NNSquad - Network Neutrality Squad
[ NNSquad ] [IP] Skype's iPhone App: Open-Internet Advocacy Group asks FCC to Investigate Restriction Imposed on VOiP Calls over 3G - iPhone Hacks
----- Forwarded message from David Farber <dave@farber.net> ----- Date: Sun, 5 Apr 2009 17:20:34 -0400 From: David Farber <dave@farber.net> Subject: [IP] Skype's iPhone App: Open-Internet Advocacy Group asks FCC to Investigate Restriction Imposed on VOiP Calls over 3G - iPhone Hacks Reply-To: dave@farber.net To: ip <ip@v2.listbox.com> If this is indeed what Open-net said to the FCC, they are not presenting the best case. I have no love for Apple/AT&T iPhone's behavior . djf http://www.iphonehacks.com/2009/04/skypes-iphone-app-openinternet-advocacy-group-asks-fcc-to-investigate-restriction-imposed-on-voip-ca.html#more Skype's iPhone App: Open-Internet Advocacy Group asks FCC to Investigate Restriction Imposed on VOiP Calls over 3G Skype's iPhone app which was released last week is probably the best VOiP app I have used. However, the problem with it (if you haven't jailbroken your iPhone) is that like other VOiP iPhone apps, you can only use it to make calls over Wi-Fi due to limitation of iPhone's SDK. Free Press, an open-internet advocacy group has asked Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to investigate whether Apple and AT&T are violating federal rules by limiting use of Skype's iPhone apponly over Wi-Fi. Skype's iPhoneapp has been extremely popular on the App Store.Skype announcedon their blog that Skype for iPhone was download more than one million times from the App Store in just two days. However, due to limitations of iPhone's SDK it's not possible to make VOiP callsover a data network. Free Press, the open-internet advocacy group that has a history of attacking efforts by cable and wireless by cable and wireless companies to prevent customers from using bandwidth-hogging services like file-sharing etc has asked Federal Communications Commission to investigate whether Apple and AT&T are violating federal rules by limiting use of Skype's iPhone app only over Wi-Fi. Chris Riley, policy counsel for Press Press stated: "Wireless broadband networks cannot become a safe haven for discrimination" "The Internet in your pocket should be just as free and open as theInternet in your home. The FCC must make it crystal clear that a closed Internet will not be tolerated on any platform." Skype has welcomed the move. Christopher Libertelli, Senior Director of Government and Regulatory affairs for Skype had this to say: "Consumers should be entitled to use the products they pay for as they see fit, so long as they do not harm the network" Apple declined to comment while AT&T spokesperson said they don't block Skype: "Customers are free to download and use the apps they want, but we have no obligation—nor should we have—to facilitate or subsidize our competitors' businesses" The restriction to make VOiP calls only over Wi-Fi isn't only limited to U.S. It was reported that Deutsche Telekom, Apple's carrier partner in Germany and some European countries might prevent its T-Mobile iPhone customers from using Skype's iPhone app even on their Wi-Fi networks. Currently the only way to make VOiP calls over data networks is to installVOiPover3G app on a jailbroken iPhone, but the solution is only available tousers who are technically inclined to hack their iPhone. It will be interesting to see what's the outcome of FCC's investigation. WSJ believes: "With a Democratic administration in charge at the FCC, the views of open-network advocates could get a more sympathetic hearing. President Obama announced his support for net neutrality, or the idea that all Internet traffic should be treated equally, during the campaign. The president's choice for FCC chairman, Julius Genachowski, is also a net neutrality supporter." As always, please let us know what you think in the comments section below. [WSJ via AppleInsider] ShareThis Be the first to rate this [?] You might like: • AT&T Upgrading Network for Apple's New iPhone? - iPhone Hacks 2 more recommended posts » Posted by iPhoneHacks on April 5, 2009 in iPhone News, iPhone 3G News | Permalink Technorati Tags: App Store, Apple, FCC, Free Press, iPhone, iPhone Apps,iPhone News, Skpe for iPhone, Skype, Skype Comments ------------------------------------------- Archives: https://www.listbox.com/member/archive/247/=now RSS Feed: https://www.listbox.com/member/archive/rss/247/ Powered by Listbox: http://www.listbox.com ----- End forwarded message -----