“AT&T said late Tuesday that it has informed Apple and the FCC that ‘it has taken the steps necessary’ to enable Voice over Internet Protocol — or VOIP — services on the iPhone over its 3G wireless network,” Joelle Tessler reports for The Associated Press.
“AT&T said it made the decision ‘after evaluating our customers’ expectations and use of the device compared to dozens of others we offer,'” Tessler reports. “The company already allows subscribers to make Internet calls using its 3G network over other wireless devices.”
Tessler reports, “Apple welcomed the announcement. ‘We are very happy that AT&T is now supporting VOIP applications,’ said Apple spokeswoman Natalie Kerris. ‘We will be amending our developer agreements to get VOIP apps on the App Store and in customers’ hands as soon as possible.'”
Full article here.
[Attribution: Mac Rumors. Thanks to MacDailyNews Reader “Lynn W.” for the heads up.]
Yeaaaa. Let the international calls begin!
I still don’t get it.
Pretty soon peeps will be able just to pay for a data plan only…. Forget minutes….. Voip on ganders r the future A&TT;has to change cuz WIMAX will blow them out!!
The FCC Investigation seems to be producing results.
Question?? When VOIP Skype for iPhone is released, will it work between two iPod Touches with WiFi, or will AT&T;throw a monkey wrench in that?
And they shouted: “IT WAS AT&T;ALL ALONG…!”
Of course it’s not as if this will make AT&T;’s network any better. An increase in traffic is probably the last thing iPhone users need in terms of the quality of overall service.
I think it’ll be a while before we see data only pricing and when it does come you’re looking at the current rate for cellular modems which is about $80/month for a 5Gig limit. I think we have it pretty good now. No cellphone company in the world is going to want to willingly become just a data pipe under the current structure of $30/month for unlimited data. I think they will continue to require a minimal voice plan for at least the next 1/2 decade. This will allow ATT to continue upgrades from the current 3G to 7.2HSPDA and further to 14.4HSPDA which ATT’s current system is theoretically capable of supporting before they even have to make a full transition to 4G.
@Sheesh
See the new Vonage app.
@M.X.N.T.4.1.
I can’t see how this will cause an increase in traffic.
Every extra call over VoIP will be one fewer call over the normal “voice” channel, which is kept open and routed all the time (though channel multiplexed between exchanges), in contrast with IP traffic which needs to be reassembled in order at the end point, if packets have travelled over different paths
I don’t think voip will be free. you will have to pay for that in addition to your current service.
@bobchr
the Vonage app, s**ks if you are all ready a Vonage user, they want you to buty a new monthly service with them, I have used Vonage for over 5 years, paying on the average of $60.00 per month (have a fax line and make international calls)
If you are a Vonage user, you can add to the app “FRING” as a SIP, google “vonage on fring” works great, and I do not incur any additional cost.
If you are not a Vonage client, then you should check out “TruPhone” works great, and very cheap, and you use your existing phone number
I have TruPhone, it’s also not free and I use it in areas where I have no cell signal but wifi. The Vonage app does offer a pay as you go option for current non Vonage users. My point was that the Vonage app can be used on the IPod touch though. I’m a former vonage user. Had ok voice quality but difficulty making faxes.
screw all that iChat for iPhone FTW!
On the iPod touch, if Skype isn’t the app with focus, are you notified of in coming calls? I was looking for a skype phone replacement for my current one.
Now that ATT has blessed this service for their network, I’ll bet iChat isn’t far behind.