3G network is now opened for iPhone VoIP apps by AT&T, Verizon strikes back

by J.C. Sumner  |  October 7, 2009

Apple can finally begin to process VoIP applications over the AT&T 3G network on iPhones, courtesy of AT&T's steps taken in this purpose. Before this announcement, the AT&T network was closed to VoIP applications, meaning that iPhone apps and not only, like Skype or Truphone could only run in Wi-Fi.

AT&T previously enabled VoIP apps on other wireless devices, now informing both Apple and FCC of their decision. Although Apple has the green light for iPhone, it might take a while before VoIP over 3G apps can appear in the Apple App Store, due to the fact that developers of VoIP applications will have to update their code in order to enable the 3G connectivity.

AT&T CEO, Ralph de la Vega, has stated that the decision “was made after evaluating our customers' expectations and use of the device compared to dozens of others we offer”.

Meanwhile, Verizon launches a head-on attack at AT&T (a direct competitor on the US mobile market)  with a mock-up ad based on the Apple headline “There's an app for that”. The new TV commercial specifically targets AT&T and the iPhone, and lists various scenarios after which saying “there's a map for that”, displaying in the background the Verizon wireless 3G coverage map for US. Later in the spot, the announcer states that “if you want to know why some people have spotty 3G coverage, there's a map for that too”, while showing an iPhone user with AT&T's much less able 3G coverage map. You can view the commercial just below.  Seems like AT&T's above decision to loosen up its iPhone regulations is pretty justifiable, but we wonder if they'll stop just at that, and disregard Verizon blatant attack.

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