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AT&T allows VoIP over cell network
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7 October 2009 |
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AT&T on Tuesday did a 180 and announced that its existing policy of disabling voice applications like Skype and Fring would be changed, and customers are now free to use VoIP-enabled software over the carrier's cellular network.
Until this announcement, these types of applications were only usable using wireless networks, but customers were upset about not being able to take advantage of cheaper call rates. The ban was only applicable, however, to Apple's iPhone handsets, as other types of handsets were able to utilise VoIP applications.
Speculators have suggested that AT&T instituted the ban as a way to protect its data network from massive congestion, although have been upgrading their current network to accommodate the influx of newer, web-capable handsets.
Earlier on Tuesday Verizon and Google held a joint press conference announcing their partnership, and stressing network openness, which most likely promoted AT&T to lift the ban....
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