Verizon Annonces Details on Any App, Any Device Initiative

Verizon Wireless has unveiled the details on its recently announced 'Any App, Any Device' initiative, which will allow 3rd party cell phones and applications to be used on the carrier's network.

Device manufacturers will be able to develop new devices that can take advantage of Verizon's CDMA/EV-DO network without the device being sold through Verizon's stores. Devices will need to be submitted for testing and certification, which Verizon estimates could take up to 8 weeks. The certification is valid for 36 months, after which the phones will need to be retested. After certification, the manufacturer can market and sell its cell phone, or other device, as they see fit, and will have the opportunity to purchase minutes at wholesale cost from Verizon, if they choose, to package with the device.

Application developers will have a similar opportunity, though mobile phone applications will not be restricted based on their purpose. This means that applications circumventing Verizon's pay services, such as music stores and Voice Over IP (VOIP) applications will be allowed. However, Verizon says it will be monitoring the network, and applications that are using up too much bandwidth can be controlled.

These initiatives are planned to be in place in the second half of 2008, and major players such as HP, Motorola, and Toshiba are reported to be interested.