Verizon Wireless today joined Canonical's "Ubuntu Carrier Advisory Group (CAG)," meaning the company is exploring smartphones based on Ubuntu. Canonical unveiled the advisory group last month, saying members will be the only ones to get "access to early information about Ubuntu and device manufacturer plans to support the OS, as well as the opportunity to be a launch partner for Ubuntu on smartphones."

The first mobile operators to join were all from outside the US. With Verizon Wireless on board, there is now a greater possibility of Ubuntu smartphones going on sale in the US.

Canonical's announcement noted that "Verizon is the largest mobile network operator in the US and being able to work closely with them gives us an opportunity to shape Ubuntu into the most compelling new, alternative platform for mobile."

Canonical quoted Verizon Device Technology Director Samir Vaidya as saying, "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.”

We've asked Canonical and Verizon Wireless if Verizon has any specific plans to release Ubuntu phones. Canonical told us that "Verizon Wireless joining the CAG does not mean that they are committed to selling Ubuntu phones. The CAG is a forum for mobile operators to influence the development of Ubuntu for smartphones and Verizon Wireless will be part of the discussions that happen in that forum."

Verizon said much the same thing. "We’re looking forward to participating in the Carrier Advisory Group to listen and learn more about this platform," a Verizon spokesperson said. "We’ve always supported multiple mobile operating systems, but ... today’s news doesn’t mean that we’re committing to selling Ubuntu phones."

Although no specific devices have been unveiled thus far, Canonical has that said phones preinstalled with Ubuntu are likely to hit retail in Q1 2014.

The confirmed members of the Carrier Advisory Group are Deutsche Telekom, Everything Everywhere, Telecom Italia, China Unicom, Korea Telecom, LG UPlus, Portugal Telecom, SK Telecom, Verizon Wireless, and Smartfren.

Canonical is still trying to expand the list of potential launch partners and is playing up the benefits of joining the CAG. Members will get early information on chipmaker, OEM, and ODM plans to support Ubuntu for mobile.

"[M]embers can launch Ubuntu devices before non-members in local markets. The first two launch partners will be selected from within the group, with the next wave following six months later," Canonical says. "Non-members will face a substantial wait to gain access to the platform."