Today Verizon Wireless announced that it will officially allow customers to use any compatible device - not just those available directly from Verizon - on its network beginning next year. Verizon said it will publish technical standards that hardware developers can use to create devices for its network. Any device that meets the minimum standards will be tested and certified in Verizon’s lab. Any certified device will be activated for customers who wish to use them. Such devices will be able to offer software and applications not offered by Verizon. Verizon will be offering this new level of flexibility country-wide by the end of 2008. Verizon’s existing retail sales model will remain in place, and customers will continue to be able to purchase Verizon handsets and services as they do today.