New Tools Update: AT&T Gives the OK for 3G VoIP
In a reversal of their previous position, AT&T has declared that they will allow voice-over-IP services such as Skype to operate on their 3G network, essentially "un-crippling" the service, which could only be used over WiFi before now. As an AT&T iPhone user, I am of two minds about this. On the one hand, this will be a useful addition, particularly for making cheap long-distance calls.
However, on the other hand, this move is likely to further strain the capacity of AT&T's 3G network. In this case, their arguments for why they need to be able to manage their network traffic are actually legitimate, as iPhone use has pushed their 3G to the "edge," so to speak, particularly in urban centers, where it often slows to a crawl. So, my desire to be able to do whatever I want on my phone is sort of balanced by my desire to be able to do ANYTHING on my phone.
We will see how it works out, but kudos to AT&T for embracing openness.
- Dan Boscov-Ellen's blog
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