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Internet calling companies such as eBay (EBAY.O) unit Skype have called on European policymakers to adopt policies that let consumers access their services through smart phones on any public network.

The Voice on the Net (VON) coalition Europe, which also includes Google Inc (GOOG.O), Microsoft Corp (MSFT.O) and Intel Corp (INTC.O), argues carriers are blocking their applications on their cellular or 3G networks, which limits consumer choice.

The appeal was sparked by news that German mobile operator T-Mobile, the wireless unit of Deutsche Telekom (DTEGn.DE), did not allow customers to use the Skype application on the iPhone.

T-Mobile is the exclusive carrier of Apple’s iPhone in Germany.

“Blocking of voice applications on mobile devices, such as the announcement of T-Mobile to block Skype on iPhones in Germany, is highly detrimental for consumer welfare in Europe,” VON said in a statement.

Internet phone providers want to expand beyond desktop computers but carriers such as T-Mobile, AT&T (T.N) or UK’s O2 (TEF.MC) worry this could lead to a fall in their voice revenue.

Read on Reuters.com