It's tough to say at this point whether or not this move is more than just a PR stunt, but
Verizon Wireless is the latest member to join the Ubuntu Carrier Advisory Group. Considering that VZW is America's largest mobile operator, that's a lot of notable weight being put behind an open source initiative. The carrier has professed that it will work closely with the group in order to "shape Ubuntu into the most compelling new,
alternative platform for mobile. Samir Vaidya from the Device Technology team at Verizon Wireless said: “Verizon Wireless is joining Ubuntu’s Carrier Advisory Group to participate in technology discussions around this new platform, which has the ability to bring new and exciting features to developers and ultimately, customers.”
The mobile world is shifting dramatically, and carriers are now looking towards up-and-coming operating systems to hopefully grab a stake in in order to generate additional revenue. One need look no further than the adoption of Firefox OS from various European carriers to see the trend moving this way. When will we see an Ubuntu-powered phone lighting up Verizon's network? It'll probably be a long time yet, but it's clear that the company is going to do all it can to make sure it happens.