Apple permits VOIP over 3G with new iPhone SDK
This has been a bone of contention for years already and even the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) got into the act after the open networks group Free Press urged an investigation. Still, it’s been nearly four months since AT&T agreed in principle to allow VOIP over 3G on its network.
Back in October, following some very embarrassing public questions by the FCC, AT&T said it would permit voice-over-internet-protocol (VOIP) calling on its 3G network. Now, although you still can’t Skype over 3G on your iPhone, this service is finally coming as has included the software hooks for VOIP on 3G in its latest iPhone software developer kit (SDK), according to this PRNewswire release.
To whit, the first app to provide this functionality is iCall for iPhone (free, iTunes) from a company by the same name.
“I applaud Apple’s decision to allow iCall to extend its functionality beyond Wi-Fi and onto the 3G networks,” said iCall CEO Arlo Gilbert. “This heralds a new era for VoIP applications on mobile platforms, especially for iCall and our free calling model.”
So, when will we get Skype over 3G on the iPhone? I’m guessing very soon, though no one’s said just yet.
Thereupon, Skype “features” a large and foul piece of Flash on its homepage. I wanted to complain to them about it, but I after three or four clicks I still couldn’t find a contact form — brilliant!
Then again, iCall’s already offering free VOIP over 3G and their Web site doesn’t use Flash…
What’s your take?
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