Sprint, Verizon repeat aims to allow FaceTime on all tiers
updated 03:21 pm EDT, Thu September 13, 2012
Counters ATT push for more expensive plans
(Updated with news of device support) Sprint and Verizon are repeating earlier statements that unlike AT&T, their subscribers will be able to use FaceTime over cellular without upgrading plans. AT&T is forcing users to move to more expensive shared data plans if they want 3G/4G FaceTime, in spite of similar apps being unrestricted. The difference may be that FaceTime is integrated into iOS, making it more easy to access and thus more likely to consume bandwidth.
Update: AT&T and Verizon have added that FaceTime over cellular will be supported for any device Apple has enabled with the technology. That means that the iPhone 4S and third-generation iPad should be supported as well, not just the iPhone 5. The option is a part of iOS 6, which will go live on September 19th.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: 05-19-04
I moved from Verizon to AT&T, because local coverage was better for me and the iPhone didn't exist at the time on Verizon. At that time, I was happy, because my new AT&T plan cost the same as the dumb phone plan I was leaving on Verizon.
I discovered the GSM benefit of being able to talk on the phone at the same time as I was searching the internet. This was great, but the AT&T network in my area got crushed with the influx of other people like me, and the service degraded rapidly. In fairness, it has gotten better lately with their pseudo-4G rolling out to even my rural crevice.
Times have changed since I made the switch, and AT&T reverted to stupid. They really can't help themselves. The value proposition of their new plans (4S and forward) just plain suck. As an exercise in frustration, ask them what it costs to re-activate an iPhone 3GS that is well out of contract. Surprise! It cost the exact same as any subsidized on-contract iPhone!