Chairman Kevin Martin, meanwhile, had only positive things to say in a Tuesday statement about Verizon’s decision.

 

“I continue to believe that more openness—at the network, device, and application

level—helps foster innovation and enhances consumers’ freedom and choice in purchasing wireless service,” Martin said in the statement. “I am optimistic that Verizon Wireless’s commitment along with the upcoming spectrum auction will ensure an exciting new era in wireless technology for the benefit of all consumers.”

 

In its announcement, Verizon listed several decisions it made in the past few years that it views as trend-breaking. These included the introduction last year of pro-rated early termination fees, and its 2004 decision to refuse participation in a wireless directory customers objected to. The company also noted that it offers local number portability.

 

Some analysts, like Tole Hart at Gartner (News - Alert) who was quoted in a Tuesday Bloomberg report, think Verizon’s decision will put the pressure on other network operators to follow suit with similar “bring your own device” options. That seems likely—a natural progression now that one carrier has taken the plunge.

 

And how are other carriers responding? Bloomberg reported that AT&T denied any similar move on its part in the foreseeable future, while Sprint (News - Alert) plans to offer open access on a new, advanced network slated for unveiling next year but won’t be changing access policies for its existing network.

 

While the news from Verizon caused quite a stir, it also raised some important questions. For example, one thing that remains to be seen is how Verizon will bill customers who use the carrier’s network with non-Verizon phones.

 

It also should be noted that, while Verizon is billing the new option as “bring your own device,” not all devices will work on the carrier’s network. iPhone (News - Alert), Bloomberg noted as an example, uses a different wireless technology and so won’t be able to connect to Verizon’s network.