The Real Reason Skype's App For Verizon Phones Won't Work On WiFi
from the questions-answered dept
Back in March, Derek Kerton noted in a post here on Techdirt some peculiarities popping up around Skype's plans for mobile devices. In particular, he pointed out how Skype announced a version of its client for several smartphones on the Verizon network, but the app looked crippled because it couldn't function over WiFi and routed Skype calls over a standard voice connection. When the app became available, I downloaded it for my Android device on Verizon, and I too, noticed that it forced me to shut off the WiFi connection on my device. This didn't make much sense to me: I'm already paying for a flat-rate data plan, so it's not as if this would force me to spend more money. In addition, given the way that mobile operators have been saying their networks are overwhelmed by data traffic, why would they force me to use the mobile network when I could offload the Skype traffic to a WiFi connection? Then, when I placed a Skype call through the app and saw that it was actually routed through a voice call to an access number, I was confused even more.As Derek noted, the Skype app for Verizon followed a series of several other moves that call into question Skype's actual commitment to open networks, and that combined with US operators' historical positions against openness, it was natural to assume that the app shut off WiFi on Android devices because of some nefarious purpose. But Verizon has explained itself, saying the app behaves this way because of a combination of technology and legality. In short, Verizon lawyers felt like voice calls made through Skype needed to be treated like standard voice calls from a legal perspective. This means conforming to 911 regulations, as well as the CALEA act, which opens networks to wiretapping by law enforcement. Verizon contends that CALEA dictates that call-signaling info travel over its data network, rather than unknown (and possibly unsecure) WiFi. This is where the technology comes in: apparently it's impossible for the Skype app on Android to choose to use the Verizon data network if the device is connected to WiFi. So therefore it has to completely shut off the WiFi connection to be sure its data travels over the mobile network. On BlackBerry devices, this isn't the case, so the app doesn't force users to shut off their WiFi.
Given mobile operators' past penchant for closing off their networks, it's forgivable that somebody would assume one had nefarious purposes for blocking WiFi access to Skype. That may not be the case in this narrow instance -- but many of Derek's other questions about Skype's much-touted commitment to openness remain unanswered.
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Tech reasons may play into it
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If Skype won't let you use their proper "desktop" client on your phone, just use Fring or Nimbuzz for the full Skype experience anywhere, anytime over any network.
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Even if you do have a targeted list of subjects to monitor the only information that you are assured are the two endpoints of that particular connection.
The regulation gains little of substantial value; aside from what stupid criminals provide. Anyone I should actually be worried about will already be using more advanced methods.
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bletch
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Spin it....
I have and LOVE VZW for their coverage, coverage, coverage, and would never touch another network.
I don't use phones trying to be computers, I have as basic a phone as you can still get, and will always have that. Its a phone, period.
This was and is clearly VZW choice to force the software to do this in an effort to force the calls on to their network and reap the $$$... Otherwise calls would be going out via skype on FREE routes... CAN'T HAVE THAT! ! !
Prove me wrong fine, but any one with even half a brain knows the REAL STORY on this....
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That is assuming that Skype has not given the keys to the appropriate authorities. Don't count on that one.
I believe that most Verizon data users have their unlimited plan, so it would make no sense for Verizon to block WiFi Skype, as it would actually help Verizon keep their bandwidth down. I run numerous programs on my smartphone that allows me to send IM's through the data connection instead of text messages and Verizon doesn't block those.
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Just Maybe...
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Re:
"To use Skype, just download Fring."
Most people will naturally seek a mobile version of Skype from Skype, and never know or understand the alternatives.
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Verizon
The most compelling was "We want to be able to assure a good quality voice call, and we've put $billions into our voice networks to ensure that, but our data network was not optimized for that purpose." I actually like this reason, because it's true, and it is customer-focused.
This new E911/CALEA explanation seems to be arriving a little late. And even if true, as a customer, I'm not really that interested in forced compliance. Orwellian reference.
I suppose it's possible that since VZW is offering the Skype, they need to be in full compliance with law enforcement. However, if customers install Skype themselves, then the carriers have no liability for E911 or CALEA. So...given the choice, what customer would not prefer the self-installed option? Too bad Skype is pulling those off the market.
BTW, to reiterate my point, I'm most frustrated by Skype. Verizon is fairly consistent in their actions to limit customer devices based on Verizon priorities. Their choices, though not my preference, are to be expected. Skype, however, is going against its stated philosophy - an 'open' philosophy they stood up in DC and articulated as recently as September last year - by offering a closed, exclusive client deal in the US.
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Re:
(OTOH, I can certainly see reasons why this might be a convenient answer, but but that aside.)
What that means is that Skype is even more useless to me than it might have been, and is nothing but a branded alternate dialer with a narrow-use social network behind it. Whee.
I'll just use other tools.
(Still assuming they're correct about CALEA, this is reason #427 it needs serious revision - if you're a subject of interest such that the requirements for CALEA are in play, they already have your subscriber identity, can easily get your realtime location, and can activate the mic - the only thing missing is a remote detonation trigger for the battery. Funneling everything through a choke point is just a convenience.)
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just ordered my droid incredible
as someone commented earlier, at least they have the best coverage coverage coverage... it may not matter to most urbanites but people who roam the countryside (or for some people I know who are cross country drivers) there really is no better! (only sprint seemed to come close)
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Verizon will lose my $ in the long run. Their APP also does NOT WORK OUT OF THE COUNTRY. I would have gladly paid the $70 a month for International Data Plan and used Skype no questions asked Im happy. But now I am dumping Verizons Data plan completly and going for a computer to use while International. I also believe the iPhone APP works perfect while over seas. Bad call by Verizon
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Re:
Ask them to site which law they are referring to. Ask for this statement in writing. Ask if for a name from Verizon that you can associate with their quote. In the end, if you are persistant, you will get a call from a Verizon corporate manager asking why you want to know the reasoning. Then he will admit that it is a business decision (which they have a right to make) and it is not a legal requirement.
The cable company will tell you the same thing when you ask for TV without local ABC, NBC, CBS affiliate stations. They (call support staff) will tell you that the government (FCC) mandates it. But this is incorrect information passed onto them by a manager who knows better. Why give you just HBO when they can force you to also buy access to other stations you don't need (ie: you have an antenna port on your TV right?)
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This is exactly what Verizon is doing. They are lying to the public about their legal obligations in order to continue this charade: "the wireless phone companies provide the services that you use on your phone... without adding their effort, the new service would not be available" This is BS and the public still buys it as fact.
In reality... phone companies only provide network access to the internet (data plan). The only other thing they can do is "break" that service by limiting what is and is not allowed to travel across the data plan you paid for. Knowing this... each phone company has intentionally "broken" their network and instead only allows limited service to the commonly used protocols currently used by their customers. This guarantees that all new services falling outside this will require them to add it. Thus further enforcing the misconception that they somehow have something to do with the service (like Skype)... but in reality they are simple slowly fixing new services that they had previously broken already.
But this is even worse... instead of allowing the service through their limited data access plan.. They pidgeon holded it through to guarantee they will extract additional money from customers who already paid for everything they need to get free VOIP through Skype.
When will the public revolt and say "just give me data. Ignore my content. If I exceed the bandwidth alloted in my contract, you can cut me off. Otherwise f**k off!"
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VZW
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VZW
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