AT&T has backed down on preventing customers from using Skype on its network.

There's still no deal on Google, however. AT&T remains under federal investigation for alleged dirty dealings because it won't allow people to use Google Voice on their network.

The use of Google Voice would allow customers to make calls using AT&T's data network, not its voice network. And that would blow up AT&T's standard "bucket of minutes" business model.

In five years, no one will understand those AT&T commercials about rollover. Rollover of minutes is an archaic, Neanderthal notion beloved by monopolies.

Interestingly, Verizon realized this sooner and went to open standards, which means their newest handsets have no restrictions on use. It was a smart move on their part.

Finally, Comcast is reportedly trying to buy a controlling interest in Hulu with an eye toward ending all free TV on the site. This case may require all-out action from citizens to raise a ruckus with elected officials and the FCC to counteract Comcast's alleged designs on Hulu's future.