Apple and Skype React to AT&T's Announcement of Support for iPhone VoIP Services

Following AT&T's announcement that it will now allow iPhone Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services over its mobile network, Apple and VoIP provider Skype have issued public statements reacting to today's announcement.

The Associated Press reports that Apple will be moving forward as quickly as possible to enable customers to take advantage of the functionality.

Apple welcomed the announcement. "We are very happy that AT&T is now supporting VOIP applications," said Apple spokeswoman Natalie Kerris. "We will be amending our developer agreements to get VOIP apps on the App Store and in customers' hands as soon as possible."

Skype president Josh Silverman also applauded the move, as his company will now be able to expand the usability of its iPhone application, which has been limited to Wi-Fi access only for VoIP services.

All of us at Skype applaud today's announcement by AT&T (in an FCC filing to be published shortly - update, it's here in PDF format) that it'll open up its 3G network to Internet calling applications such as Skype. It's the right step for AT&T, Apple, millions of mobile Skype users and the Internet itself.

Silverman notes, however, that the company still hopes to see government policies enacted to provide for the openness necessary for Skype to be available throughout the industry.