Marketing and all things related

Back in September I wrote about the Google phone and Verizon Wireless' statement wherein a company representative made it clear that if a Google phone became a reality, Verizon Wireless would be unlikely to join in.  Then again in early November when the Google phone became a reality, Verizon Wireless remained noticeably absent from the Open Handset Alliance.

Suddenly, Verizon Wireless has done a 180-degree turn and is now jumping on board Google's Android bandwagon.  I guess Verizon Wireless finally realized that Google is the new boss in town, and they better join in or get out. 

In Verizon Wireless' defense, an article in BusinessWeek paints the picture that the company's CEO, Lowell McAdam has been working on an open-access strategy for almost a year.  I wonder why company representatives kept clearly stating that Verizon Wireless had no intention of being part of Google's (NASDAQ: GOOG) initiatives in the cell phone market when apparently, they were actually considering it the whole time.  If they were strategizing about it as they claim, then why didn't they just say that from the start?  Why do you think they chose the route of denial?  It seems strange to me.  I can't figure out what their marketing and PR strategy was around that.

Now that Verizon Wireless is an Android convert, the company is touting its benefits for customers (more choices, less expensive, etc.) and for wireless companies (fewer customer service issues directed to wireless providers, lower research costs, etc.).  I'm certainly not a telecommunications expert, but Verizon Wireless' recent actions do make me wonder what their motives actually are.  In fact, it reminds me of a line from an old X-Files episode, "deceive, inveigle and obfuscate," or perhaps its the "Chewbacca Defense" used on South Park. 

What do you think?  Am I being too hard on Verizon Wireless?  Are they just another victim in Google's quest to rule the world?