Android is “open”, really?
Skype on Android and BlackBerry is exclusive to Verizon.
I totally agree with this statement from John Gruber
It is a good example of how Android is open, though. In many ways, its openness is from the perspective of the carriers. The carriers can (and do) take Android and modify the default UI appearance. They add new un-deletable system apps. And they can make exclusive deals like this one with Skype.
Like my father would say: “Power to the user”
Technologies should serve the population, not big corporation.
I would say the same about Apple and AT&T exclusivity deal. These deals should be prohibited by the FCC because users can’t use newer and better technologies if they don’t switch carriers. Sometimes it is impossible to switch (because of service area) and imagine this, as a customer, if I’m not happy with the service, I would expect that I can choose my provider. Because as a customer my only weapon againts these big corporation is my “monthly vote” but when there are no options, companies tend to let customer service get behind and get lazy.
Competition is good, competition is required.