Yesterday, we reported that Skype had cut off Nimbuzz—a third-party mobile messenger app that included the VoIP service—and that they did so because Nimbuzz had violated their API terms of service. Today, a spokesperson from Skype responds with their side of the story.

“We believed and were concerned that Nimbuzz’s application was in violation of Skype’s API Terms of Use and End User License Agreement (EULA),” said the spokesperson, discussing their concerns with Nimbuzz. “Skype offered to meet with Nimbuzz and discuss the issue; however, we have not heard back from them since our last correspondence with them in early August. Like any company that has APIs or an SDK, Skype has certain rules that guide the development of apps using those tools. Such rules help protect the Skype brand and our end user experience.”

The spokesperson went on to explain that Skype carefully regulates what 3^rd party mobile apps can use Skype due to branding and quality concerns and they require application developers to court Skype’s permission before using their networks. Since users will connect Skype’s quality of service to their brand, they keep a tight rein on who they work with. This approach has served them well so far and they have fruitful relationships with Nokia, Verizon, and KDDI.

Looking forward, Skype wants to become the household name for Internet VoIP clients from not just computers and mobile devices, but also televisions and other Internet connected devices. In order to get there, they feel that they need to show that they will provide consistently high quality.