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Free Press Asks FCC to Back Skype on iPhone
Friday, April 3rd, 2009 at 1:40 PM - by Bryan Chaffin
Internet advocacy group Freepress has asked the FCC to force AT&T and Apple to allow Skype users to send and receive Skype phone calls through AT&T's 3G network, instead of the WiFi-only limitation placed on the Skype iPhone client by Apple. In an open letter to the FCC, Freepress urged the regulatory body to extend Net Neutrality protections to Internet traffic conducted on wireless networks.
freepressfcc.shtml In the letter, the group argued that efforts by wireless carriers to stem tethering (T-Mobile), to block rerouting of home-based TV or music signals to a phone (AT&T), and now preventing Skype users from making calls over AT&T's 3G network are all violations of the consumer protections outlined in the FCC's Internet Policy Statement, which guarantees Net Neutrality.
Net Neutrality
Net Neutrality is itself the idea that all Internet traffic be treated equally. The concept first arose as broadband providers were looking for ways to slow down or block file sharing networks and as deals began being struck that would allow content owners who paid broadband providers to have their content get preferential access to network bandwidth.
In addition to the Internet Policy Statement's position on Net Neutrality, the current administration has also endorsed the notion, giving the idea what may be its most solid footing in Washington to date.
Freepress wants these same concepts to apply to wireless networks, a mostly untested notion, but one that both sides are likely to be able to make compelling arguments for and against.
"This issue is not new -- it is simply unresolved," Ben Scott, policy director for the Freepress said in a statement. "Wise voices at the FCC have long said that the Internet Policy Statement applies to wireless. As more and more consumers begin to access the Internet wirelessly, it is critical that the FCC clarifies that online consumer protections that prohibit blocking are the same regardless of how we access the Web."
No Bandwidth for You!
The group pointed to recent comments from an AT&T executive as an example of the problem. In an interview with USA Today, Jim Cicconi, AT&T's top public policy executive, said "We absolutely expect our vendors not to facilitate the services of our competitors. Skype is a competitor, just like Verizon or Sprint or T-Mobile. [Skype] has no obligation to market AT&T services. Why should the reverse be true?"
Freepress's argument is that the principle of Net Neutrality trumps any one company's business needs, and asked the FCC to nip this issue in the bud.
"To resolve any alleged ambiguity raised by parties in earlier proceedings," the open letter from Freepress said, "the Commission should confirm that the Internet Policy Statement applies to wireless service providers that offer broadband Internet access service, as has been acknowledged in prior proceedings and statements of sitting Commissioners."
The letter added, "Wireless networks demonstrate numerous anti-consumer practices that may be violations of the Commission's Internet Policy Statement. Most notable among recent reports, the Skype Voice over IP (VoIP) application on the Apple iPhone can make and receive calls over a Wi-Fi connection, but cannot make or receive calls over AT&T’s 3G network."
The Big(ger) Picture
The group's open letter highlights once again the ways in which the Internet is rewriting the rules in which companies and consumers must get along. From music and video piracy, to DRM, to the changes in traditional ad-supported TV industry as people consume more content online, to the issue of whether or not AT&T should be required to effectively subsidize its competition...all of these ideas (and many more) threaten and/or liberate someone or some company.
The Obama administration nominated Julius Genachowski, who is pro-Net Neutrality, to head the FCC. His confirmation process is still ongoing, and we'll be watching to see how this unfolds.
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