Back in February, Skype and Verizon announced that the two companies had struck a exclusive agreement to offer a Skype client on Verizon smartphones. While that sounded interesting at first, it soon became clear that the client would be packed with restrictions, and that Skype (which had complained ceaselessly about the closed nature of wireless networks) was in several ways helping Verizon keep the wireless sector closed with the deal. The two companies dropped a few more details about their exclusive partnership at CTIA today. Harry McCracken at over at Technologizer breaks down the restrictions:We'll help Mr. McCracken: Verizon wants you paying more money for data. As mobile VoIP and push IM applications begin to erode the idea of traditional voice minutes and SMS, Verizon knows its only choice to keep profits up is to charge an arm and leg for data. Thus, exclusive Skype deals rife with restrictions, increasingly-high ETFs, pricing models that push everybody on to pricier data plans, and mandatory data plans for all phones are now par for the course. The deal gives the impression that Verizon's embracing progress, but in reality they're fighting the inevitable decline of the traditional voice minutes model.

Meanwhile Skype, who used to complain about closed networks, not-coincidentally decided to stop supporting Skype for Windows Mobile, and has yet to release a 3G-enable iPhone client. Apparently, Verizon was able to loosen Skype's principles (however briefly) with a handshake and an exclusive partnership, which we're told will be in place for two to three years. Skype insists that the 3G iPhone client and Android support are coming, which suggests the "exclusive" part of this deal is largely stage dressing for a rather bizarre dog and pony show.