Apple approves IP calls over GSM for iPhone
I’m very pleased to have read a couple of stories in the telecoms press about approval of iPhone applications which help users save money on calls from their mobile handsets. Typically these involve the provision of alternative numbers – such as Simon Maddox 0870 Android and iPhone application. iPhone approval was a long time coming. According to Maddox’s website, his application was originally rejected for attempting to “circumvent carrier features and policies”.
According O2 -and as reported in The Guardian – the delays had nothing to do with its policies. An O2 spokesperson told Guardian Technology “We have no problem with the app at all… We didn’t hold it up.”
If that is the case (and there appears to be more evidence given yesterday’s Vonage press release which very importantly states that international IP calls may be made over cellular networks as well as WiFi) this can only be good news for innovation, choice and ultimately the customer’s pocket.
There is little doubt that MNOs have a huge amount to lose in terms of short/medium term revenues by allowing IP calls to be made over their lucrative GSM networks. However small, these are bold steps and although restricting IP over GSM to international calls is intended to minimise revenue loss, it is still a step in the right direction.