Verizon appears to be turning over a new leaf. Formerly, the monster mobile company has been criticized for being overly restrictive with its hardware, network, and even pricing. When Google revealed Android, I figured that Verizon would be the last one to want a piece of it – but lo and behold, after Verizon announced their new, open stance last week, they have also shown an interest in Google’s open standard. Who would have guessed a few months ago that you might soon be able to buy a phone on eBay running an open, Google-formed OS, and then get it activated by Verizon of all companies?

Some people are, understandably, suspicious of this about-face by the company. But even if it is part of a plan to counter criticism, convert wary potential customers, and maybe even get a piece of that spectrum, it’s still a good thing. Well, as the Mooninites say, don’t question it! I guess someone high up at Verizon must have gotten spanked by moon rocks – or else they finally heard the industry-wide criticism of the iron grip with which it stifled its customers and the industry.

Verizon Embraces Google’s Android [Business Week]