As I thought about it, I remembered that Verizon & AT&T both said they would open up their networks by the end of 2008.  Well, it is the beginning of 2010 and Verizon & AT&T, from what I know, are still clam-shelled.  They are not allowing users [us] to bring the device that we want to their service.

I am disappointed in this, very disappointed.

I believe that one day the mobile providers will have to open up because hardware manufactures & users will stick it to them and they will change.  The beginning of the end for their selecting of hardware we can use was started when Apple released the iPhone.  Since then, Google has released the Android software package and now the Nexus One phone.  Other hardware manufactures are jumping in and building handsets and devices that access mobile providers networks.

Times are changing.  The hardware manufactures are tightening the thumb screws and things will change for users and the carriers that provide our services.  I have to say that my prediction for 3 to 5 years is looking dismal; however, I am hopeful that it will happen.  That soon handsets and NetBooks will be open to provider transfer.  I know there are people that would like to take their iPhone to Verizon or T-Mobile and have the ability to move around per their need.

Time will tell, I am hopeful that it will happen soon.

iron wil

I have written about this over the past year or more. I would suggest that each of you take the time and see the article and more importantly hit Google’s site and sign the petition.

iron wil

I am really looking forward to seeing how Android shapes the future of Mobile Phones and Mobile Computing [which the iPhone has really pushed to the forefront]. I am really excited to see [hands on] what the software will be capable of doing. With the expected changes [Verizon & AT&T opening their Wireless Networks] coming this year, I hope to see both AT&T and Verizon pick this up when it is a finished and polished product. It will also be interesting to see where and how other coders and system hackers implement the software. With open Wi-Fi becoming more pervasive and the availability of systems like the ASUS Eee PC, PSP, iPhone, and Nokia’s [N800] Internet Tablet; we may see system hacks that revolutionize the Mobile Phone/Computing markets.

I know that whatever happens, we are moving into exciting times. Now, if I could get the iPhone [without having to hack it] on my preferred wireless carrier.

iron wil

Notes:

1) dot.life article, Under the bonnet of Android

2) Open Handset Alliance

Well, Wired just backed up my thoughts with an in depth article that talks about the changes the iPhone has brought to the wireless world. They also covered the open wireless standards that Verizon (and AT&T) announced late last year [I covered this in Open Wireless Networks!]. With mobile phone makers scrambling to make must have devices like the iPhone, Wireless providers opening up their networks, the open 700Mhz bandwidth [Google unwires the US?], and Google releasing Android for mobile phones [Google Phone?]; My prediction should come true sooner than I expected!

I am really excited about this not because I wrote and have spent time thinking about it, but because it could happen sooner then the 3 to 5 years I suggested!

I salivate at the possibility of taking my mobile phone to whatever carrier I want. Man that just ROCKS!!!

iron wil

Notes:
The Untold Story: How the iPhone Blew Up the Wireless Industry, Wired. (Specifically see the 4th page, the last 3 paragraphs are the focal point of the coming changes.)

Earlier this year Verizon turned away from the open 700mhz bandwidth, they put up a big stink when Google offered to put in the minimum bid so that another company could sweep the auction. They required that part of the 700mhz bandwidth be open to all devices and applications.

I believe all carriers will do this eventually. Back in my Curse of the Mobile Providers post I covered this in greater detail. The point of the pen is that mobile service should be like computers and the internet, all computers [Linux, Mac, and Windows] can access the entire internet. The only restrictions come from websites that use exclusive technologies. In the same way phones and mobile networks will be the same!

I am excited to see a mobile provider make this move. I expect the industry to follow. Hopefully, this means that within 3 to 5 years all phones will work on all networks. A side benefit should be better mobile service for all phones and mobile carriers.

iron wil

Notes: Verizon To Open Its Wireless Network, Washington Post.