With the FCC’s auction for the 700 MHz spectrum getting underway (and a media blackout already in effect), Google and more recently Verizon have garnered a considerable amount of public attention on the issue of “open” mobile networks that would permit users to bring any device—and any software application—and use it on any mobile network. Now, AT&T apparently wants some of the attention, with CEO Ralph de la Vega telling USA Today: “You can use any handset on our network you want. We don’t prohibit it, or even police it.” Verizon’s recent overtures regarding Google’s Android platform: customers using unlocked devices and unsupported applications would represent low-maintenance customers for AT&T. If customers have problems with their devices or programs, AT&T’s responsibility stops with making sure the devices can connect to the GSM network: after that, customers will have to look to handset makers or application developers for support, while AT&T continues to collect revenue.
