Last year, before Google had snuggled up to the FCC and suggested the open-access provisos for the 700MHz auction, Skype petitioned the Commission to apply the so-called Carterfone ruling to the mobile industry.  That ruling, which dates back to 1968, demands that those responsible for wired telecommunications networks allow users to attach any device they so choose to the system, as long as it causes no damage.  If deemed relevant to the cellphone industry, the carriers would have to allow any device - and application, such as Skype’s VoIP client - to access their wireless networks.  However, the FCC today dismissed the petition, claiming it had already ruled enough on open-access issues.

In fact, it was Google’s handiwork that pretty much scuppered Skype’s plans, with FCC Chairman Kevin Martin explaining that, considering the telecoms industry’s acceptance of recent open-network policies, it would be “premature” for the Commission to mandate any other such provisos. 

The Skype petition will be officially dismissed on Tuesday; Skype themselves are yet to comment.