In the latest confirmation that wireless carriers are becoming little more than dumb pipes tasked with ferrying our wireless data to and fro, Skype has just updated their iPhone app to allow you to make VoIP internet phone calls using a 3G data connection. The Skype 2.0 update is now available in the iPhone AppStore to help you make free phone calls using your Apple phone’s data plan. That is, until August, when the company will start charging a monthly fee to make use of the Skype-to-Skype VoIP feature over a cellular data connection.
The introduction of free Skype-to-Skype VoIP calls on the iPhone isn’t new. The app has been able to make internet phone calls on Apple’s smartphone for as long as we can remember – the only caveat being that the VoIP calls were restricted to using a WiFi connection (unless you’ve been using a jailbroken iPhone). Today, that restriction no longer applies. iPhone users are now able to side-step their monthly rate plan by using their unlimited data plan to talk to other Skype users. This update follows on AT&T’s previous announcement that they would allow VoIP apps access to their cellular data network.
But, that’s not all. Skype 2.0 for iPhone also features near CD-quality audio, faster startup times, and more convenient access to the in-app dial pad. Keep in mind, though, that the free VoIP calling offer is only valid until August 2010. If you’re the type to stick “it” to “the man,” we suggest you go ahead and download Skype 2.0 from the AppStore (for free, even!) and avoid using your anytime minutes on AT&T. Yeah, that’ll show ’em!
Oh, and if you’re using a Windows Mobile smartphone and hoping to use Skype, our condolences.
– Skype 2.0 for iPhone (FREE) [iTunes link]
[Via: Phonescoop]