Verizon Wireless to go open access

Verizon Wireless announced plans to open its network to allow subscribers to connect any device and to use any application as long as it meets some "minimal technical requirements." The carrier's new policy is called "Any Apps, Any Device," which should roll out across Verizon's network by the end of next year. The carrier plans to disclose the technical standards that devices must meet to gain activation on its network early next year. After the requirements are published, Verizon Wireless plans to host a conference for developers to explain how they can "achieve the company's goals for network performance" when writing software for the devices, which will have to be CDMA-based.

During a conference call following the announcement, Verizon Wireless executives said that users could port CDMA phones from Sprint or even Korea to the network, as long as they work on the same frequencies. All phones brought to the network will carry a "very reasonable" cost of certification. The carrier reiterated that the phones must by CDMA, meaning the iPhone will not be supported.

"This isn't just phones," Verizon Wireless president and CEO Lowell McAdam said. "It could be a very small module in a gaming station, a home appliance, something that goes into your car. It doesn't have to have the traditional distribution or volumes," he said. In the past, "if a device is not going to sell hundreds of thousands, it's hard to decide because of our scale, but now, if something only sells five, now it can be on our network."

press release

Link to FierceWireless Article

MTV Rolls Out a Mobile-Music Venture

Joins with Real Networks, Verizon for iTunes Challenger

By Andrew Hampp

Published: August 21, 2007

NEW YORK (AdAge.com) -- Two years after launching iTunes competitor Urge, with Microsoft, MTV Networks has a new partner in Real Networks. The two unveiled today a joint venture called Rhapsody America, which also includes mobile partner Verizon Wireless. The deal brings what MTV hopes will prove to be a unique element to the mobile-music space, and will help differentiate itself from the likes of Apple's iPhone and Zune, the portable music device Microsoft launched just months after its Urge partnership.

No PC connection needed
Like iTunes, Rhapsody America will allow users to download MP3 files to their PC for 99 cents. But unlike the iPhone or Zune, which require connection to a PC, users will be able to purchase music for their Verizon V Cast-enabled phones on-the-go -- meaning they can hear the latest Justin Timberlake song on their phone directly without having to plug anything into their computer first. Users will also have the option of "dual delivery," or the ability to download to their PCs as well as to their phones, via Verizon's V Cast music, a partnership previously existed with the MTV Networks' Urge program.

MTV serves as the content provider for the joint venture through its preexisting relationships with record labels for streaming music videos on V Cast. Van Toffler, president of MTV Networks Music & Logo Group, said in a statement, "It's like we've put the best lead singer, drummer and guitarist all on the same giant stage, allowing music fans to experience the purest music play in any way they want."

The pay model for Rhapsody America will mirror the ones already in place for Urge and Rhapsody, said an MTV spokeswoman. Individual MP3s will cost 99 cents, while unlimited monthly subscriptions will remain at $9.95 for PC-only, or $14.95 for "PC to go," which includes mobile. Music videos will continue to be available for free streaming.

Promotional spots announcing Rhapsody America will begin airing on MTV next week, with additional spots and integrations airing throughout the Video Music Awards on Sept. 9.

Link to AdAge Article

Verizon Snags AC/DC Download Exclusive, Restrictions Apply

Verizon Wireless is now trumpeting an exclusive download deal involving AC/DC, a longtime digital holdout. The deal is currently the focus of a number of Verizon Wireless advertisements, which also feature the LG Chocolate. Elsewhere, Verizon executives are hoisting the arrangement as a score over iTunes, normally a favorite for exclusives like these. "You won't be able to get this through any other mobile carrier and you certainly won't be able to get it through iTunes," said John Harrobin, senior vice president for marketing and digital media at Verizon Wireless in comments this morning to the Wall Street Journal.

Meanwhile, Verizon is heavily promoting the catalog to its subscribers both online and via mobile decks. But interested fans are being subjected to a number of strings attached, including an inability to purchase individual downloads. Except for the track "You Shook Me All Night Long," all full-song downloads must be purchased within bundled albums. Moreover, the remaining catalog must also be purchased on the Verizon Wireless website, and subsequently sideloaded to the device. The restrictions could explain the choice of partner for AC/DC, especially considering that Apple rarely permits album-only purchases. Verizon is also spinning a number of exclusive ringback tones from the band.

Link to Digital Media News Article