Skype Petitions FCC For Cellular Access
By Greg Scoblete -- TWICE, 3/12/2007
LUXEMBOURG — The eBay-owned VoIP company Skype filed a petition with the FCC earlier this month requesting access to 3G networks so that consumers could place Skype calls from mobile phones.
Skype specifically asked the FCC to affirm the 1968 Carterfone decision, which allowed wireless telecommunication devices to connect to AT&T's network, provided they would not harm the network.
Skype wants similar access, allowing users to run their application over cellular carrier's data networks.
Skype applications for cellular phones are already available from third-party developers like iSkoot.
In a statement deriding the filing, CTIA CEO Steve Largent said: "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."
The petition should be available for public comment shortly.
