Verizon Wireless today announced plans to open its network to any qualified CDMA device and any application by the end of 2008.

Machinist's Farhad Manjoo says it's a win/win for Verizon and its customers. "This move makes Verizon a platform for development," he writes. "Electronics companies and software developers can now be assured that when they build something to the carrier's spec, their wares will work for all of Verizon's customer base. Innovation will thrive on the network, while other carriers will remain closed to the new."

On the other hand, calling Verizon's change of heart a "personality transplant," The Register's Cade Metz observes, "Just two months after it launched a legal attack against the Federal Communications Commission for embracing open access to the US wireless spectrum, Verizon has embraced open access to the US wireless spectrum..."

Metz suggests that Verizon's move is no more than a cynical play at the open access requirements of the upcoming 700 MHz auction, saying today's announcement is Verizon's first move towards its 700 MHz bid.

And he's right, of course - still, any increase in open access is good news for everyone, regardless of the motives involved.

More here from InformationWeek ... more here from Red Herring ... more here from InternetNews ... more here from the New York Times ... and the press release is here.