At their Open Development conference in New York City, Verizon Wireless announced that it will relax its control over what devices can connect to its network. Essentially, it will allow any device that meets certain technical standards to use the Verizon CDMA network. For those of us using GSM and used to popping SIM cards in and out of devices, this may not be big news but it is a big shift in the CDMA world.
The standards that devices must adhere to are pretty straightforward. First, the device must support CDMA connectivity. It must also support the Enhanced 911 connectivity used in the U.S. to make emergency calls.
This decision also frees developers from having to use the standard Verizon user interface and applications. At first, Verizon will offer access to voice and basic data services. Additional Verizon services like GPS, messaging and the Verizon online store will be available at an additional cost.
Devices will require certification by Verizon. This process will take between four and eight weeks depending on the level of certification sought. Cost of the certification was not disclosed.
Customers can expect to see the first devices making use of this program by the end of the year.
Source: PocketPC Thoughts