Skype's petition to the FCC needs your help
By
Jaanus on April 4, 2007 in News, events, milestones.
> "Ask not what Skype can do for you -- ask what you can do for Skype."
Remember how we [started the dialog about consumer rights on wireless networks in the US](http://share.skype.com/sites/en/2007/02/opening_the_dialog_about_consu.html)? I haven't posted on it for the past month, but things have been quietly moving on. And now, we are at a stage where we need your help.
If you agree with what we are suggesting (read the [previous post](http://share.skype.com/sites/en/2007/02/opening_the_dialog_about_consu.html) for more information), then please help us by going to the FCC site [here](http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/upload_v2.cgi) and show your support by sending in your comment. The "Proceeding" number that you should use is RM-11361, and you fill in the rest of the fields as indicated, and just send it in. The deadline to do this is April 30, so be sure to send your comments over the next few weeks.
Comments
So Skype wants the FCC to open up their networks to allow more than one type of phone, even though Skype won't open up their protocol to allow more than one type of client program?
Isn't this all a bit hypocritical?
bigbrownchunx | Thursday, Apr 5
I did my part. I hope others will too. I've gone to great lenghts to purchase equipment that is both unlocked and wi-fi capable and I know it would have less costly if the Carterfone regs were applied to the wireless industry.
terry.d.davis | Thursday, Apr 5
OK. I'm new to all of this. And I don't understand the signifigance of this petition. Does it have anything to do with us not being able to use the new wifi phones int he US? Can someone explain it in layman's terms?
I went to try to sign the petition, but even that was very confusing. Why do I need to enter attorneys names and such? I just wanted to sign a petition and we've never had to have an attorney to do that before.
I'm lost.
lisak1369
lisak1369 | Friday, Apr 13
Basically the issue is, consumers should have choices, including how and what they use their mobile service and devices for. Currently, the carriers can and do restrict and discriminate against their own customers. This petition asks the FCC to illegalize these bad practices forced upon us by the telephone companies.
I placed my comment to the FCC, asking they uphold the precedents established with Hush-a-Phone v. FCC as well as the 1968 Carterfone decision, by approving the Skype petition.
zanesmurf | Monday, Apr 23
Bravo to Skype for getting the Cellular Carterfone movement going. I have been in the mobile industry for many year and it needs to open up desperately.
For more info on our comments to the FCC: pelp.wordpress.com
Ram Fish
ramfish | Thursday, May 3