VoIP on the iPhone: In Embracing the Enemy, AT&T Furthers Innovation
Yesterday, AT&T announced the new and complete reversal of policy regarding VoIP and the iPhone. The move will allow applications like Skype's to be used over the provider's 3G networks. Stockholders fear that AT&T is becoming simply a "dumb pipe" has caused its stock to dip, but this decision opens doors that many may be grateful for further down the road.
Earlier this year we ran through the history of VoIP, which was largely led by Skype and its innovations in making international calls possible over the desktop. With its legacy and the software’s popularity, it only makes sense that Skype will also lead into the VoIP revolution on our mobile devices. These mobile devices that are now extremely compact and powerful computers.
With developers all over the iPhone, they have just received one more variable to play with: Voice. The barrier has been removed and increased innovation is likely through healthy capitalist competition. Truth is, with our inventory of screens fragmenting, so should the possibilities for making phone calls. Startups such as JaJah will be able to deconstruct, rethink, and develop what we know as the "phone" in ways we never imagined. Intuitive interfaces we never considered will be developed as startups like Tiny Chat and Facebook (new voice chat) move to mobile. Multiplayer mobile games could include voice chat and brands have a new touch point to build upon.
Sure, analysts are seeing disruptive forces at work in the telecom industry, but AT&T has made a brave move that ought to be praised. They noticed change and chose to embrace it. Perhaps they will now do the same with Google Voice .
