[1]FCC Chairman Kevin Martin told CTIA conventioneers this week he'll oppose a Skype petition to open up existing wireless carrier networks to outside devices because the industry already is working toward that goal. "In light of the industry's embrace of this more open approach, I think it's premature for the commission to place any other requirements on these networks," Martin told the audience.
 
Skype was looking for a "Carterphone" regulation to force mobile operators to connect any device that doesn't harm the network. Martin said he was working to balance the needs of device makers and operators. Skype is currently banned on most networks.

Granted, recent statements from Verizon Wireless that it would open its network to outside devices may sound like movement forward, but the company's caveat "as long as" (device and apps meet their certification process) puts a bit of a damper on any outward exuberance among VoIP providers. 

For more on Skype's stumble:
- read FierceWireless' story on the Chairman's remarks Article
[2]- Read the InformationWeek story [3]
- Skype responds to FCC Chairman Martin's keynote remarks [4]
- check out CTIA Live's photos from Martin's keynote [5]

Related articles:
Verizon [6] details open network agenda
Is 'open network' [7] just marketing hype?