AT&T Opens Up Wireless Network, but Maintains iPhone Restrictions

6:30 am on December 7, 2007 | Category: Cell Phones, Mobile Devices, Telecom Services, Wireless

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America’s biggest wireless carrier, AT&T, has upstaged rival operator, Verizon Wireless, in the rush to open up wireless networks, announcing with that customers will now be able to access its services with any compatible wireless device, even those sold by its competitors.

Verizon made a similar announcement last week, promising to fully open its networks by late next year. Unlike Verizon’s plan, however, AT&T’s policy takes effect immediately.

“You can use any handset on our network you want,” said the CEO of AT&T’s wireless unit, Ralph de la Vega. “We don’t prohibit it, or even police it.”

AT&T’s push to open up its networks is inspired in part by internet giant, Google, which recently announced intentions to create an open source mobile operating system capable of running third-party mobile applications over U.S. wireless networks. America’s third and fourth largest carriers, Sprint Nextel and T-Mobile signed on to Google’s plan from day one, prompting Verizon and now AT&T to make their own “open network” announcements.

“We are the most open wireless company in the industry,” de la Vega boasted, claiming that what Google and other carriers have promised to bring to the wireless market a year from how, AT&T is doing today.

Despite its newfound affection for open networks, however, at least one AT&T device – the Apple iPhone – will remain securely tethered to the company’s own network.

“The iPhone is a very special, innovative case,” de la Vega noted, explaining that AT&T has a five-year exclusive deal with Apple, which it has no plans to change.

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    1. Sounds a bit weird to me :P Open up a wireless network which allows you to use other companies phone’s but not allow the same thing for the iphone?

      Comment by JS — December 7, 2007 #

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    Edited by Jeremy Maddock