Skype pushes for wireless net neutrality

Disruptive Voice over Internet Protocol phone company Skype asked the Federal Communications Commission to rule that consumers have the right to use Internet communications software and that they can attach whatever devices they want to mobile phone networks.
“As the wireless market has matured and wireless handsets have become an integral part of most Americans’ lives, carriers are using their considerable influence over handset design and usage to maintain control over and limit subscribers’ right to run software communications applications of their choosing,” Skype’s petition stated. “Instead of carrying the subscribers’ messages indifferent to content, carriers have exerted more and more control over the way consumers access the mobile Internet.”
Skype wants the FCC to declare that wireless carriers are subject to the agency’s 1968 Carterfone decision, which allowed two-way mobile radios and other devices to connect directly to the old AT&T monopoly network so long as no harm was caused to the telephone system. Skype also asked the FCC to launch a rulemaking to enforce the Cartfone mandate in the wireless industry.
Cellphone association CTIA fired back at Skype in a statement.
“Skype’s self-interested filing contains glaring legal flaws and a complete disregard for the vast consumer benefits provided by the competitive marketplace. Skype’s ‘recommendations’ will freeze the innovation and choice hundreds of millions of consumers enjoy today. The call for imposing monopoly era Carterfone rules to today’s vibrant market is unmistakably the wrong number,” said Steve Largent, CTIA’s CEO.
The Skype filing come just days after Columbia University law professor Timothy Wu blasted the mobile phone industry over carrier control of content and features, and called for wireless net neutrality.
The mobile phone industry, which opposes net neutrality legislation, was not immediately available for comment on the Skype petition.
Skype, which offers free Internet calling software, has been working for years to enter the mobile phone industry. Indeed, the company has signed agreements with several overseas carriers.
Internet auction company eBay Inc. purchased Skype in 2005 for $2.6 billion.