Wu stated that the FCC’s Carterfone rules “continue to affect innovation and the development of new devices and applications for wireless networks.” His comments elicited a large response from the industry and refocused the net neutrality discussion, this time on the wireless networks.

Wu went on to argue that the carriers exert too much control over the design of mobile equipment and said, "They have used that power to force equipment developers to omit or cripple many consumer-friendly features.”

His words spurred Skype to action. Its filing with the FCC looks to force open the wireless networks and allow applications such as its own to be used on the networks. CTIA President Steve Largent called the move self-interested. "Skype's filing contains glaring legal flaws and a complete disregard for the vast consumer benefits provided by the competitive marketplace," he said in a statement. “Skype's 'recommendations' will freeze the innovation and choice hundreds of millions of consumers enjoy today. The call for imposing monopoly-era Carterfone rules to today's vibrant market is unmistakably the wrong number."

The net neutrality issue has long been focused on just wired providers of Internet services, such as cable and DSL broadband. The new thinking would have the wireless networks treat all content equally, too.

House Democrats plan to look more closely at several FCC policies regarding telecommunications.

Source: Wireless Week