AT&T extends VoIP over 3G to iPhone users

One of the big promises of the iPhone is that there is an app for everything. Unfortunately for the longest time there hasn't been an app for VoIP over 3G. At least not one that wasn't being blocked. Fortunately for Mobile VoIP proponents, that's all changed with AT&T's announcement to allow VoIP iPhone apps to work over thier 3G network.

In a filing to the FCC on Oct. 6, AT&T consented to Apple enabling VoIP applications to run over their 3G network. Prior to the filing VoIP apps were allowed to work over WiFi on the iPhone as well as over 2G, 3G and WiFi on other devices offered by AT&T.

A game changer for Skype and Google Voice, who have been calling foul at both AT&T and Apple for some time, this new announcement will bring their free calling to the popular handset. Prior to the announcement, both Google and Skype have complained to the FCC that their applications were being blocked by Apple. According to the Washington Post, "Google [in] letters to the FCC says Apple executives flatly informed Google they would block Google Voice." In retrospect, AT&T seems to have tied Apple's hands.

Even the recently announced Vonage VoIP-over-iPhone app [1] uses WiFi or connects to a local number using phone minutes to make discount international calls rather than using the 3G data network. Sadly for Vonage, just on the heels of their announcement, AT&T changed the game. Of course, I'm sure that Vonage just needs to flip a switch to allow their new app to work over 3G.

For more:
- check out Wired's take here [2]
- read Mashable's post here [3]
- read the Washington Post blog [4]
- read the AT&T press release [5]

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FCC probes Google Voice iPhone app removal [6]
Handling of Google Voice reminds AT&T vet of Ma Bell [7]
AT&T and Google spar over Google Voice [8]
Jailbreak Skype over AT&T 3G [9]
Skype for iPhone: One week, 2 million downloads [10]