Verizon has announced it will join the Google led open handset alliance, also known as Android. It seems like good timing – it coincides with their own openness initiative and their future 4G plans. Verizon hopes their new “openness” will lead to millions of additional consumers using their wireless network, all of whom will pay some type of toll, either directly to Verizon, or indirectly by accepting targeted advertising.
I equate this pending open wireless world with the video business model. In the not-too-distant future, consumers will be able to buy a device (think a television), connect it to a network, and pay to use it (think subscription video/cableTV) or utilize it for free, but accept targeted ads (think broadcast TV). Customers will consume content over this network, and oh yeah, occasionally make a call or two. The only question left is, how soon before AT&T joins the open party.
