O2 Disapproves of Skype on Nokia Devices

Wireless carrier O2 UK does not seem to approve the launch of Skype for Symbian in the Ovi Store, a move announced by Nokia and Skype only a few days ago. It appears that the carrier sees the application as breaking the rules, through offering users the possibility of sending voice calls through data, and that it considers blocking the solution for customers.

According to a recent article on TechRadar, the wireless carrier already expressed its disapproval regarding the availability of Skype for Nokia smartphones. “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,” O2 said in a statement for the news site.

Given the fact that Skype enables users to make long distant calls while paying the same as when calling local, it is only natural that carriers do not approve the solution. However, other wireless services providers in the UK have announced their support for the VoIP software, especially since the application boasts the data consumption on their networks.

“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. 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,” O2 also noted.

This is not the first time when a carrier announces its disapproval for VoIP applications, and there are chances that other operators will follow suit, even if, on the one hand, Skype still drives data usage on their airwaves upwards. As most of you might already know, Nokia and Skype announced last year that the Nokia N97 would land on the market with Skype pre-loaded, and O2 and Orange were against the move, boycotting the sales of the smartphone until Nokia released a version without Skype.