VoIP on Cell Phones: AT & T and Other Providers Change Policies

Although business VoIP is not a new concept, VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone systems are getting a lot of buzz this week because there have been two major developments with VoIP service on cell phones. First, Verizon announced that it would be incorporating Google’s Android platform into their new cell phones. This means that for lucky Verizon users, Google Voice is now a VoIP option. Secondly, AT&T announced a change to its current policy of banning the VoIP service such as Skype to work with Apple’s IPhone or IPod Touch to a plan that incorporates Apple products into the VoIP world. This AT&T VoIP controversy is being investigated by the Federal Communications Commission as it considered AT&T to be monopolizing phone features and blocking out competing programs and applications and therefore preventing net neutrality. These two announcements mark a change in cell phone usage abilities and users everywhere are rejoicing as this will lead to cheaper phone bills. This VoIP revolution may even spark people to consider using residential VoIP. Here is a breakdown of how each of the major applications works, which cell phone provider offers it and an explanation of their billing structure:

• Skype: Currently Skype works with Apple products only where Wi-Fi is available but soon Skype will be available anywhere AT&T has cell phone coverage and on all of their smart phones. International calls are charged a lower fee per minute as they are routed through the Skype network. This international fee is dependent on the country called.  This means customers could sign up for a monthly plan with fewer minutes because VoIP calls will not affect their minute consumption.
• Google Voice: Verizon is allowing Google Voice on two of its new cell phones. Google Voice is slightly different than other VoIP applications as it routes calls through a new phone number to an existing number. The application and most calls are free of charge and international charges are based on a Google posted schedule. Google Voice offers the most features but will require some getting used to as it is slightly more complicated than the other VoIP applications. Google Voice is currently only available by invitation (similar to how Gmail began) and is not accepted by Apple products. AT&T maintains that it is Apple and not AT&T who made this decision. Apple says it is relooking into offering Google Voice.
• Vonage Mobile: Vonage is available through a free download to AT&T customers who use the IPhone or IPod Touch as well as BlackBerry users. Apple products are charge differently than the BlackBerry. With Apple, calls made over a Wi-Fi connection are free, but if calls are made outside of a Wi-Fi area, Vonage will count it toward users’ monthly minutes. Regardless of call location, AT&T customers will pay a $25/month for the World Rate plan. BlackBerry’s will not use Wi-Fi but always be charged for used minutes.