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Information Technology News AT&T gives the nod to 3G VoIP on iPhone
Information Technology News AT&T gives the nod to 3G VoIP on iPhone | AT&T gives the nod to 3G VoIP on iPhone |
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| by Stephen Withers | |
| Thursday, 08 October 2009 | |
  
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Although apps such as Skype and truphone have been available for some time, Apple has only approved those that limit VoIP traffic to Wi-Fi connections. This measure was apparently at the request of AT&T, Apple's original iPhone partner. In a letter to the US Federal Communications Commission dated August 21, 2009, AT&T senior executive vice president for external and legislative affairs James Cicconi wrote "AT&T and Apple agreed that Apple would not take affirmative steps to enable an iPhone to use AT&T's wireless service (including 2G, 3G and Wi-Fi) to make VoIP calls without first obtaining AT&T's consent." The letter went on to say "In particular, both parties required assurances that the revenues from the AT&T voice plans available to iPhone customers would not be reduced by enabling VoIP calling functionality on the iPhone." This measure was justified by the size of the subsidy AT&T applied to the iPhone - the largest the company had provided on any wireless handset. But the US carrier has now changed its mind, perhaps mindful that it allows VoIP traffic from other devices on its wireless networks. "iPhone is an innovative device that dramatically changed the game in wireless when it was introduced just two years ago," said Ralph de la Vega, president and CEO, AT&T mobility & consumer markets. "Today's decision was made after evaluating our customers’ expectations and use of the device compared to dozens of others we offer," he added. Apple is reportedly in the process of changing its iPhone developer agreement to allow apps that route VoIP traffic over mobile connections. That agreement had previously prevented the development and marketing of such applications even in countries where carriers had little to fear from the loss of voice revenue thanks to hefty data charges. |
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