FCC questioned Google for Blocking Skype in Android devices
While Apple and AT&T were busy with Federal Communications Commission in telling the litany of reasons why its application approval process is so hunky-dory, internet giant Google was readily seen having its own VoIP-related firefight.
An article in USA Today which hit newsstands this morning states that Google sought to block a full Skype application from making its way into the Android Market. Now, Google is on the HOT seat of FCC as well, say telecom and public policy analysts.
Google CEO Eric Schmidt
Android users get Skype Lite, which is a watered-down version of original one that routes calls over traditional phone networks, not the Internet. As a result, long-distance calls are still low or say free, but cellphone minutes are devoured every time a Skype Lite call is made.
Public policy director of Free Press, Ben Scott says, "Google is in an awkward spot. On the one hand, their application is being blocked on the Apple App Store. But on the other hand, they engaged in similar behavior with Skype" .
“Google acknowledged that it has the ability to filter, or block, VoIP. The search giant said it does that "at the request" of individual operators. Right now, there are just two Android devices in the USA: the G1 and MyTouch, both sold by T-Mobile,” USA Today.
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading ...
Leave your response!