14 DAY TRIAL // AT&T has issued an official report giving Apple the green light to enable VoIP iPhone apps to run on its wireless network. As iPhone users should know, VoIP applications on the iPhone were previously enabled for the Wi-Fi connectivity only. AT&T informed Apple Inc. as well as the FCC of its decision, according to the report.
“iPhone is an innovative device that dramatically changed the game in wireless when it was introduced just two years ago,” Ralph de la Vega, president and CEO, AT&T Mobility & Consumer Markets, said. “Today’s decision was made after evaluating our customers’ expectations and use of the device compared to dozens of others we offer.”
Now that AT&T has allowed VoIP apps on its network, Apple is changing its App Store submission terms as well. According to The Loop, Apple spokesperson Natalie Kerris said, “We are very happy that AT&T is now supporting VoIP applications. We will be amending our developer agreements to get VoIP apps on the App Store and in customers' hands as soon as possible.”
Witel Corp., which sells a VoIP-capable iPhone app, issued its own press release lauding AT&T for the decision to allow its iPhone customers to make and receive Internet calls over a mobile data plan. The Witel application allows users to make free Witel-to-Witel calls (like Skype), but also to make calls to non-Witel phones in 48 countries for only $19.99 a month. The ability to receive calls to a Witel number anywhere in the world is also provided, for free. It is not clear whether apps like Witel's will need to be updated before they can be used over AT&T’s network. If so, the functionality may not be available for at least a week.