Verizon to Offer Android Phones

Verizon Wireless and Google have announced they will co-develop and deliver mobile phones and services on the US's biggest mobile phone network, using Google's Android operating system. Up until now, the carrier has not had a hot latest generation smart phone handset like the Palm Pre or iPhone, leaving its users with only the lukewarm Blackberry Storm. Now they will have Android powered phones like the HTC Hero, Samsung Behold and Motorola's Sholes to look forward to.

Verizon had been rumored to be readying for the Palm Pre on its network, but this seems to have fallen through, so a partnership with Google now makes good business sense. Especially given Verizons wish to sell third party phone applications through its own Vcast app store, since Google has aggressively pursued its own Android Marketplace as a revenue generator. The deal with Verizon joins Androids other deals with U.S. mobile phone companys such as Sprint Nextel Corp and T-Mobile USA. The first Verizon Android handsets could be produced as soon as the next few weeks, says the company.

"The nation's best wireless broadband network is a perfect complement to the innovation of Android-powered services and devices," said Lowell McAdam, Verizon Wireless CEO. "Together, we'll work to deliver a compelling new experience to our customers."

"The Android platform allows Verizon Wireless customers to experience faster and easier access to the web from any location," added Google's Eric Schmidt. "Through this partnership, we hope to deliver greater innovation in the mobile space to consumers across the U.S."