AT&T now allows Skype and Google Voice over cell network

Did that blow your mind? Because it just happened. I can’t believe it either.

I think it’s best if you heard this straight from AT&T because, honestly, I’d call BS from anyone else. Why would you be any different? Here’s a portion of the Press Release:

AT&T* today announced it has taken the steps necessary so that Apple can enable VoIP applications on iPhone to run on AT&T’s wireless network. Previously, VoIP applications on iPhone were enabled for Wi-Fi connectivity. For some time, AT&T has offered a variety of other wireless devices that enable VoIP applications on 3G, 2G and Wi-Fi networks. AT&T this afternoon informed Apple Inc. and the FCC of its decision.

It seems AT&T finally warmed up to the inevitable, and it’s not that surprising. Net neutrality is all the rage right now, and a decision like this makes AT&T more open about its network. They might have been be forced into something similar as a result of the proposed FCC rules about net neutrality. (Net neutrality means that service providers would not be able to block certain applications from use on their networks.)

Earlier this week, you may have been slightly tipped off—as I was—by the approval of the Vonage app for iPhone. It allowed for VOIP calls over cell networks, including AT&T. So, I guess we should have seen this coming. No word on whether AT&T will (eventually?) allow apps such Slingbox, but net neutrality rules may force them to in the end. In any event, this is a step in the right direction. I wonder how long this change will take to make its way to the App Store.

Read finance.yahoo.com