Verizon tears down their walled garden

The announcement this week by Verizon that they are opening up their wireless network has significant importance for the development of new mobile travel applications here in the US. Unlike the rest of the word that operates using GSM technology, Verizon's network is based on CDMA technology developed by Qualcomm. This makes cross networks application development problematic. Despite this limitation, the fact that Verizon has recognized that consumers want to be in control of the applications on their phone is a tremendous step towards a more Internet based model for mobile applications. Details of Verizon's plan are still a bit sketchy but the basic thrust of the announcement is to allow third party developers to create applications that work with the Verizon network without the need to work through the Verizon deck (the deck refers to the allowed mobile applications controlled by the Verizon). Frequent travelers are often the first to embrace next generation wireless technology. In an open environment where 3rd party development is no longer tightly controlled by Verizon, travel specific mobile applications can be created that drive personalized, location based services to the mobile traveler.

Wireless Travel Applications

Last week I was interviewed by USA Today Weekend regarding mobile technology for the traveler. The premise of the call was focused on the prevalence of IPODs among travelers. The reporter asked some specific questions about downloading audio blogs for use by leisure travelers. The obvious application would allow the provider to segment the traveler population into special interest groups. A guided city tour for a history buff may be quite different from a couple looking for gourmet restaurants. Our conversation went beyond this point to encompass all types of gadgets now carried by frequent leisure or corporate travelers. I mentioned that last year I wrote an article for the PhoCusWright GDX technology subscription service on the hotel room of tomorrow. A common theme within that article is the emergence of multi-media stations in hotel rooms where travelers could hook up their MP3, digital camera or laptop and view the content on new HDTV sets. As always I am interested in any new application being deployed by travel suppliers or intermediaries that enhances the travel experience. If you know of some interesting apps, please let me know.