Network Security News

Skype iPhone app leads to net neutrality debate

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

AT&T and Apple reacted to the release of Skype's iPhone application last week by restricting use of the VoIP service to wi-fi networks, according to USA Today.

AT&T's Jim Cicconi told USA Today that the exclusive carrier for the iPhone has "every right" to restrict use of a competitor service. He added that the company "absolutely expect[s] our vendors not to facilitate the services of our competitors."

Skype is a competitor to AT&T, just like Verizon or Sprint or T-Mobile, Cicconi said. But consumer interest group Free Press asked the Federal Communications Commission to investigate whether Apple and AT&T are violating neutrality laws.

Chris Riley of Free Press said in a statement that the FCC must clarify the rules concerning net neutrality wireless broadband networks.

"Wireless broadband networks cannot become a safe haven for discrimination," Riley said. "The Internet in your pocket should be just as free and open as the Internet in your home. The FCC must make it crystal clear that a closed Internet will not be tolerated on any platform."

Free Press and the group Public Knowledge filed the complaint leading to the FCC's 2008 decision that Comcast was violating netneutrality provisions when it restricted BitTorrent traffic.