How is your cell phone user experience?

Verizon has decided that they should probably get ahead of the curve and open up their wireless network. As reported yesterday, Verizon will lay out the technical guidelines which will need to be used by mobile device manufacturers if they’d like to sell their wares to the general public for use on Verizon. In some cases, this won’t be a huge leap from where they are. For example, lower cell phone models will initially work without an issue, but as the network is upgraded throughout the next couple of years, those same manufacturers  will need to make sure they look forward to meeting the guidelines of all carriers.

Every company is in business to make money, but this is a positive step forward for a large company.

It’s not a good combination when you take new technology, an above-the-law carrier such as Verizon (full disclosure: I am a customer using a BlackBerry 8830) and a security division hell-bent on stopping the initial marketability from actually being delivered when you finally get your hands on it.

Think: Sidekick and T-Mobile.

Think: ATT (the old ATT Wireless) and Blackberry.

Think: Verizon and just about any phone they offer.

By hampering the functionality of a new technology, one is left with a novel but unfinished product. Why purchase the device? The lure is simply for people tied to the network who love the VCast option (why?) and can afford to upgrade, but don’t want to either a) pay to get out of their current contract or b) want to drop the extra $200 USD for the iPhone. With rebates, it was explained that I would be offered the LG Voyager for $199 without a 2 year commitment, but that information is far from verified.

I think the LG’s entry is a far cry from the beauty and well-thought interface (read: overall usability AND look and feel). As a matter of fact, when compared to the iPhone, the LG in this person’s opinion is downright ugly.

Too bad, LG. You had the time and the money to come up with something close, but this time it’s no cigar. Good luck.