Verizon Wireless announced
that it will allow customers use their own devices on the Verizon network by the end of 2008.
In early 2008, the company will publish the technical standards the
development community will need. Any device that meets the minimum
technical standard will be activated on the network. Devices will be
tested and approved in a $20 million state-of-the-art testing lab which
received an additional investment this year to gear up for the
anticipated new demand. Any application the customer chooses will be
allowed on these devices.
“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,” said Lowell McAdam, Verizon
Wireless president and chief executive officer. “Verizon Wireless is
not changing our successful retail model, but rather adding an
additional retail option for customers looking for a different wireless
experience.”
Verizon Wireless will continue to provide a full-service offering,
from retail stores where customers can shop, to 24/7 customer service
and technical support, to an easy-to-use handset interface and
optimized software applications.
While most Verizon Wireless customers prefer the convenience of full
service, the company is listening through today’s announcement to a
small but growing number of customers who want another choice without
full service.
Following publication of technical standards, Verizon Wireless will
host a conference to explain the standards and get input from the
development community on how to achieve the company’s goals for network
performance while making it easy for them to deliver devices.
Verizon Wireless has a track record of listening to customers and
transforming entrenched industry practices based on those customer
needs. The company parted with the industry last year when it
introduced pro-rated early termination fees, and in 2004 when it
refused to participate in a wireless directory when customers said they
didn’t want one. Verizon Wireless also broke with “wireless tradition”
when it supported local number portability because customers wanted the
freedom to take their number if they switched service providers. Such
responsiveness to customers has earned Verizon Wireless the strongest
brand reputation in the industry.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s most reliable wireless
voice and data network, serving 63.7 million customers. The largest
U.S. wireless company and largest wireless data provider, based on
revenues, Verizon Wireless is headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J.,
with 68,000 employees nationwide. The company is a joint venture of
Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD).
Find more information on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com.