Verizon makes a U turn on open access

US mobile operator Verizon Wireless was the company which took the Federal Communications Commission to court over the open access provisions in the 700MHz auction rules, alleging that they were, “arbitrary and capricious, unsupported by substantial evidence and otherwise contrary to law.”

The open access conditions of the auction mean that companies acquiring the spectrum will have to let customers use any device of their choice on the network, and download and access any application, provided they meet certain requirements.

Now it seems the carrier has changed its mind. Today, Verizon said that it will allow customers to use any wireless device, software and applications, even those not offered by the company itself, on its network by the end of 2008. Early next year, it will publish the technical standards developers will need to design products to interface with the Verizon network. Any device that meets the minimum technical standard will be activated on the network.