On the heels of last week's open access announcement, Verizon now says they're throwing their weight behind Google's Android OS and SDK, an open development platform aimed at generating content for mobile platforms with 3G wireless broadband in mind. Note that Verizon isn't joining the Open Handset Alliance, they're simply saying you'll probably be able to use Android-based phones on the Verizon network -- eventually.

Verizon Wireless is certainly saying all the right things to make industry analysts happy, even if the pricing of their open-access model remains a mystery and nothing has actually been accomplished yet. Business Week pens a love letter to Verizon Wireless, which suggests that Verizon truly has had an open-access epiphany:Skeptics see "ulterior motives" because Verizon Wireless has one of the worst track records in the industry when it comes to open platforms and services. In addition, Verizon is eager to ensure that no additional open-access regulations are imposed on upcoming 700Mhz spectrum, so some people think they're simply putting on a stage play in order to avoid new regulation (thus the meetings with Martin).

Even assuming this isn't a regulatory play, the quality of Verizon's open-access initiative depends entirely on pricing. Is this simply a way to warm customers to billing by the byte? Is this about charging us for the right to actually choose our own software and services? Charging us extra for the right to wander off the crippled-phone Verizon reservation?

We're applauding this?

The history of the baby tells us that skepticism is warranted. Verizon needs to prove their dedication to open access before getting the cookie. Were we the only ones to learn that in grade school?