AT&T Will Allow Skype on iPhone Network
Oct 7, 2009 | 2:26 pm
#1
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AT&T Will Allow Skype on iPhone Network
I assume this is good news. Does this mean I can use Skype on my iPhone in Paris with a local SIM card and not need to find a good wifi connection?
AT&T Inc. reversed its stance on the use of Skype and other Internet-phone applications by users of Apple Inc.'s iPhone, saying it would no longer block customers from using them on its wireless network.
The change means iPhone users will soon be able to use eBay Inc.'s Skype and other services on AT&T's high-speed 3G network, taking advantage of competitors' efforts to offer cheaper international calls and text messaging.
AT&T previously blocked iPhone customers from using Internet-phone applications on its cellular network, citing congestion concerns. However, customers have been allowed to use the software to make calls if using a Wi-Fi Internet connection, such as at home or at a coffee shop.
The change means iPhone users will soon be able to use eBay Inc.'s Skype and other services on AT&T's high-speed 3G network, taking advantage of competitors' efforts to offer cheaper international calls and text messaging.
AT&T previously blocked iPhone customers from using Internet-phone applications on its cellular network, citing congestion concerns. However, customers have been allowed to use the software to make calls if using a Wi-Fi Internet connection, such as at home or at a coffee shop.
Oct 7, 2009 | 3:18 pm
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I assume this is good news. Does this mean I can use Skype on my iPhone in Paris with a local SIM card and not need to find a good wifi connection?
Oct 7, 2009 | 4:11 pm
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If you have an unlocked iPhone, and a SIM with a decent data allowance, and if all carriers worldwide allow VOIP over 3G (probably fairly likely, though you can imagine some will block it).
Oct 8, 2009 | 1:22 pm
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Oct 8, 2009 | 1:32 pm
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Oct 8, 2009 | 4:49 pm
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I assume this is good news. Does this mean I can use Skype on my iPhone in Paris with a local SIM card and not need to find a good wifi connection?
But first we need to see Apple allow it--just because AT&T says it's OK doesn't mean Apple's going to make a policy change.
Oct 8, 2009 | 7:38 pm
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But first we need to see Apple allow it--just because AT&T says it's OK doesn't mean Apple's going to make a policy change.
Apple welcomed the announcement. "We are very happy that AT&T is now supporting VOIP applications," said Apple spokeswoman Natalie Kerris. "We will be amending our developer agreements to get VOIP apps on the App Store and in customers' hands as soon as possible."
Oct 8, 2009 | 8:10 pm
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yes, I think you'll need jailbroken, although some say with an unlocked phone and a NON AT&T carrier file, they can download skype and make calls over the cellular data connection.
That seems to make sense, since AT&T is now stating that they "are going to release a quick carrier file update" which MIGHT just then enable VOIP calls over data. So, if one had an unlocked phone, "other" SIM and a different carrier file, then yes it would work fine.
I've had a different AT&T carrier file installed in order to enable MMS and 3.0, without upgrading during any regular iTunes process. It is relatively trivial to do.
And, we have had vonage calling over cellular data for a couple weeks now?
That seems to make sense, since AT&T is now stating that they "are going to release a quick carrier file update" which MIGHT just then enable VOIP calls over data. So, if one had an unlocked phone, "other" SIM and a different carrier file, then yes it would work fine.
I've had a different AT&T carrier file installed in order to enable MMS and 3.0, without upgrading during any regular iTunes process. It is relatively trivial to do.
And, we have had vonage calling over cellular data for a couple weeks now?