[LINK] Why Skype?

[kim holburn]

http://arstechnica.com/microsoft/news/2011/05/microsoft-confirms-85-bn-skype-purchase-clarifies-nothing.ars

> The joker in the pack could be Windows Phone. If Microsoft integrated Skype into Windows Phone to provide Google Voice-like services to a global market, with free calling to existing Skype and Messenger users and cheap international calling, this could revolutionize the cellphone market. It would relegate the network providers to mere dumb pipes, putting an end to per-minute call charges—or rather, putting an end to per-minute call charges from the networks—and transforming the industry.
>
> The problem with that is that the phone networks are fighting tooth and nail to avoid that very outcome. They don't want to be dumb pipes; they want people to pay for services. Already, many phone networks have terms and conditions that prohibit the use of VoIP systems. Today, Dutch mobile operator KPN turned on a scheme that blocks VoIP applications, including Skype for users on basic data plans. Unlimited data plans that were once relatively common are increasingly being scrapped in favor of capped services.
>
> Even next-generation LTE phone services, which are pure IP and use VoIP infrastructure to provide voice services, are unlikely to bring about any changes to the network operators' business models. Part of that will be out of necessity—terminating voice calls off-network will still cost money, so it still warrants per-minute billing—but much of it will simply be an effort to protect revenue.

--
Kim Holburn
IT Network & Security Consultant
Ph: +61 2 61402408  M: +61 404072753
mailto:kim at holburn.net  aim://kimholburn
skype://kholburn - PGP Public Key on request