Fring announced both in an official press release and blog post that following its announcement to temporarily suspend Skype support after its network was stressed because of the updated iPhone 4 application with 2-way video-calling over 3G, Skype has forced the company to block its services completely. According to Fring, Skype has even threatened to take legal action if they don’t comply.
Skype, on the other hand, has stated that the decision to block its services was made by Fring alone. However, a Skype spokesperson does indicate that both Fring and Skype have been discussing for quite a while now whether or not Fring has been operating in accordance with Skype’s terms of use and license agreements. The spokesperson goes on to say that developers are encourage to create products that support Skype. He or She notes that Skype will enforce its terms when and if a developer violates its policies.
Fring refers to the move by Skype as an “anti-competitive ambush.” Additionally, they state that Skype is “afraid of open mobile communication.” Lastly, they call everyone at Skype “cowards.” The Israel-based company writes on its blog:
Now that fring expanded capacity to support the huge demand for video calling for all users, Skype has blocked us from doing so.
They are afraid of open mobile communication. Cowards.
Needless to say, we are very disappointed that Skype, who once championed the cause of openness is now trying to muzzle competition, even at the expense of its own users.
We’re sorry for the inconvenience Skype has caused you.
Press release in the full post.
Following fring’s string of mobile video calling wins – Skype blocks fring
Skype – former crusader for open communications – bans competition after fring trail-blazes mobile communication innovation
London, United Kingdom, 12 July 2010. fring, the multi-award winning mobile over internet communication service, today announces that it is being forced to stop its 4 years of Skype interconnectivity following threat of legal action. Skype’s anti-competitive ambush comes in the wake of fring’s mobile video calling on iPhone 4 launch, which continues to set the standard in rich mobile internet communication.
Since its foundation in 2006, fring’s rich mobile communications have been available to both fring users and open 3rd party networks including GoogleTalk, SIP, Twitter and, until now, Skype. However, despite fring expanding its network capacity over the last days to serve its enlarged user base, Skype is refusing to allow fring to restore connectivity to Skype. Accordingly, fringsters will no longer be able to communicate with their Skype friends the way they want, but can invite their Skype friends to join fring and enjoy unrestricted mobile video calling from any mobile phone, chat and voice services without restriction to a user’s mobile operator and the freedom to choose internet connectivity (3G/4G/WiFi).
“We are disappointed that Skype, who once championed the cause of openness, is now attempting to muzzle competition, even to the detriment of its own users” said Avi Shechter, fring’s Co-Founder and CEO “We apologize to our users for the impact of Skype’s bullying and we will be happy to reconnect with Skype once Skype reverses their decision.” Avi continued, “We believe in communication openness and know that users will continue to vote with their mobile phones – opting for fring’s innovation, clarity, honesty and openness”.
fring’s newest version is now available for download from fring’s website here and from appstores.
Let freedom fring!
Image Source: Erictric
