Confirmed: AT&T to Allow VoIP Over 3G Network, iPhone Owners Rejoice

Today, AT&T announced a shocking reversal of a policy that many considered to be the Achilles heal of the iPhone on the AT&T network. That’s right, AT&T announced today that they would permit VoIP apps to run on their 3G network and informed the FCC and Apple Inc. of their change of heart.

Yes, you read that right. However, we have no clue on what impact, if any, the decision will have on Google Voice apps for the iPhone/iPod Touch. However, users of Skype and Vonage should be seeing some 3G love soon.

AT&T, in their own words:

AT&T Extends VOIP to 3G Network for iPhone

Dallas, Texas, October 6, 2009
newsrelease
ShareThis

AT&T* today announced it has taken the steps necessary so that Apple can enable VoIP applications on iPhone to run on AT&T’s wireless network. Previously, VoIP applications on iPhone were enabled for Wi-Fi connectivity. For some time, AT&T has offered a variety of other wireless devices that enable VoIP applications on 3G, 2G and Wi-Fi networks. AT&T this afternoon informed Apple Inc. and the FCC of its decision.

In late summer, AT&T said it was taking a fresh look at VoIP capabilities on iPhone for use on AT&T’s 3G network, consistent with its regular review of device features and capabilities to ensure attractive options for consumers.

“iPhone is an innovative device that dramatically changed the game in wireless when it was introduced just two years ago,” said Ralph de la Vega, president and CEO, AT&T Mobility & Consumer Markets. “Today’s decision was made after evaluating our customers’ expectations and use of the device compared to dozens of others we offer.”

AT&T allows customers to download or launch on their wireless devices a multitude of compatible applications directly from any lawful Internet website. Additionally, because AT&T uses GSM technology, the most pervasive and open wireless technology platform in the world, we support customers using any GSM phone that works on AT&T’s frequencies.

Source: http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=27207

AT&T Rolls Out MMS on iPhone Today (9/25)

If you haven’t seen the free text yet, then check your phone.  AT&T is rolling out MMS (multimedia messaging) on their network today for iPhone.

This is a long awaited feature, one that many users have been quick to point out should have been included with the original iPhone launched in 2007.  Here we are more than two years later and the iPhone is just now getting the ability to send mms like many phones have been able to do for years.  However, AT&T is not the only one at fault here.

Apple did not include MMS functionality in the iPhone until it’s latest 3.0 firmware update.  This update didn’t hit iPhones until June of this year.  So while we had to wait for Apple to include the core functionality, AT&T was not ready for it either.  Unlike (nearly) every other carrier that was ready for mms, and rolled it out simultaneously with OS 3.0, AT&T chose not to enable the function until today.  Their reason? network bandwidth.  Apparently they are bracing themselves for an onslaught of MMS texts coming from the iPhone.

At any rate, it’s here.  Go get your carrier update file by simply connecting your iPhone to your computer with iTunes running.  The update is painless and takes less than 5 seconds to complete.  Then, voila! you’re off to a happy ending with MMS.