It is known that Apple and AT&T have an agreement to block VoIP applications from using AT&T’s mobile network. However an article on zdnet states VoIP apps using WiFi are fine.
The Apple and AT&T agreement is stated in a letter sent to the FCC by AT&T. The letter clarifies that AT&T and Apple agree that Apple will not enable the iPhone to uses AT&T’s wireless service (2G, 3G and WiFi) to make VoIP calls without accessing consent from AT&T.
It is suggested that without this agreement the price of the iPhone would have been greater than it is. AT&T frequently review their capability and feature policies, and are said to take a “fresh look” at the possibility of authorising VoIP capabilities on the AT&T 3G network for the iPhone. For more information head to phonesreview.
Within the next 10 years, it is predicted that half of all mobile calls will be made using VoIP software.
According to Gartner.com, mobile VoIP will challenge traditional mobile models, as 4G connections are developed with mobile handsets in mind.
It is predicted that many VoIP calls will be made using social media sites like Facebook, MySpace, Google and Yahoo!, whilst over half of all mobile calls will be made using VoIP software.
Until 4G networks are fully implemented, mobile to mobile VoIP calling won’t happen and this isn’t predicted until 2017, but because the costs associated with making VoIP calls are considerably lower than current mobile rates the transition to VoIP will be fairly rapid, with people eager to make a saving.
Gartner have said that it is possible that one day all mobile calls will be made using VoIP technologies.
Read more at VoIP News.
