AT&T Has a change of heart with VOIP over 3G

Ever since the launch of the Apple App Store, Apple & AT&T have had an agreement in place, limiting any VOIP applications to WiFi networks. But now, in a dramatic reversal, AT&T has announced that VOIP applications on the iPhone are now allowed to operate on the carriers 3G networks.


“iPhone is an innovative device that dramatically changed the game in wireless when it was introduced just two years ago,” said AT&T Mobility CEO Ralph de la Vega in a statement. “Today’s decision was made after evaluating our customers’ expectations and use of the device compared to dozens of others we offer.”

Those expectations included being able to use VoIP applications, like Skype, over cellular data connections, since such capability has been available on other phones on AT&T’s network. “Since launching our iPhone application six months ago, people have downloaded and installed Skype on 10 percent of all iPhone and iPod touch devices sold—making it clear that people are extremely interested in taking Skype conversations with them on the go,” wrote Skype president Josh Silverman in a statement. “All of us at Skype applaud today’s announcement by AT&T that it’ll open up its 3G network to Internet calling applications such as Skype. It’s the right step for AT&T, Apple, millions of mobile Skype users, and the Internet itself.”

This is a welcome change, unfortunately, this change only applies to VOIP applications and streaming apps like Slingplayer will still not be allowed over their 3G network.