Intertek to certify devices for VZW network

Verizon Wireless has cut out the middle man (itself) for those trying to hop on to its network. The carrier certified Intertek as the first approved independent third-party device testing lab for Verizon Wireless’ Open Development initiative. The carrier has been quietly working with Intertek since summer and has successfully approved two non-handset devices to be used on its network.
Tony Lewis, VP of the Open Development initiative for Verizon Wireless, said in September that the carrier had been working on getting devices on the network since March. At that time, the carrier launched a Web site where people could pitch their devices and Verizon Wireless. Jeffrey Nelson, spokesman for Verizon Wireless, said that now companies that want their devices to be OK’ed for use on the Verizon Wireless network can go straight to Intertek for certification. Intertek has been handling the certification process all along, but under the auspices of Verizon Wireless.
Intertek, a Massachusetts-based mobile application testing company, will conduct the testing of all devices to decide whether developers meet the specifications needed to run on the network.
Other carriers have also latched on to this trend. AT&T Mobility runs non-traditional devices on its network as well; in fact the carrier recently appointed Glen Lurie president of its newly created Emerging Devices, National Distribution and Resale operation.