Verizon Wireless and Google today announced a strategic partnership that will leverage the Verizon Wireless network and the Android open platform to deliver leading-edge mobile applications, services and devices.
Both companies view this agreement as an opportunity to offer consumers an array of products that combine the speed of the nation’s largest and most reliable 3G network with the flexibility of the Android mobile platform.
Integral to this agreement is a commitment by the companies to devote substantial resources to accelerate delivery of leading-edge innovation that will put unique applications in the hands of consumers quickly. The two companies will create, market and distribute products and services, with Verizon Wireless also contributing the breadth of its nationwide distribution channels. Consumers will be able to purchase products resulting from the collaboration in Verizon Wireless retail and online stores.

Verizon Wireless and Google plan to co-develop several Android-based devices that will be pre-loaded with innovative applications from both parties as well as third-party developers. The family of Android phones on the Verizon Wireless network will come from leading handset manufacturers.

What this Verizon Wireless and Google partnership will really mean for us consumers is not clear yet. Possibly we will know more after the the Verizon and Google webcast that will begin at 10:00 a.m. ET / 7:00 a.m. PT today. Lowell McAdam, chief executive officer of Verizon Wireless, and Eric Schmidt, chairman and chief executive officer for Google will host this webcast. Update: The webcast did not reveal much besides two new Android phones will come to Verizon Wireless in the coming weeks. The Motorola Sholes aka Tao aka Droid is rumored to be one of them.