[1] http://www.oracle.com/webfolder/technetwork/tutorials/obe/java/gc01/index.html
[2] https://blogs.oracle.com/jonthecollector/

In terms of quality; a cell phone call is the worst possible way for me to communicate with anyone since moving to the US. I don’t know why since it’s presumably the same technology, but quality has just been completely useless to the point that I am frustrated every time I’m on the phone with someone.

In terms of Skype; it seems to work fine over LTE. I’ve also used Google Voice over LTE (actual VoIP, not the Google Voice integration with the phone which uses the carrier for the calls). My experience thus far has been good, although I can’t claim significant experience since I make most calls from the desktop.

It’ll be interesting to see what works and not on HSPA+ on T-Mobile, once I get my hands on a Nexus 4 and switch providers.

I certainly buy the argument in theory that a quality drop may be the result of low prices. But, (1) I’m not seeing the good quality, and (2) it’s not really about low prices, but about freedom and paying for what you actually use and care about. For example, instead of $40/month for “minutes”, I’d prefer to pay the same amount for data – and then be allowed to use it without restrictions.

Example:
The phone companies give you less quality over the years (cf analog mobile) (albeit to lower prices over the years), and they are greedy monsters.
VoIP providers lower prices (but give you less quality, e.g. problems connecting), and they are freedom fighters of the communications era.

Telecoms can’t compete with Skype on mobile on price, because Skype on mobile sucks ass compared to vanilla mobile voice calls.

Separate:
Seems to me that you’re ranting against the US model, and don’t have as much problems with the European one.