Verizon Wireless, Qualcomm in mobile venture

Verizon Wireless and Qualcomm Inc are forming a joint venture to offer machine-to-machine wireless services to companies in sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing and utilities. The venture, which is expected to kick off services in 2010, would use chip maker Qualcomm's wireless technology and software, and a device certification process that Verizon Wireless has already established to allow network support for mobile devices it does not sell itself. Verizon sees the collaboration with Qualcomm as a way to expand this business by making it easier for customers outside the mobile industry to develop wireless applications, such as e-book downloads or remote electric or water meters.