In a stroke of irony, Verizon Wireless has become the first U.S. cellular provider to open their network to any device that meets basic connectivity standards.

Verizon CEO Lowell McAdam announced that beginning in 2008, the company will no longer restrict it's network to pre-approved devices, but will allow any device to be activated, subject to testing for "basic connectivity." The move is being hailed as a landmark in the fight to allow customers to utilize their preferred wireless device on their chosen wireless network.

The move comes just two months after the company filed suit in an attempt to block open access requirements set by the Federal Communications Commission on the upcoming auction of the 700 Mhz wireless spectrum.

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