Verizon Wireless announced yesterday that it has joined LiMo Foundation, a consortium working on a Linux-based mobile operating system, which is expected to rival a mobile system being developed by a group headed by Google Inc.

The US No. 2 mobile service joined the LiMo Foundation in wake of AT&T Inc supporting Android, the Linux operating system being developed by Google and about 30 partners.

The venture of Verizon Communications Inc and Vodafone Group Plc, Verizon Wireless said that it would take a seat on the foundation's board and expects to sell its first phones based on the LiMo operating system in 2009.

Speaking at a press conference, Verizon Wireless Network Vice President Kyle Malady said, "We'll start with a few simpler devices and work our way up.”

Basking Ridge, New Jersey based Verizon Wireless is the second largest wireless telecommunications network in the United States, with on a total of 67.2 million U.S. subscribers and an annual revenue of $43.9 billion.

Now, the LiMo Foundation has about 40 members including Verizon Wireless handset suppliers Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, LG Electronics Inc, and Korea's SK Telecom Co Ltd.