U.S. mobile phone maker Hop On has announced a dual-mode GSM/CDMA device to let users hop back and forth between Verizon's and AT&T's "open" networks.
If ever there was a company that specialized in quick-trigger press releases, it might just be U.S. mobile phone maker Hop-on. When Verizon Wireless announced plans to open its network to devices and applications from other vendors, Hop-on was quick to grab the announcement’s coattails, saying its phones would, of course, be among those approved for open use on Verizon Wireless’s network…despite the fact Verizon’s open network option is still rather undefined and won’t be an option for consumers for as much as a year. When AT&T did a little coat-tailing of its own, saying its network has always been open, Hop-on jumped on that announcement too.
“This is huge news for us,” said Hop-on president Peter Michaels. “Now we can go after Verizon and AT&T subscribers as potential customers. Our breakthrough cellular technology and our brand-new mobile wagering applications will finally be available for their customers to enjoy.”
Yes, you read that right: “mobile wagering.” Hop-on developed what it claims it the world’s first disposable cell phone, and its “value-added” services including applications that enable users to participate in live, interactive poker, roulette, blackjack, and other gambling games “from legal jurisdictions.”
Today, Hop-on continued to jump on the open network bandwagon, announce it plans to market a dual-mode GSM/CDMA device that will be able to connect to both AT&T’s and Verizon’s “open” networks. Billed as a design that can meet both the business and entertainment needs of business users and consumers, the new 2000-series “One World” phone will be able to stand-by simultaneously on both networks, enabling users to choose GSM aor CDMA modes to make a call or send a message at any time.
We imaging that sort of rampant network-hopping may facilitate “mobile wagering.”
No pricing or estimated availability dates for Hop-on’s 2000-series “One World” phone were announced.
