FCC turns down Skype's open access petition

Carriers have been making some strong strides in the direction of open access, and the recent 700MHz auction was a particular win for consumers, but the FCC isn't quite ready to go whole hog here. The commission has turned down Skype's request that the FCC expand 1968's Carterphone landline ruling to apply to the mobile industry, which would mean that operators would be required to let any device run on their network as long as it doesn't do damage. If you'll hear Verizon or AT&T tell it, that's what they're doing already, but Skype obviously wants some protection for its bandwidth-hogging, carrier revenue-threatening P2P VoIP app, and the FCC isn't quite ready to fork it over.

[Link546511 Posted Apr 2nd 2008 11:32AM]

I just hope somthing good is to come from the auction.

[dark star Posted Apr 2nd 2008 11:49AM]

thats a pretty nice skype phone!! is it real???
can you suggest me one?

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 2nd 2008 11:56AM]

I was thinking the same thing. I have a Skype out account and am currently looking at different hardware options besides only using the software client on my Mac.

What phone is that... is it out now?

[victorstuber Posted Apr 2nd 2008 12:00PM]

yep this is real. here is the link http://skype.com/allfeatures/3skypephone/

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 2nd 2008 11:56AM]

http://www.engadget.com/2006/07/20/skype-readies-four-wifi-phones-for-voiping-public/

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 2nd 2008 11:57AM]

http://www.engadget.com/2006/04/20/netgears-sph101-skype-wifi-phone-available-for-pre-order/

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 2nd 2008 11:59AM]

is that good or bad for me?

[chasqui Posted Apr 2nd 2008 12:07PM]

That exact phone doesn't seem to be available for sale from the Skype store yet... but it is pretty nice looking. This one is very similar: http://accessories.skype.com/servlet/ControllerServlet?Action=DisplayPage&Env=BASE&Locale=en_US&SiteID=skype&id=ProductDetailsPage&productID=66160500

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 2nd 2008 12:12PM]

it wont be as its from three with a contract with them, not directly from skype

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 2nd 2008 12:08PM]

I think the carriers would argue that it does cause damage to the network. Voice data and other data are handle diffrently by the network and bandwidth and resources are allocated diffrently, if you start putting a bunch of voice data on resources that weren't designed for it you are upsetting the balance and causing harm to the network.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 2nd 2008 12:30PM]

Well thats obviously not the case as this service is already offered in several countries in Europe. The FCC is just like every other Federal government run organization, corrupt to its core. For proof of this you need look no further then the FCC allowing the rebirth of Ma Bell.

Since this service appears to work with little issue on existing 3G networks in Europe already, this issue looks more to be based on a loss of revenue fear on this side of the pond.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 2nd 2008 12:17PM]

If Skype wants everyone to play so nice, they should probably pony up and open up their IM protocol to play nice with third parties as well then. Nothing irritates me more than these double standards.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 2nd 2008 12:22PM]

I really hope Skype releases a WiFi client for the iPhone with the newly released SDK.

I'm already a paying Skype Out client (3 dollars/month) so somethings like this would be great for me.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 2nd 2008 12:35PM]

Way to go FCC screwing the consumer again. Wait does the FCC even know what Skype is???

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 2nd 2008 1:25PM]

I have one of those 3UK Skype Phones in Black - it's really rather swish :)

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 2nd 2008 1:34PM]

does anyone know how you can download skype on a nokia e51?
i'm not looking for fring (or the likes) just skype.
would appreciate the help

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 2nd 2008 2:23PM]

This is an excellent Skype handset I have been using. Comes with great software as well. Highly rated.

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,2084993,00.asp

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 2nd 2008 8:44PM]

its exclusive phone to one of the 3G networks in Australia
http://www.three.com.au/threestore/mobiles/3-Skypephone-PP.xhtml