AT&T -Mr. Nice Guy?

After all the fervor over net neutrality with the FCC and AT&T and Apple over Google Voice in  the recent months,  AT&T has finally given in to allowing VoIP applications running over the air on the iPhone.

Until now, VoIP apps ran only on  wi-fi. Data on the iPhone runs without a cap  and according to AT&T, this will apply to VoIP as well.  VoIP app users can now settle for the lesser cost voice plan and  talk their little voices out on the cheap(some apps have a pricetag).

AT&T wireless head Ralph de la Vega issued a statement declaring that the shift was a response to customer demand:

IPhone is an innovative device that dramatically changed the game in wireless when it was introduced just two years ago. Today’s decision was made after evaluating our customers’ expectations and use of the device compared to dozens of others we offer.

Here is the AT&T Press release:

AT&T EXTENDS VOIP TO 3G NETWORK FOR IPHONEDALLAS, October 6, 2009 – 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.AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

The most prominent VoIP app that comes to mind, of course is Skype, but there are a lot of other nice VoIP apps out there for the iPhone which I am sure will be migrating over to data service. Some examples are fring, Truphone, iCall, JAJAH, Talkety, sipgate, and RingFree.

Although this new unbanning of VoIP apps does not change the current status between AT&T, Apple and Google Voice, the FCC is still looking into Apple’s and AT&Ts  assessment of the service claiming  that Google voice is the actual violator of net neutrality rules.