Verizon will be working with Google on a new tablet computer to compete with Apple’s iPad. The largest wireless carrier in the U.S. has already worked extensively with Google on their Android mobile OS and therefore it would be a natural partnership to combat Apple’s tablet computer, which has a 3G networked to rival AT&T.
What do we think is the next big wave of opportunities said Verizon CEO Lowell McAdam. We’re working on tablets together, for example. We’re looking at all the things Google has in its archives that we could put on a tablet to make it a great experience.
AT&T is the carrier for both Amazon’s Kindle and Apple’s iPad, which has put Verizon back on its heels. Google, meanwhile, wants to get its software, and consequently, its advertising programs onto as many devices as possible.
They were able to get out of the box faster, McAdam noted of AT&T, saying that Verizon has been handicapped by its CDMA network technology, which is less common than AT&T’s GSM.
Verizon is looking to have its new network up in 25 to 30 cities by the end of the year. They’re looking to have high speeds of video transference and will likely lead to programs where carriers will offer programs for multiple devices that target a certain number of megabytes and shift away from unlimited-use pricing plans. The old model of one price plan per device is going to fall away, said McAdam.
Source: The Wall Street Journal
