O2 could block Nokia-Skype deal for customers
Voice calling over data apparently breaks the rules
We've spoken to O2 about the impending Skype and Nokia deal over Symbian handsets - and it's not good news for its users.
Basically, as Skype is all about sending voice calls through data (which means calling people far away costs the same as dialling someone next to you) the amount of data used ramps up.
O2 has decided that this is against policy - and has given TechRadar the following statement:
"We do not as a general rule block access to voice over IP services on our network.
"However, in the case of unlimited data services such as our data bolt on and iPhone tariffs, VoIP is prohibited within the excessive use policy."
All about the customers
"These unlimited data packages are designed to allow customers to browse the web and access data services such as email without worrying about a cost per MB.
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"To offer the best possible customer experience, we prohibit continuous streaming of any audio/video content, Voice over IP, P2P and file sharing services, all of which can adversely impact the overall customer experience."
There you have it - although we'd be surprised if the other networks didn't have the same kind of policy, as the use of 'unlimited' data is still a hot topic.
We've contacted other networks to find out their policy - so if you're into VOIP and think this is a travesty, let us know in the comments below.
Gareth has been part of the consumer technology world in a career spanning three decades. He started life as a staff writer on the fledgling TechRadar, and has grew with the site (primarily as phones, tablets and wearables editor) until becoming Global Editor in Chief in 2018. Gareth has written over 4,000 articles for TechRadar, has contributed expert insight to a number of other publications, chaired panels on zeitgeist technologies, presented at the Gadget Show Live as well as representing the brand on TV and radio for multiple channels including Sky, BBC, ITV and Al-Jazeera. Passionate about fitness, he can bore anyone rigid about stress management, sleep tracking, heart rate variance as well as bemoaning something about the latest iPhone, Galaxy or OLED TV.