Android needs more U.S. carrier support

The Open Handset Alliance--the outfit behind the Android mobile operating system--announced 14 new members Tuesday, but perhaps the focus should be on what U.S. carriers remain absent.

In a statement, the Open Handset Alliance, which was hatched by Google, outlined a roster of its new members the will deploy, help code and develop Android powered devices. They are:

• AKM Semiconductor Inc.;
• ARM;
• ASUSTek Computer Inc.;
• Atheros Communications;
• Borqs;
• Ericsson;
• Garmin International Inc.;
• Huawei Technologies;
• Omron Software Co. Ltd;
• Softbank Mobile Corporation;
• Sony Ericsson;
• Teleca AB;
• Toshiba Corporation;
• Vodafone.

That list isn't too shabby but if the open source Android operating system is going to get significant traction it needs at least one of the U.S. telecom heavyweights. No offense to Sprint and T-Mobile, which are Open Handset Alliance members, Android needs the U.S. leaders like AT&T and Verizon Wireless to step up.

On the bright side Vodafone joined the Open Handset Alliance. Vodafone is a joint venture partner with Verizon on Verizon Wireless. Often Verizon and Vodafone move in the same direction. Reading between the lines it's not a huge leap to expect Verizon Wireless to become interested in Android at some point in the future.