Verizon Wireless Partners with Google

A year after Google introduced its Android operating system on T-Mobile, the smallest of the major wireless carriers in the United States, it announced a deal to offer handsets with Verizon Wireless, the nation’s largest carrier.

Verizon Wireless and Google plan to co-develop several Android-based devices that will be pre-loaded with applications from both parties, as well as third-party developers. The manufacturers have yet to be announced, but one is expected to be made by Motorola.

Verizon expects to introduce two Android phones this year. In addition, Verizon and Google said they would work together along with manufacturers to design handsets specifically for Verizon’s network.

Of note, when asked Verizon said that it will allow the controversial Google Voice application on its mobile platform.

The partnership between these two industry heavyweights is notable since the two disagree in a number of key areas. Google is a proponent of the FCC’s current push to impose net neutrality guidelines, while Verizon opposes additional regulation, especially in the wireless marketplace. Further, Google supported the commission’s efforts to impose open-access stipulations on the C-Block in last year’s 700 MHz spectrum auction, which Verizon Wireless argued against.

In related news, The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Dell plans to introduce an Adroid-based smartphone on the AT&T network. This would be Dell’s first move into the U.S. cellular market. If the rumor is true, all four major U.S. cellular networks would carry phones using Google’s Android operating system.

View Verizon’s release.

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