One of the more interesting - and lively - discussions during Fall VON was a panel that looked at whether Web-based services such as Skype and Vonage had the freedom to ride over high-speed networks or whether networks operators had the ability to filter/block/restrict traffic to ensure the efficient performance of their networks. One of the more interesting comments came from a Verizon executive who answered a question of whether the FCC or government should get involved by pointing out that if network operators were regulated, software makers such as Microsoft would also have to be included given they have the ability to block or filter traffic as well. I wrote a column on this issue, which I believe will become increasingly contentious, in the National Post earlier this week.