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AT&T is going to allow VoIP over 3G on the iPhone
Well, geez. First Flash applications, now VoIP? The iPhone is having a pretty good day!
According to AT&T, the telecoms giant has "taken the steps necessary so that Apple can enable VoIP applications on iPhone to run on AT&T's wireless network." That means Apple's baby will soon be able to host voice-over-IP apps such as Skype.
It's certainly a surprising move — VoIP calls, traditionally, are unlimited and free — though it does make one wonder. Will VoIP apps look the same as they do on the computer? Only time will tell, but I'm betting AT&T isn't about to bleed business over this. Check out the company's full statement after the jump.
From AT&T:
AT&T EXTENDS VOIP TO 3G NETWORK FOR IPHONEVia GizmodoDALLAS, October 6, 2009 - AT&T* today announced it has taken the steps necessary so that Apple can enable VoIP applications on iPhone to run on AT&T's wireless network. Previously, VoIP applications on iPhone were enabled for Wi-Fi connectivity. For some time, AT&T has offered a variety of other wireless devices that enable VoIP applications on 3G, 2G and Wi-Fi networks. AT&T this afternoon informed Apple Inc. and the FCC of its decision.
In late summer, AT&T said it was taking a fresh look at VoIP capabilities on iPhone for use on AT&T's 3G network, consistent with its regular review of device features and capabilities to ensure attractive options for consumers.
"iPhone is an innovative device that dramatically changed the game in wireless when it was introduced just two years ago," said Ralph de la Vega, president and CEO, AT&T Mobility & Consumer Markets. "Today's decision was made after evaluating our customers' expectations and use of the device compared to dozens of others we offer."
AT&T allows customers to download or launch on their wireless devices a multitude of compatible applications directly from any lawful Internet website. Additionally, because AT&T uses GSM technology, the most pervasive and open wireless technology platform in the world, we support customers using any GSM phone that works on AT&T's frequencies.
*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.
By jack at 9:54 PM ON 10/06/09
Instead of needing VoIP couldn't you just... call someone?
By thisisonlyatest at 11:50 PM ON 10/06/09
I asked a Verizon rep if Skype was possible on a Blackberry... he said "I don't think so". But that was just before 3G became popular.
I also asked him if there was a smart-phone with command line and I'm pretty sure the answer is still no.
Lastly I wanted VNC (realvnc or the like) to remotely control my downloads via wireless (but I'm poor so it doesn't matter anyway).
By Tylo at 12:29 AM ON 10/07/09
Doesn't an iPhone plan require phone & data anyway? Or is there a data only option?
By weazlepopper at 6:58 AM ON 10/07/09
You can already use voip in the UK on iphone. It's very useful for calling people in other countries that would otherwise be expensive to call.
By stevejohnson at 9:11 AM ON 10/07/09
Now It will an easy job to call someone leaving abroad. It will be pretty cheap too.
By Reverse lookup at 11:23 AM ON 10/07/09
The networks blocking services and the like is unacceptable we pay our bills and our phones, so why can we not use it for what we want?
By thisisonlyatest at 3:11 PM ON 10/07/09
@weazlepopper
Sweet! Can you get any Sony Ericsson Smartphones in the UK? I could actually care less about the iPhone.
@Revers lookup
Love the handle but I disagree with the idea that "we pay our bills so we can do what we want". You pay taxes but that doesn't mean you can run through red lights or drive on the wrong side of the road. You pay for internet access so does that mean you can send Spam or pirate movies or flood your ISP with a DDOS attack? Sure it's all possible, but does that make it right? So what's wrong with an ISP or mobile provider preventing high traffic applications from killing your network?
The reason something like Skype or other heavy traffic applications would be blocked on a mobile network is uptime. Uptime is good. Downtime costs money.
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thisisonlyatest:
@weazlepopper Sweet! Can you get any Sony Ericsson Smartphones in the UK? I could actually care less about the iP...More »