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Skype asks FCC to open up cell phone networks
So you've got that fancy new smartphone, and you've got an unlimited data plan from your wireless provider. What's the first thing you want to do? Install Skype for Windows Mobile and start making cheap international phone calls over your data connection without paying exorbitant service fees for international calls. Okay, maybe that's not the first thing, but it's up there. Unfortunately, most mobile service providers include provisions in their end user agreements that prevent customers from using their data plans to make VoIP calls. Well, it looks like Skype is hoping to change that.
The company filed a petition with the FCC on Wednesday asking the commission to make wireless companies drop that restriction. Apparently back in the 60s, the FCC enacted rules allowing customers to hook pretty much any device up to their telephone as long as it didn't hurt the network. This was a reaction to the AT&T monopoly at the time. Nowadays, as telcos continue buying each other out, we're getting closer and closer to monopoly territory, making me think Skype's got a good case. That, and it'd be really cool if they win.
[via Engadget]
Comments
2
Subscribe to commentsJamesFeb 23rd 2007 5:54PM
So, we give the mobile providers a very strong incentive to stop offering "unlimited" data plans, or mark the price up to a few times what it costs now. Those few who want to cheap out and try to game the system will once again ruin it for the rest of us...
SamFeb 24th 2007 11:43PM
I think with anything to do with data, there need to be some limits as bandwidth costs at almost every step of the way.
Interestingly, the 3G network "3" (operating in a variety of European countries) has partnered with a number of internet companies, including Skype, for their X-Series "mobile broadband" addon. For £5 (~10USD) per month, you get "unlimited" use of the provided services, including 1GB data usage, 10,000 MSN instant messages, and 5,000 (that's five *thousand*) Skype minutes a month. Obviously none of this is actually unlimited, and if you're using SkypeOut you'd still need to pay Skype's own rates on top, but it's such amazingly good value compared to current offerings that in my opinion it can't even be referred to as competitive pricing - no-one else offers anything like the amount of freedom that appears to be offered with 3 X-Series.
Unfortunately I can't commit myself to an 18 month contract at the moment, but as soon as I can I'll be getting an N73 (or perhaps a W950i if they're available, but I want the N73's amazing camera - it's worth noting that 3 will only supply these two phones with X-Series at the moment) to compliment my Treo 650!
Sam