AT&T Reverses, Will Allow Skype on iPhones

AT&T has had a change of heart—perhaps prompted by an ongoing FCC inquiry into competition—and will now allow iPhone users to connect with Skype and other Internet phone services over its 3G wireless network. Previously, AT&T had allowed such services in only a limited capacity—through hot spots or Wi-Fi networks.

Ryan Kim, writing for the San Francisco Chronicle, loves the move: "You have to wonder if AT&T is doing this to head off government regulations requiring network neutrality. It might be easier to retreat on this issue than have the government require carriers to support all Internet services. At any rate, it's a nice development. Now, let's get Google Voice going on the iPhone, too." (More AT&T stories.)