EU may force VoIP on cellphones

The European Union (EU) is reportedly preparing guidelines for wireless carriers to allow VoIP services like Skype to run over their networks, including punishments if they don't comply. An EU commissioner said "action" should be taken against carriers who use market power to block new services.

Apparently, the EU already has prepared a draft position to open up smartphones to VoIP services, but lawmakers want to refine the language. Right now, each EU country has to decide how they want to deal with blocked services on an individual basis, and the EU is asking countries to take legal action against carriers that "block innovative services." Deutsche Telekom's decision to block Skype may prompt the EU to look into antitrust charges against the carriers.

For more:
- TG Daily post on movement in the EU for unfettered mobile VoIP.

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