Verizon to join Google's Adventure

Verizon Wireless says it plans to embrace Google’s open-source mobile software platform called Android and the 34-member Open Handset Alliance set up to support its development. The U.S. operator had been one of several large operators withholding support from the Android initiative, announced last month. The change of heart follows Verizon’s announcement last week that it plans to open up access to its network to a broad range of applications and devices by the end of next year.

Verizon Wireless' CEO, Lowell McAdam, revealed that an examination of the Android development kit by the operator’s engineers convinced his company of the versatility and efficiency of the platform. McAdam claims he is pushing for a more open mobile business model for Verizon and believes that Android, as well as the upcoming 700MHz spectrum auction, will result in an opening of the U.S. mobile market.