Verizon Wireless to open up, Google to step in

Verizon Wireless plans to open its network for 2008 to third-party devices and applications. The good news is the ability to unlock handsets and use other CDMA compatible phones and to allow third-party applications to run on their network.
According to the Verizon Wireless announcement, early in 2008 third party application developers will be able to submit their applications for approval to ensure compatibility and security. Verizon Wireless is not being altruistic with this "Any Apps, Any Device" initiative, as Sprint, T-Mobile, and AT&T become part of the Open Handset Alliance, Verizon Wireless stood to be the only major U.S. wireless carrier with a completely closed network, not such great ideea. In September they filed a law suit against the FCC's decision to open up a third of the 700 MHz spectrum to be auctioned in January, for which Google now taking a bid. Last month they chose to drop the law suit only to let the CTIA continue the pursuit.

Google plans to bid for this wireless spectrum that FCC scheduled it for auction in January 24, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.
The FCC has a Dec. 3 deadline for companies to declare their interest in bidding. Earlier this month, the WSJ said Google was preparing to bid at least $4.6B, the minimum reserve price. A Google spokesman commented the company's goal "is to make sure that American consumers have more choices in an open and competitive wireless world." Google is facing bidding competition from both Verizon and AT&T which both are in the market for more spectrum to expand their broadband Internet offerings and services. Sources say, Google is already beta-testing a wireless network in preparation for running a full-scale national mobile carrier in the event that it wins the spectrum. With these moves (Android, OHA and Spectrum bid), Google clearly shows that mobile matters a lot to its future expansion plans.