This is impressive:
Verizon Wireless today announced that it will provide customers the option to use, on its nationwide wireless network, wireless devices, software and applications not offered by the company. Verizon Wireless plans to have this new choice available to customers throughout the country by the end of 2008.
Does it signal VZ’s intention to bid on the 700 Mhz C block? Fleishman thinks so.
One thing it does show is that markets are more efficient than regulators, which is why the regulation-happy crowd is silent on it*. Tim Wu in particular should have something to say as he’s the one who petitioned the FCC for Carterfone-like regulations on cellular networks.
Let’s see.
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*UPDATE: Harold Feld takes respite from his painful loss at the FCC today to take credit for Verizon’s move. I don’t think so, and here’s my alternate theory: Verizon has figured out that winning in the marketplace requires superior technology. Don’t tell Harold, he’ll be sad.