UPDATE 1-INTERVIEW-Verizon outlines open network device plans

Wed Mar 19, 2008 11:58pm GMT
 
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*Verizon says open access sparked wide-ranging interest

*Verizon says not talked to Apple about open access

By Sinead Carew

NEW YORK, March 19 (Reuters) - Verizon Wireless, the No. 2 U.S. mobile service, aims this year to support a "few hundred thousand" devices from outside vendors this year through its open network initiative, Chief Executive Lowell McAdam said on Wednesday.

The wireless venture of Verizon Communications Inc (VZ.N: Quote, Profile, Research) and Vodafone Group Plc (VOD.L: Quote, Profile, Research) has promised to open its service to any device capable of connecting to its network, potentially creating more choices for consumers and boosting sales for device makers.

The move came after companies such as Web search leader Google Inc (GOOG.O: Quote, Profile, Research) put pressure on U.S. operators to loosen controls on the types of devices their networks support and after U.S. regulators set an open device requirement for the winning bidder of airwaves sold in an auction that ended this week.

McAdam said Verizon Wireless aims to boost revenue by opening its network to everything from wireless cameras and music players to phones with Web browsers or carbon-monoxide detectors.   Continued...

 
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