Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Cell Phone freedom

It will be interesting to see what this does for rates . . .
Verizon Announces Plans to Unlock Network - News and Analysis by PC Magazine:
" Verizon Wireless marked a big change in its game plan today, by announcing plans to open up its network to 'Any App, Any Device.'

While company representatives insisted during a conference this morning that Verizon has long been open to innovations and shifts in the industry, users have long recognized the nation's number-two network as being one of the most restrictive--crippling features on handsets and refusing to open itself up to unlocked devices and third-party applications, while competitors such as AT&T have proven much quicker to adapt to changes in the industry.

Between the unprecedented success of the Apple iPhone and the recent announcement of the Android Open Handset Alliance (led by Google and 33 other companies including Motorola and T-Mobile, but not, for the time being, Verizon), there's been a crucial shift in the industry. "

Other markets (especially Asia) have long had more cell phones & features than the US. I wonder if this indicates that the networks are pretty much fully built-out and/or they now feel confident that they have the bandwidth to handle whatever we throw at them?

I know when my current cell contract expires, I'll be looking for a new provider - Verizon offers good availability in my area, so they'll certainly be on the list to consider.

No comments: