A year after the hype: Where is open access now?

[Commentary] It was at this time last year when the whole debate over wireless open access hit a fever pitch, and Verizon Wireless made big news when it said it was going to allow devices open access to its CDMA network in the second half of 2008. Everyone appeared to be clamoring for the opportunity. It is now the second half of 2008 and one has to ask: Where are all of the devices? It has become clear that even though folks like Google have pushed for open access, they also understand that they need a relationship with operators to be successful because operators will consistently hold the upper hand. It's a lot easier and more profitable for third parties to partner with operators, or invest in them, than to create a separate device, service and marketing program to run on an open pipe.