It has only been a few weeks after the FCC set its aim on net neutrality, and we are already seeing some changes in the industry. AT&T just announced that it will allow Voice over IP (VoIP) applications to run across its network, an issue that was brought into the spotlight after Apple rejected the Google Voice app from the iPhone app store.
Google Voice, which offers free call routing, text messaging and voice mail in addition to VoIP services, is largely thought to have been banned because it encroaches on voice and text messaging services offered by AT&T. The banning led to an FCC investigation which is still ongoing.
Skype, Vonage and other VoIP apps have been limited to using Wi-Fi to place calls, though some apps place a call to a special number over AT&T's voice network and then convert into VoIP to get around AT&T's restriction. AT&T's announcement clears the way for these apps to simply use the 3G network.
But don't think AT&T is giving in to net neutrality out of kindness. The FCC reiterated its stance on wireless providers on Wednesday, adding that the spectrum used as the backbone of wireless communications would be expanded to compensate for increased mobile data usage.