AT&T Allows VoIP Over 3G Network, On iPHones!

VoIP Over 3G snapvoip.blogspot.com
AT&T  said in a news release that it is allowing VoIP applications like SIPON, SIPGate, and my most used VoIP App on iPhone, Skype, to ride over it's 3G wireless network. Many people and news networks like CNN, think it has to with recent FCC investigations over Google Voice App iPhone rejection and the congressional push for network neutrality.
But I think there is more., I have found my 3G network to be available when the bars on the wireless is basically zero. So far when the wireless network is bad I have been texting to fill the gap. I think AT&T hopes that the complains about call completion may go down once the VoIP is allowed over the 3G. I did post about the iPhone 3G Speeds but I am looking forward to test a few of my VoIP Apps over 3G, as soon as Apps are updated to take the advantage!
But where is my Google Voice App for iPhone?
Following is the press release by AT&T

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.

Skype For iPhone 1.2.1 Fixes Crash Issues.

Skype for iPhone,
If you  know by now, the skype for iPhone was the turning point for me. I started using in extensively since the Skype for iPhone App was released. Before that We were well known for "uninstall Skype" and "How Not To Be A Skype Super Node"
I used it to call landlines and other Skype members, both in US and abroad, such as Japan. without any major problems and good voice quality. That was until I upgraded to Skype For iPhone version 1.2. I had many problems, that I gave up using it.
But a post by Skype tells us that it has fixed some of the major issues in the Skype or iPhone 1.2.1 in this Skype Garage post;
Fixed issues

• Crashing in Dialing and History.
• Erroneous handling of international prefixes.
• Crashing due to special characters in contact names. 

I think that is a start and if you were disappointed like me, it is time to upgrade. You can do it from your iPhone by going to the App store and checking for upgrades or by visiting the app store via new iTunes 9.

From release notes for Skype 1.2.1 for iPhon;

• known issues:
  
  • Skype sometimes crashes on login.
  • When a call is resumed after being put on hold, the dialpad tones can no longer be heard.
  • The incoming call ringtone plays when a user is in Do Not Disturb mode.
  • Users are not able to edit phone numbers they have saved in their Contacts.
  • Skype Credit balance displayed above the Contact list does not always update when the user purchases more credit. Workaround: Users are advised to sign into their account on skype.com/go/account to check their true credit balance.
  • Contact requests that contain more than 50 characters are not legible. Workaround: users are advised to limit the length of their contact requests.
  • Blocking a contact does not give response to user
  • Canceling Creating SMS does not work
  • Sometimes "No network" alert is not displayed when network is lost
  • Skype may crash on closing conversation
  • New account sign-up password rules are not explained to user

Another VoIP For iPhone Solution From GoIP.

COPENHAGEN, DENMARK, SEPTEMBER 4TH, 2008

GoIP International launches an iPhone VoIP in a Box platform with highly advanced VoIP services, as a complete private label solution As the iPhone is expected to be sold in 70 countries before New Year, GoIP International has during the past many months created an amazing VoIP product for the growing iPhone success. Estimated market is currently over 10 million iPhone 2G and 3G users, which is expected to grow to up towards 45 million users at end of 2009 according to analyst PiperJaffray. Currently Apple produces 800.000 new iPhone devices weekly.

The iPhone has already revolutionized the way we use mobile communication. GoIP International sees a great growth potential for service providers to offer their own complete iPhone VoIP service as an add-on to their existing telecommunication portfolio, or needs a stand-alone solution to enter into the new wave of advanced communication services.

GoIP’s iPhone “VoIP in a Box” platform enables Telecom Service Providers to offer a set of unique VoIP services to iPhone users. The unique services includes, free calling between iPhone users, VoIP calls via Wi-Fi, location based service access, utilizing the built in GPS, using existing mobile number as caller ID on outbound VoIP calls, auto top-up of account, controlling multiple rate plans, multilingual front- & backend system.

As an example, ISP’s could add additional services like locating their nearest hot spot to access their VoIP service, or use the GPS for other location based services via the GoIP iPhone client - when information becomes available.

Each customer with an iPhone and the GoIP VoIP application will be able to travel the world and access a multitude of services on the fly – customized to each Service Providers wish and desires.

GoIP International has recently been approved as an official Apple Developer, and can assist Service Providers in launching their customized iPhone VoIP services on the successful App Store, which in the first 30 days, had over 60 million Application downloads, and is averaging US$ 1 million in sales a day explains Ivan Solvason, Founder & CEO.

The GoIP International “VoIP in a Box” platform is a proven VoIP platform that has been in commercial operation for more than 4 years and can be provided as a turnkey solution incl Hosting (ASP model) or integrated with existing Service Providers telecom infrastructure.
http://goip.com/

Tags: GoIP, iPhone, iPhone VoIP, VoIP in a Box, iPhone VoIP service

SIPGate Opens iPhone SIP Applications For VoIP.

If Apple, and Steve Jobs does not like VoIP applications on iPhone (old News, and I think it is mainly phone companies that does want it) it does not seem to have deterred any one. One of the first SIP based VoIP applications for iPhone has been has been released to match the time of new iPhone 3G.
Since now the 3G speeds are higher, may be carriers want you to use their lines for everything, including web browsing and email. But it remains to see what the future holds for iPnone users. Now that the 3G is available and the prices have been halved, the number of users will multiply as well. The disappearing exclusive deals for carriers should also put users at ease. Then again, other phone manufacturers will also learn from the Apple moves and act accordingly.
Here is the press release from SIPGate about their SIP application for iPhone.

• SAN FRANCISCO, CA - June 4, 2008 - sipgate Inc. today announces the immediate availability of a free application for the iPhone, which, for the first time allows consumers to natively use any VoIP service which uses the industry standard SIP. Consumers can now use their iPhones to make and receive VoIP calls from their devices over a Wi-Fi Internet connection using a wide variety of VoIP providers. The VoIP-enabling software is available from sipgate's website www.sipgate.com.
• With the sipgate service, users can dial any number without using minutes from a wireless plan. This is particularly useful when calling to or from other countries, as call costs can be as high as $3 per minute. However, when using a VoIP service, costs can be kept as low as $0.01 per minute. sipgate is giving new users 111 free minutes for domestic calls for users to test out VoIP usage on the device*.
• Another benefit of sipgate is that consumers can use any domestic or international number provided by their VoIP service on their iPhone. This means that they can make and receive calls from different domestic and international numbers, all on a single device.
• Thilo Salmon, CEO of sipgate commented: "We love VoIP and we love the iPhone so we are giving people like us who always wanted VoIP on the iPhone the ability to use any SIP-based VoIP service they want. We are thrilled that Apple is opening up the iPhone and we look forward to taking part in future application development.”
• Salmon continued: "As a company we strive to make useful services accessible to everyone. There will be more innovation for businesses and consumers coming from sipgate this year, so keep your eyes open for more news.”
• * charges from third parties for Wi-Fi or VoIP subscriptions may apply

link for Sipgate iPhone SIP Application could be found here.

Tags: 3G iPhone, iPhone, iPhone VoIP, SIP FOr iPhone, iPhone VoIP, Apple sip stack