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3G VoIP Allowed on Apple Phones
(28 Jan 2010, BWCS Staff)It might have been easy to miss, but in amongst Steve Jobs' showmanship surrounding the launch of the iPad yesterday, his company also announced that it has removed restrictions on making VoIP calls across 3G networks. Apple evangelists had seen the VoIP on cellular networks ban as one of very few bugbears they had with their new toys, but, now, apparently all such restrictions are to disappear.
The move marks a sea-change in attitude at Apple and its US partner-carrier AT&T. The previous agreement between the two had only allowed VoIP communications via WiFi connections. In October, 2009 AT&T announced its intention to open its 3G network to VoIP applications on the iPhone, however, it appears that it has taken Apple itself this long to take action on the statement.
So far, there are not yet many apps set up to provide VoIP calls. In fact, according to PR Newswire, only one application - iCall - will be available immediately to take advantage of Apple's new freedoms. Many more are expected to follow very soon, though.
Previously, as part of a concession made to AT&T, Apple's terms for software approval on the App Store prohibited VoIP-based applications like Skype from utilizing networks operated by wireless carriers.
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