Verizon Wireless hopes to cash in on Google Android-powered phones despite the popularity of the Apple iPhone on AT&T's network.
As part of its "multi-year roadmap," Verizon will introduce two Google phones by the end of the month, with the promise of other announcements soon.
"You either have an open device or not, and this will be open," VZW CEO Lowell McAdam said during a conference call when asked about Google Voice. Last month, AT&T told the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) That Google Voice was blocking calls, saying Google could be violating FCC rules.
The growing tension between Apple and Google is the perfect situation for Verizon, who may benefit by offering phones that contain Android features & functionality that are not available on the iPhone. Google applauded Verizon for showing an interest to support the open Android platform, with the historically tightly governing wireless provider having less control over the apps and functionality of the OS.
Until the iPhone possibly finds it way to Verizon -- which is something many VZW subscribers want -- the company will work with device providers to offer phones that run on the popular open source OS. In the future, it will be interesting to see if Verizon will be as keen to support Android if the iPhone's exclusivity contract ends.
I look forward to seeing how many Android-powered handsets Verizon will release in the coming months, especially smartphones aimed at competing with the iPhone. Even though the Research In Motion BlackBerry continues to be extremely popular for Verizon, the provider lacks a serious contender to the iPhone.
