Skype: U.S. cell phones limit choices

Washington -- U.S. cell phones unfairly limit consumer choices, keeping people from using programs and attributes not sold by their carrier, Web phone firm Skype said.

In a blistering filing with the U.S. Federal Communications Commission, the eBay Inc. company accused Verizon Wireless LLC and other big carriers of holding customers hostage by selling cell phones that are "locked," meaning users can only use applications and features their carrier offers, USA Today reported.

"In an effort to prefer their own affiliated services and exclude rivals, carriers have disabled or crippled consumer-friendly features of mobile devices," said Skype, which wants to expand its Internet-phone services into wireless communication.

Carriers deny Skype's charges.

Skype argued a 39-year-old FCC rule that expanded traditional phone service to include answering and fax machines, cordless phones and computer modems should also apply to cell phones.

Verizon said Skype's request was not realistic since U.S. cell phones operate on several technical standards, unlike "unlocked" European phones, which adhere to the global GSM standard.

To meet Skype's request, every U.S. phone would have to be a combination device that could handle all technical standards, Verizon Chief Operating Officer Denny Strigl said.

"It's simply not practical," he said.

Copyright 2007 by United Press International.