In the wake of Verizon’s announcement to open its wireless networks
next year, some analysts are forecasting market growth for electronic gadgets. Open networks could be a boon to consumer electronics because they encourage innovations that have been stymied in the United States.

Consumer Electronics Association analyst Todd Thibodeaux told Business Week that open networks could add 2 to 3 percentage points to growth in some product areas in the next decade. The consumer electronics market is expected to grow over 6% next year to $170 billion. If all U.S. wireless companies open their networks, consumers will be able to use their wireless gaming devices, GPS, and other handsets for a variety of new functions.

European regulators are already pressing for rules that require all wireless devices to be open and not locked to any single network, but the United States lags behind. The Federal Communications Commission can help transform the U.S. market by requiring our wireless companies to open their networks.

Market analysts point out that, although Verizon is opening its network in order to bid on the wireless spectrum, it may also help them compete in a global market that's increasingly open access. “[It] increases long-run competitiveness by bringing
Verizon much closer to the way the rest of the world does business...”
says utility market analyst Roger Conrad. However, questions remain about how much the company will charge customers to use other applications and software.

Open wireless networks will foster technological innovations -- something that everyone can agree is good for consumers and the economy.