One day prior to a House Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet hearing on wireless issues, VoIP software company Skype again called on the Federal Communications Commission to maintain an open wireless Internet.

In a letter filed with the FCC today, Skype reiterated its support for 'open wireless internet services' based on the FCC's landmark 1968 Carterfone decision.

"In our view, the best course for the Commission is to adopt 700 MHz auction rules that balance the interests of network operators and innovative softwave developers like Skype," the letter stated. "Such a policy will maximize the value of the 700 MHz spectrum and is in the best interest of consumers."

Christopher Libertelli, Skype's senior director of Government and Regulatory Affairs, added in a statement, "Skype is encouraged by various reports suggesting that the chairman of the FCC is seriously considering 'openness' principles for wireless services in the context of the upcoming spectrum auction," he said. "We look forward to working with the Chairman, the other Commissioners and the Commission's staff to ensure that Carterfone principles identified in our Petition become part of the Commission's final rules."

Skype has long sought to keep the Internet open. In February, the company filed a petition with the FCC to confirm a consumer's right to use Internet communications software and attach devices to wireless networks. This petition sought to unlock the benefits of wireless price competition and innovation, while ensuring that consumers would retain a right to run the applications of their choosing and attach all non-harmful devices to any wireless network.

According to Skype, the petition has gained support from consumer groups, high-tech industry trade associations, entrepreneurs and more than 4,000 individual consumers.