Skype on Universal Service Reform

[Commentary] Skype believes that people should have the ability to use Skype over any broadband connection and on any broadband-enabled device. Given that the Universal Service Fund is funded by US taxpayers, Skype believes that service providers that receive money should be subject to two conditions: 1) Access to web sites, services and applications should be open and neutral. As well as offering US residents the freedom to make the most of their broadband connections, this will also offer the stability required by application developers. 2) Rigorous performance measures should be enforced. Government policies should challenge network operators to deliver both download and upload speeds in the area of 75-50 megabits per second. Setting the target lower than this merely mirrors what providers are already doing. These policies will jump-start a virtuous cycle in which robust and affordable broadband Internet access stimulates innovation, job creation. Ultimately, it will allow people to create applications that will improve economic conditions and create opportunities for rural and low-income US residents online, and we think Skype is a perfect example. Skype enables people, especially those in these groups, to connect to friends, family, business colleagues and partners across the world.