In a move that could give cellular customers unprecedented freedom and choice, Verizon Wireless announced Tuesday it will be the first major carrier to allow any device or application to connect to its network.

The nation's second-largest carrier, with 64 million subscribers, said it will launch an initiative next year called Any App, Any Device, which will allow manufacturers of phones and other mobile devices to connect them to the Verizon Wireless network provided they meet some minimum standards. The move is a major reversal for Verizon Wireless, which has been known for jealously guarding access to its network.

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