As netbooks become the new mobiles, will AT&T preload Skype?

American wireless companies are control freaks when it comes to configuring the mobiles they sell. They limit hardware features, choose applications, and otherwise protect their walled gardens.

Now they're set to sell netbooks with wireless data plans. AT&T piloted this with Acer and Radio Shack over the holidays.

The software that comes on PCs is usually determined by the manufacturer and the operating system. Skype comes on some netbooks via Linux, on some PCs via manufacturers. Will AT&T and others use their power to add Skype to netbooks? Or will they keep Skype off of netbooks?

Should netbook+wireless proves popular, Skype will want this desktop real estate. Trial and adoption rates are much higher with the trust that comes from being preinstalled.

tags: skype, netbooks, att, at&t, acer, netbook, wireless, strategy

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