For many years, customers of major wireless providers have complained about the closed nature of their networks. Carriers frequently nickel and dime customers to death, crippling the functionality of some phones in order to generate this extra revenue. Everything seems to incur additional fees, be it tethering your laptop or transferring photos from phone to PC. Still, carriers insist they offer a universe of choice.

The nature of these closed networks have been highlighted with Google's entry into the wireless space. Google recently ripped into the incumbent carrier business model; their criticisms well covered during the debate over the upcoming 700Mhz spectrum auction. They also highlighted the locked nature of incumbent software with the release of their new "Android" mobile OS developer kit.

In apparent response to Google's criticism and ample press coverage, Verizon today announced that they're opening up their network to competing software services and additional devices starting at the end of next year. Like Google, they're also putting the call out to developers. From the folks at big red:From the press release, it looks like they'll still offer their standard services for those interested, but will be offering "an additional retail option" for users looking to simply connect to the network. This could open the door for Verizon to charge users a premium simply for the honor of not being locked within Verizon's mobile application empire, but it also should open Verizon's network to a slew of new devices and services.

We see a lot of people getting very excited, but implementation is key, and Verizon's track record on this front is poor. How sincere Verizon really is about an open network will depend on the price of the service, platform specifics and the fine print (caps, etc.). Check back later, but my gut tells me this could be a maneuver aimed less at opening the network, and more at deflecting political criticism and/or pitching billing by the byte.

The end product will likely not be quite as sexy as many are hoping. Verizon has absolutely no interest in being a "dumb pipe" wireless provider, and they'll likely make up for lost revenue by charging more for bandwidth.

Whether a genuine paradigm shift or a public relations ploy, it's clear that Verizon is feeling the heat because of Google. That may result in a broader choice of devices for consumers. Given Verizon's track record however, we would suggest people wait for the specifics of Verizon's plan before holding parades.