AT&T opens wireless to iPhone

WASHINGTON - US TELECOM giant AT&T said on Tuesday that Apple iPhone owners would be allowed to use Internet voice calling on its wireless network, paving the way for services such as Skype.

'Today's decision was made after evaluating our customers' expectations and use of the device compared to dozens of others we offer,' said Ralph de la Vega, president and chief executive of AT&T mobility and consumer markets.

AT&T, the exclusive US carrier of Apple's smartphone, said it had informed the computer titan and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of its decision to allow Voice over Internet Protocal (VoIP) calling on its third-generation (3G) wireless network.

FCC chairman Julius Genachowski welcomed the move. 'When AT&T indicated, in response to the FCC's inquiry, that it would take another look at permitting VoIP on its 3G network I was encouraged,' he said in a statement. 'I commend AT&T's decision to open its network to VoIP.

'Opening wireless services to greater consumer choice will drive investment and innovation in the mobile marketplace,' Mr Genachowski said. AT&T previously only allowed VoIP calling using less reliable Wi-Fi connectivity.

Skype bypasses the standard telephone network by channeling voice and video calls over the Internet. It allows users to call others free of charge and to connect with land lines or mobile devices at low rates.

AT&T to allow VoIP iPhone apps on 3G network
AT&T on Tuesday said it has made the necessary changes to enable voice over IP iPhone apps to run on its wireless network.
Before Tuesday, VoIP apps would only work over a Wi-Fi network. In other words, if you wanted to use Skype to call a friend, you had to be connected to a regular Internet wireless network. Once you were out of range of that network, the call would end.

AT&T said it informed Apple and the Federal Communications Commission of its decision Tuesday afternoon. For its part, Apple was quick to react and make its own changes.

"We are very happy that AT&T is now supporting VoIP applications," Apple spokesperson Natalie Kerris said. "We will be amending our developer agreements to get VoIP apps on the App Store and in customers' hands as soon as possible."

There are already quite a few VoIP apps available in the App Store, like Skype, Vonage, and Truphone, but they only work over Wi-Fi. Developers will need to enable the apps to work over AT&T's wireless network and then re-submit them to the App Store.

Of course, the application that everyone will be wondering about is Google Voice. Tuesday's decision may not have much of an effect on that situation because Google Voice isn't really a VoIP application. Google's app still uses your wireless network minutes, but the service does offer other benefits like receiving calls to a single number in multiple places.

Posted in: World News