The tide is turning

A while back I blogged about the importance of open access to technology, in particular to network infrastructure, protocols, and bandwidth ("Open technologies need open access"). Well, it seems like the tide is finally turning.

Verizon has announced it will open its network to 3rd-party devices and applications. The details and the timeline are still unclear and application and devices will be required to met yet-undefined "minimum technical standards" - so I am still somewhat skeptical until I see specifics.

But, still, this is a remarkable change and I believe it will open the floodgates for more. If Verizon truly provides open access to its network at reasonable terms and prices then other carriers will be forced to follow and there will be no turning back. Consumers will accept nothing less than unbridled mobile data. I am optimistic the promise of the "true and open mobile Internet" will soon be a reality. It's about time.

-- Terrence

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