Verizon Wireless and AT&T look beyond phones

There was a time when network carriers only concentrated in offering coverage for cell phone users, but it now seems as though they wish to move beyond that limitation. Verizon Wireless and AT&T have now landed a deal that will see them offer Internet access for e-book readers.

The two big carriers have seen how good this deal was for Sprint Nextel Corp who are working with Amazon, and thought that they would also like a piece of the action. We also learned earlier this month that AT&T secured a deal to provide access for GPS systems.

This shows AT&T and Verizon’s commitment to having a broader portfolio; The Wall Street Journal sees this as a way to tap in to fresh sources, as more Americans seem to have cell phones these days. WSJ sees Amazon’s Kindle and other e-readers as the newest and most promising market.