Rumors are circulating the Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ) is close to introducing to the market a broadband-connected device with wireline phone, digital calendar and photo, and widgets capabilities. The “broadband phone” also reportedly will have some kind of tie-ins to Verizon FiOS and Verizon Wireless.
In responding to xchange’s request for comment on these rumors, Jeffrey Nelson,
executive director of corporate communications at Verizon Wireless, responded via email: “Nothing to say ... yet ... (shhhh).”
AT&T Inc. (T), Cincinnati Bell and Embarq Corp. (EQ) have already introduced devices that cross the wireline/wireless divide.
Of course, the idea of fixed/mobile devices is nothing new. Neither is the notion of delivering new all-in-one, easy-to-use devices through which customers can interface with a range of communications and applications. As a matter of fact, back in 2005, Westell Technologies Inc. discussed with xchange what it called Verizon One, a multifunction home networking device it designed for Verizon that included a 5.8GHz cordless phone with speakerphone; and a 802.11g wireless hub with ADSL2+ modem. It ran a Microsoft CE as a base platform, and delivered the touchscreen features described below via a Verizon proprietary software platform called iobi.
“This is a device that integrates several technologies together on a single desktop. It simplifies DSL installation and home network setup, while eliminating the clutter of multiple devices and wires,” said Verizon spokeswoman Sharon Beadle said at the time.
Verizon did not immediately respond to xchange’s request today as to the status or history of Verizon One.
