Verizon opens wide, says 'Aaaahh'.

Verizon has issued a press release announcing that...

...it will provide customers the option to use, on its nationwide wireless network, wireless devices, software and applications not offered by the company. Verizon Wireless plans to have this new choice available to customers throughout the country by the end of 2008.

In early 2008, the company will publish the technical standards the development community will need to design products to interface with the Verizon Wireless network. Any device that meets the minimum technical standard will be activated on the network. Devices will be tested and approved in a $20 million state-of-the-art testing lab which received an additional investment this year to gear up for the anticipated new demand. Any application the customer chooses will be allowed on these devices.

While not directly Android related, the news that Verizon will allow third party hardware and software on its network means that, OHA member or not, Android-running handsets will be welcome on the network.

Of course, the more cynical among us may accuse Verizon of making this move in order to show good intentions to the FCC in their bid for the 700mhz space. And the inordinately pessimistic among us may may worry that, when push comes to shove, Verizon's technical standards may be so stringent that third-party products are effectively shut out anyway.

But I'm not a sardonic person person, really, so I'll just hope that Verizon's announcement is the next step in a wholesale revolution in the US mobile carrier scene.

UPDATE: FCC Chairman Martin has published a positive opinion regarding the Verizon announcement. From his statement:

Today’s announcement, along with the Open Handset Alliance’s previous announcement of an open platform capable of working on multiple networks, is a significant step towards fulfilling these goals. I am optimistic that Verizon Wireless’s commitment along with the upcoming spectrum auction will ensure an exciting new era in wireless technology for the benefit of all consumers.