imported_Jack Cook

Skype yesterday petitioned the FCC to lay the smack down on wireless phone carriers who "limit subscribers' right to run software communications applications of their choosing" (read: Skype software). Skype wants the agency to more stringently apply the famous 1968 Carterfone decision that allowed consumers to hook any device up to the phone network, so long as it did not harm the network. In Skype's eyes, that means allowing any software or applications to run on any devices that access the network. The reason for Skype's interest in the issue is obvious: they want to force network operators to allow Skype-enabled calling across their networks, something currently prohibited on wireless data plans. In its filing, Skype argues that this capability would offer "tremendous new sources of price competition provided by entities such as Skype," and that's exactly why wireless operators will fight the plan tooth and nail. Check out the article here at arstechnica.com

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Elrendhel

As a telecom employee, I would be the first to say that Skype should have access to the data network, just like any other application. I have no problem competing against Skype in a head-to-head competition, but the reality is that it would not be a apples-to-apples comparison:

• Skype is not required to provide a specific definition of service like cell carriers (quality of service, uptime, etc),
• Skype is not required to provide emergency E911 services like cell carriers,
• Skype needs a data-network that costs the user an extra fee on top of their individual voice-grade service with their respective carrier.

So long as Skype is only asking for access to the data network, and is not trying to sell their service as a replacement for Cell/PCS service, I have no problem "opening-up" the network for them (and every other application) to use...