Somehow, the announcements on the same day that Verizon is linking up with Google on mobile phones, and that AT&T will allow iPhone users to use Skype on its mobile network, feel significant.
There has been a long stand-off between US mobile phone operators and software companies that offer voice over internet services. Google Voice is the latest example of such services, which potentially save consumers money by allowing them, among other things, to make cheap international calls.
However, Verizon took a decisive step forward today by announcing that it will offer phones running Google’s Android software this year, and allow the full use of Google Voice on them.
Now, AT&T has conceded that iPhone customers can use Skype over its network as well as on WiFi networks. Apple says that it is still considering whether to approve a Google Voice application for the iPhone but this decision will put pressure on it to do so.
Whatever this means for common carriage and network neutrality, it is good news for consumers. It also reflects increased regulatory pressure from the Federal Communications Commission on mobile phone operators to embrace openness.
