Verizon Wireless Invests in Google's Android Platform

Verizon (News - Alert) Wireless told reporters Tuesday it plans to invest significant resources into mobile phones that use Google Inc.’s Android software platform.

 

According to some reports, the announcement is evidence that the carrier is positioning these new smartphones to better compete with Apple’s iPhone (News - Alert), which is still exclusively available through AT&T Wireless.

 

The news of Verizon’s Android ambitions comes as major device manufacturers are unveil new handsets that rely on Google’s mobile platform.

In early September, Motorola (News - Alert) announced “CLIQ,” its first Android-laced smartphone, which follows on the heels of Android-equipped cell phones from T-Mobile (the “G1”), Samsung (the “17500”), HTC and Vodafone. 

 

Then, LG Electronics (News - Alert) gave a bit of competition to Motorola with its LG-GW620, the South Korean mobile phone manufacturer’s first handset to incorporate Google’s Android OS.

 

Meanwhile, Verizon Wireless is also investing its resources in the next generation of wireless-data technology.

 

The carrier announced on Monday the creation of the 4G Venture Forum, a new, funded initiative intended to bring together financial investment, product incubation and market validation for products and services that will harness 4G wireless networks.

 

According to the Basking Ridge, N.J.-based mobile operator, the 4GVF is a collaboration of Verizon Wireless and a number of “highly-regarded venture funds,” including Alcatel-Lucent (News - Alert) Ventures, Charles River Partners, New Venture Partners, North Bridge Venture Partners, Norwest Venture Partners and Redpoint Ventures.

This initiative is key to furthering the growth of LTE, according to a press release.