AT&T Will Allow iPhone Customers To Use VoIP Software on its 3G Network

Ed Hardy · 10-07-2009, 10:44 AM

AT&T has changed course,and will allow iPhone users to make VoIP phone calls over its cellular-wireless network Previously, those who used Apple's smartphone were restricted to using VoIP over Wi-Fi.

This decision comes as the FCC is looking into "net neutrality" -- examining whether wireless carriers are too restrictive on what they let their customers do with their mobile phones.

The carriers have argued in the past that they have to put some restrictions on what users do, as there is a limited amount of bandwidth available.

AT&T has informed Apple Inc. and the FCC of its decision, and a new version of the VoIP software Skype for the iPhone that can make calls over AT&T's data network will likely be released in the near future.

More Openness
The statement from the company on this issue also pointed out the other ways this carrier is open.

While it had previously prevented iPhone users from making Skype calls over its network, other smartphones have been able to do so.

In addition, AT&T allows its customers to buy unlocked GSM pones and use them on its network.

Source: AT&T

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Varjak · 10-07-2009, 05:18 PM

My jaw hit the floor when I saw this in the paper this morning, even before I saw it posted on the Times site or elsewhere. I hadn't even heard a whisper of this, which is a bit unusual.

Ed, do you think that this decision might portend the ability to use other things over the cell network that had previously been restricted to WiFi (like SlingPlayer)?

Ed Hardy · 10-17-2009, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Varjak

Ed, do you think that this decision might portend the ability to use other things over the cell network that had previously been restricted to WiFi (like SlingPlayer)?

Yes I do, but I have no proof to back this up. The FCC is unhappy with carriers about restricting what their customers can use the wireless networks for, and Skype is just one example. I expect streaming video over 3G to become more common, though we'll have to wait and see if that's how this really plays out.

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Varjak · 10-19-2009, 05:43 PM

I keep getting tempted by the idea of getting the Verizon MiFi and then a full-cost iPhone to use only on WiFi. It's a very costly solution to getting a 'Verizon iPhone'; but tempting.

Ed Hardy · 10-19-2009, 06:16 PM

V, you realize that if you get an iPhone AT&T's going to make you pay for an unlimited data plan, whether you want it or not, right? The closest you can get to what you want is a Verizon MiFi and an iPod touch with Skype.
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brickman65 · 10-19-2009, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ed Hardy

V, you realize that if you get an iPhone AT&T's going to make you pay for an unlimited data plan, whether you want it or not, right? The closest you can get to what you want is a Verizon MiFi and an iPod touch with Skype.
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Very True!

But the iPod Touch handles Skype quite nicely!!

Varjak · 10-20-2009, 05:09 PM

Ed, if I buy a jailbroken or full cost (no subsidy) iPhone, I don't need to have a contract, right? Am I missing something?