Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin's April 1 speech opposing Skype's petition to open the wireless networks disappointed commentators in the blogosphere.

Here's what they were saying:

—Over at Public Knowledge, Art Brodsky said: “(B)ased on some announcement or two and on a perceived change of attitude, what Martin calls ‘the industry’s embrace of a more open wireless platform,’ he concluded it would be ‘premature to adopt any other requirements across the industry.’

"I, for one, certainly hope the chairman tries to test this attitude by going to his nearest Verizon store and buying an iPhone.

“…the FCC in 1968, albeit in a monopoly environment, said that control over equipment by AT&T had to end. It was the government that removed restrictions enabling a new sector of private industry to flourish.

“It’s the failure to see government as a market-enabling mechanism that makes so disappointing Martin’s announcement that he wants to dismiss the Skype petition that would bring the wireless world into the freedom of the wireline world.”

Brodsky concluded the FCC has not treated the wireless world with the same way it has the landline world. “(T)he FCC instead has delegated to a massive oligopoly the power to control what is now their market as it wishes. That’s corporate welfare.”

—Andrew at Capitol Valley said to Martin: “What are you doing to me? I hoped this was an April Fool's joke, but alas, my hopes were dashed. Even when you say things like this:

In conclusion, let me say that, at the Commission, our job is to provide ample spectrum for a range of wireless services and a regulatory framework that allows you - the entrepreneurs, engineers, and network operators of the world to provide lower prices, better and more innovative services, and more choice to wireless consumers.

"How, in the name of Guglielmo Marconi can you talk about the glories of competition and lower prices after you've slammed the door in the face of a service that lowers prices?"

—Blandin On Broadband said: “I am sad at this unofficial decision. As a consumer, I feel as if maybe the vendors do just the bare minimum to get by. Sure they say that they’re all over innovation that will happen tomorrow but I don’t see anyone embracing the innovation today.

“I think that hesitation to innovate is part of what’s keeping the US out of the top technology ranking on a worldwide basis. As we work to maintain the status quo—the rest of the world is playing as if they have nothing to lose and we’re eating their cyber dust.”