An Open Verizon?

[Belly of the Beast]

So I've just been doing some thinking lately about Verizon's recent announcements, as well as the commitments they've made to obtain block C spectrum from the FCC. And a thought stuck me, part of Verizon's commitment in the block C agreement was that they allow customers using this spectrum free reign over what compatible devices they wished to use, couple that with LTE fast emerging as the next standard, and Verizon's announcement that they would begin to implement VoLTE in the next 2 years, and we have a potentially interesting situation on our hands. Consider that any compatible 4g device should be allowed on the network(under block C), and said data stream would now be used for both talk and data, it sounds to me like any vendor, (El Goog) could release a device with compatible 4g bands, and sell it SIM free for use on Verizon.

Now maybe I'm making a mountain out of a mole hill, but I have to think it would be a lovely dream to have the coverage of the network, and the freedom of a gsm carrier. What do you guys think?

 

[natehoy]

I think that once LTE reaches proper saturation across multiple carriers, the concept of being stuck with a carrier because you had to buy a phone with the technology they support (GSM, CDMA, Nextel, etc) will be less relevant, at least in metropolitan areas.

The only sticking point is going to be actual frequency bands. There are nine frequency ranges in the US (700, 750, 800, 850, 1700, 1900, 2100, 2500, and 2600 mHz). Different carriers are licensed to different frequency ranges. The fanciest radios at the moment are capable of 4 bands, but they'll pretty much be restricted to one carrier if they only support 4 bands, or you can access all carriers but not necessarily have the frequency for your chosen carrier for the tower near you. We'll need 9-band radios to support all US carriers once LTE is completely deployed, unless carriers start sharing spectrum with each other.

And, of course, the real fun is when you want an International phone because European carriers use different frequencies than US carriers. So even though the technology is the same, there are different frequencies in use and what is legal in one country is illegal in another (what the US uses for cellular could be emergency or military frequencies in another country, and vice versa. Interference on such frequencies is always frowned upon and sometimes merits an unpleasant armed response).

Eventually, once LTE reaches enough saturation, there will probably be a few standard radios that support multiple frequency ranges and autoseek of frequency ranges that support ALL known frequency bands, with some strict protocols in place to only REPLY to a tower that they actually find operating so they don't broadcast interference in a band not licensed for cellular communications. And I bet such a radio is going to be a tough sell to the FCC (and other regulatory agencies across the world)

 

[Belly of the Beast]

I agree with you that LTE is going to fundamentally change the whole phone compatibility thing in the future, what is getting me all amped up is the fact that it was Google themselves pushing for the open policy attached to block C. This policy clearly stated that customers using this spectrum would be allowed to use the devices and programs of their choosing, kind of makes me wonder if that was all about setting the stage for a non branded nexus, sold through Google play, at least in a couple of years. Got to admit, that is a forward thinking business strategy.

 

[pete1118]

I expect little to happen other than more of the same. Until the FCC steps up and acts in the consumer's behalf (very unlikely) ALL the carriers will continue to act as if they have a monopoly which of course they do. I understand all the issues about spectrum, I worked in the telecom industry for 37 years. A place to start would be a Carterphone action for wireless, that is, decouple handsets from service. Not as easy as wireline but it can be done. This would (hopefully) end the BS of subsidy pricing and ETF's. I am probably dreaming but at least let me dream!

 

[Ry]

I think that once LTE reaches proper saturation across multiple carriers, the concept of being stuck with a carrier because you had to buy a phone with the technology they support (GSM, CDMA, Nextel, etc) will be less relevant, at least in metropolitan areas.

The only sticking point is going to be actual frequency bands. There are nine frequency ranges in the US (700, 750, 800, 850, 1700, 1900, 2100, 2500, and 2600 mHz). Different carriers are licensed to different frequency ranges. The fanciest radios at the moment are capable of 4 bands, but they'll pretty much be restricted to one carrier if they only support 4 bands, or you can access all carriers but not necessarily have the frequency for your chosen carrier for the tower near you. We'll need 9-band radios to support all US carriers once LTE is completely deployed, unless carriers start sharing spectrum with each other.

And, of course, the real fun is when you want an International phone because European carriers use different frequencies than US carriers. So even though the technology is the same, there are different frequencies in use and what is legal in one country is illegal in another (what the US uses for cellular could be emergency or military frequencies in another country, and vice versa. Interference on such frequencies is always frowned upon and sometimes merits an unpleasant armed response).

Eventually, once LTE reaches enough saturation, there will probably be a few standard radios that support multiple frequency ranges and autoseek of frequency ranges that support ALL known frequency bands, with some strict protocols in place to only REPLY to a tower that they actually find operating so they don't broadcast interference in a band not licensed for cellular communications. And I bet such a radio is going to be a tough sell to the FCC (and other regulatory agencies across the world)

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong, but can't the same radio support all of these bands? It's the antenna design that prevents a phone from being able to support all of them. I could be wrong, but that was my assumption.

 

[pblakk]

I thought they had to offer to sell their Block C in exchange for the FCC approving Verizon wanting to purchase AWS from the cable companies. Have they changed the approval provisions? Unless they had to sell blocks A and B which aren't so prized, nor wanted.

sent from my DInc4g using AC forums

 

[Belly of the Beast]

I'm not too sure on that, I've neglected the AWS deal. But I can't imagine that they would be willing to sell off block C to get AWS. block C is regarded as a superior frequency band for cellular transmission, or so I thought; lending to why Verizon's acquisition of it, and Google's insistence of open policy on it was a big deal.

 

[natehoy]

Technically, a single radio could easily support many bands, especially if it's using a single protocol like LTE. The problem would be getting FCC approval for a radio capable of broadcasting on unlicensed spectrum in the US, and similar regulatory hurdles with the European communication agencies. So while it may be possible to have an open US phone and an open European phone, they'll likely be separate phones. Our maybe separate firmware... that may be possible.

The real problem is going to be adoption, though. Verizon is taking about upgrading all 3g areas to lte by end of 2013. But they have a lot of 2g coverage. I don't see them upgrading rural areas real soon, and they are way out in the lead on lte.

Sometime in the next three to four years, it's realistic to say that we may have an exchangeable standard for US phones in urban areas, though.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Android Central Forums

 

[titans30dude]

Verizon did not give up any spectrum in the c block...they gave up spectrum (not very much) in blocks a and b which would be useless anyways for them bc there is interference issues on block a and also they had problems anyways with a and b bc block c is unique since uplink and downlink are different (switched) then a and b

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Android Central Forums

 

[MrSmith317]

Verizon has the audacity to block Google Wallet in favor of their own service, block tethering on Unlimited plans, and lock bootloaders. This is in direct contradiction of the block C purchase. You think they're going to let anyone tell them what they can and can't do? The FCC needs to drop a nuke on Verizon, not just the 1.65M pittance they've already fined them. That's the only way they'll ever understand.

P.S. They also stated two years ago (I believe) that they would be opening up a bring your own device program. That hasn't gone anywhere, unless you consider buying a Verizon branded device to bring onto Verizon "Bring your own"