Apple responds to AT&T announcement

Apple will amend its App Store policies to allow Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) apps to be submitted, according to The Associated Press. The company's decision comes following AT&T's announcement that it will expand Internet calling services on the iPhone to include VoIP. "We will be amending our developer agreements to get VoIP apps on the App Store and in customers' hands as soon as possible," said an Apple spokesperson.

AT&T said the decision came "after evaluating our customers' expectations and use of the device compared to dozens of other we offer." The wireless provider has previously blocked VoIP apps on the iPhone, saying they compete with its own traditional voice services. The reversal of policy comes amongst recent FCC scrutiny over the competitive practices of US cellular carriers and suggestions of net neutrality for phone apps.

The allowance of VoIP apps on 3G will not likely affect the FCC's investigation into the Google Voice app for the iPhone. Both AT&T and Apple have both claimed that the wireless provider played no part in the rejection of Google Voice.

by MacNN Staff