AT&T customers can now get rid of their AT&T phones and use any wireless phone, device and software application from any maker, and they don’t have to sign a contract.

According to a recent article in USA Today, customers can use any handset on the network, and AT&T won’t prohibit it or police it.

The article said AT&T’s new idea to give consumers more options with their wireless devices is being driven, in part, by Google. The Internet search engine giant recently announced plans to join forces with more than two dozen wireless companies, including Sprint, to develop an operating system that allows customers to use any application on any mobile device they want. They are also working with cell phone companies Samsung and DoCoMo.

Everything that Google has promised to bring to the wireless market a year from now AT&T is touting that they can do it immediately, USA Today said.

Apparently, AT&T has kept quiet the fact that wireless customers had the option of using devices and applications other than those offered by AT&T, but now salespeople in AT&T phone stores will make sure that consumers “know all their options” before making a final purchase, said the article.

USA Today said AT&T officials wouldn’t say whether the company plans to launch a marketing campaign to push “open” platforms, but allows that might be a possibility.

One AT&T device will remain tightly closed. USA Today said the company has a deal with Apple to be the exclusive U.S. distributor of the iPhone for the next five years, and customers must sign a two-year contract to get their hands on the device.

Many companies are following Google’s lead. Until recently, contracts were standard, and applications were largely limited to those sold by carriers.

USA Today said that’s changing. In fact, Verizon Wireless, regarded as one of the most restrictive carriers in terms of devices and applications, recently announced plans to let customers use any device and application they want.