Is Skype a Telecom Operator?

Would you consider Skype to be a Telecom Operator? That’s the question many people are trying to determine. Specifically, a Belgian court is investigating whether the video communication service serves the same role as an AT&T or Verizon. If so, the company would be required to provide all their customer data.

This whole case has come to light because of criminal investigations seeking information from Skype. Obviously there are two sides to the argument. Governments like Belgium and France have argued that, regardless of the device, Skype is still offering a phone service.

However, Skype, which is owned by Microsoft, defines themselves as a software company. Its inception during the explosion of the Internet is what leaves a gray area between telecom operator and software vendor.

Skype is not the only type of OTT (Over the Top) service that has telecom operators up in arms. Telecom operators are competitively affected when newcomers enter the market. It is even worse for them is they are not declaring themselves as telecom operators. Naturally, incumbent operators don’t want them impeding on their business unless they are prepared to play on a level playing field.

Being designated as a telecom operator would require companies like Skype to disclose call and message data to authorities or face a hefty fine. As time goes on, laws are likely to be altered to incorporate the changing landscape of technology.

Launch 3 Telecom supplies the wireless infrastructure used to enable voice and data services for carriers and OTT services. For more information about the products and services that we provide, please contact 877-878-9134 or email sales@launch3.net.

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