Skype petitions FCC for open cellular access
Skype petitioned the Federal Communications
Commission earlier this week to force U.S. mobile operators to loosen controls
on what kinds of hardware and software can be connected to their
networks.
Lobbying Expense 1998-2004: $22,260,000
Skype petitioned the Federal Communications Commission earlier this week to force U.S. mobile operators to loosen controls on what kinds of hardware and software can be connected to their networks.
In a document dated February 20, Skype asked the FCC to apply to the wireless industry what is known as the “Carterfone” rules, which would allow consumers to use devices and software of their choice on cell phone networks.
The “Carterfone” rules, which were enacted in 1968 during the old AT&T’s monopoly of the phone industry, allow consumers to hook any device up to the phone network, so long as it did not harm the network. Prior to these rules, AT&T provided all telephones and devices connected to the telephone network, and it routinely sued companies that sold unauthorized products that could attach to the network.
The cell phone industry’s trade organization says, “Skype’s self-interested filing contains glaring legal flaws and a complete disregard for the vast consumer benefits provided by the competitive marketplace.”
That’s about where I had to switch over to rubber boots. If Cellco’s [or Telco’s] are suddenly getting devout about a competitive marketplace, someone had better tell the politicians and lobbyists they employ — to get a new religion.
Posted: Sun - February 25, 2007 at 10:37 AM