Greenwich, Conn. – VoIP calling over 3G cellular came to
the iPhone with the launch of an Apple-authorized app from
.
The app follows a revision made by Apple its licensing agreements
with applications developers. “We revised our program license agreement in
conjunction with our updated software development kit (SDK) for iPhone, iPod
touch and iPad Apps,” an Apple spokesperson told TWICE. “Included in this
update is the ability for developers to create VOIP apps that utilize cellular
networks.”
The move was lauded by FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski. “I commend Apple’s decision to open its
platform to 3G calling, an action that will create new opportunities for
entrepreneurs and provide more choices for consumers,” Genachowski said.
Previously, iCall’s VoIP app for the iPhone, and other VoIP apps
for the iPhone, operated over Wi-Fi, but the first steps toward allowing VoIP
calling via iPhones over a 3G data channel came last October. That’s when AT&T
said it took the necessary steps to make it possible for VoIP apps on iPhones to run on the AT&T network.
AT&T had already enabled other handsets to use VoIP applications over its
3G and 2G cellular network.
Apple’s license revision change was the final step to make 3G VoIP
over an iPhone.
Greenwich, Conn.-based iCall claimed to be “the first and only
VoIP application” thatuses 3G on the iPhone. “Until today [Jan. 27], restrictions
imposed on developers prohibited VoIP functionality on any 3G network,” iCall
said.
iCall CEO Arlo Gilbert said Apple’s change of heart ” heralds a
new era for VoIP applications on mobile platforms, especially for iCall and our
free calling model.”
