Seems like Android handsets are shaping up to be closed systems and the iPhone, all things considered, seems more open every day...

http://www.androidcentral.com/shenanigans-skype-mobile-update-does-not-allow-use-wifi-after-all

You see, Android is only as open as your carrier wants it to be. There doesn't seem to be any indication this will ever change. And recent Verizon/Google announcements only reinforce that.