AT&T may relax anti-VoIP rules

(Update with official news) AT&T may back away from its policy against Internet calling apps on the iPhone based on a leak circulating just before the fall CTIA show. Those close to the provider's executives reportedly told the Washington Post it's "close" to accepting voice over IP apps on all phones, including data-heavy devices like the iPhone. When this would take effect, if at all, isn't clear.

A decision would mark a large shift in AT&T's policies, as it has readily admitted disallowing VoIP on iPhones with its current cellular infrastructure. Software like Skype and Truphone is allowed on the device, but only as long as it makes calls on Wi-Fi and thus doesn't compete with AT&T's own voice service. However, the company has for months argued that lag and other technical factors give it little incentive to allow VoIP and that it will allow VoIP on 4G for any device as voice and data will finally share similar technology.

If a push for VoIP becomes real, the change may stem from the FCC's proposed rules for net neutrality with mobile apps that would bar AT&T and other US carriers from blocking or slowing down specific apps simply for their bandwidth use or their competition with existing services. Publicly, the CTIA, a mobile industry organization that AT&T supports, has criticized the measure but hasn't singled out VoIP as an issue.

Update: AT&T later the same day has confirmed the de-restriction.

By Electronista Staff