Verizon Wireless, described by Robert Poe at VoIP Evolution as “the most conservative U.S. carrier” is finally beginning to open its market up to new solutions. In the last year Verizon claimed that it would work to open its network as much as possible, and announced in October that it would soon be introducing two new handsets with Google Voice capability and Google Android-developed operating systems. Verizon followed this with a joint announcement of a deal with Google and announced plans to hold a joint press conference with Skype about a similar new deal to run Skype on Verizon equipment and networks.

 

Verizon could accommodate Skype in two different ways. The likelier, more traditional approach involves having Skype calls travel first to a Skype gateway via the Verizon cellular voice network, and then to other Skype users or conventional phones via the Internet. This process is similar to that used in Skype’s previous deals, and would allow Verizon to charge for minutes. The more radical approach would be to send Skype calls over the Verizon 3G cellular data network, which would cost Verizon voice revenues.