The Guardian
topics
Close Box

News From Us:

Our latest report; our new video section; and jobs with paidContent.org and paidContent:UK


Facing FCC Scrutiny, AT&T Backs Down, Allows Internet Phone Apps On iPhone

AT&T (NYSE: T) will no longer prevent internet voice apps from running on its 3G network, the WSJ reports. This means that iPhone users will now be able to download apps from internet voice providers like Skype and make calls using wi-fi networks. In blocking such services previously, AT&T said web-based phone services would clog up the telecom’s heavily used 3G network. Despite that worry, AT&T only blocked iPhone users from accessing internet phone usage, as other devices were free to use Skype and other similar services.

The reversal follows a Federal Communications Commission investigation into why Google (NSDQ: GOOG) Voice app was barred from Apple’s App Store.

AT&T’s decision to allow internet phone apps to run over its 3G network doesn’t automatically clear the way for Google Voice placement in the app store, as Apple (NSDQ: AAPL) said it made that determination on its own.

Related Stories
Oct 6, 2009 4:41 PM ET

AT&T Bars Photo: AT&T

Share

Posted In: Mobile, Technologies / Formats, 3G, Companies, Apple, iPhone, AT&T

  • Reverse lookup

    The networks blocking services and the like is unacceptable—we pay our bills and our phones, so why can we not use it for what we want?

The Economics of Content | paidContent Newsletter

Know something we don’t?

Send Us a News Tip

All tips are anonymous and untraced.

Sponsors

Contributors