AT&T is Reopening its Open Network

In response to Verizon Wireless' announcement last week that it would open up its network, AT&t made it known that it is opening up its wireless network to outside devices.

The problem how with this announcement is that it's always how AT&T worked. AT&T users have always been able to use almost any GSM phone on the company's network and swap SIMs. The announcement is more of a PR offensive. That may be because of the push by the FCC to require carriers on the 700MHz spectrum to provide open access to their networks. Or it might be to get in on the love being shown Verizon and Google for their embrace of "openness."

Whatever the motivation, though, all these changes on behalf of the major cell carriers are good news for consumers.