Net neutrality proponent Skype accused of trying to 'muzzle the competition'

Skype, a major proponent of net neutrality, was accused on Monday of blocking an application in order to "muzzle the competition."

The accusation came from Fring, a free application that allows people to use their mobile connections to communicate with users on other platforms (such as Skype, Twitter and GoogleTalk). Fring said that Skype is no longer allowing Fring users to connect to its network.

Fring quickly took the gloves off, calling Skype a "coward" and alleging that the company is trying to "muzzle the competition."

"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," Fring said.  

Skype responded that Fring's claim is untrue. Robert Miller, Skype's legal vice president, wrote that "Fring was using Skype software in a way it wasn’t designed to be used — and in a way which is in breach of Skype’s API Terms of Use and End User License Agreement. We’ve been talking with Fring for some time to try to resolve this amicably."

He added that Fring was damaging Skype's brand and reputation.

"On Friday, for example, Fring withdrew support for video calls over Skype on iOS 4 without warning, again damaging our brand and disappointing our customers, who have high expectations of the Skype experience."