Apple opens up VoIP over 3G, finally
Finally both Apple and AT&T have approved 3G VoIP on the iPhone, but strangely some developers seem a bit slow to take up the opportunity. The biggest name in the market, Skype, still hasn’t updated their app to allow 3G calls. Multi-protocol communication app Fring was the first to enable the feature, albeit ironically piggy-backing on Skype’s service.
I’m not that eager for Skype to adopt (or to use Fring) anyway, because it still costs something to call landline or mobile numbers. The only free calling is to Skype friends, of which I have zero.
Enter iCall. Never heard of it until this post, dunno why. But it does exactly what interests me most with news of the end of the 3G VoIP ban: make calls to anyone anywhere you have 3G service, starting at free.
The free calling is fairly limited, and all calling apps are too involved to be complete replacements for native iPhone calling, but it’s certainly useful enough that I can see myself making several lengthy calls a month via the service to keep my minutes in check.
It still says the free service is via the desktop client software only, but they may just be behind updating their website. I installed the app today and have made several successful test calls.
To be fair, iCall’s advantage is free limited service for occasional calling. If you want to get into a VoIP service for heavier and more routine usage, their plan is $10/month for unlimited calling, while Skype’s unlimited plans (to any number) start at just $3/month.
