Updated June 1, 2010, 7:45 p.m. ET
Skype 2.0 for iPhone with the ability to make calls over AT&T's 3G network has finally gone live. Skype, however, plans to begin charging a small fee for Skype-to-Skype calls next year.
Back in February, Skype announced on its blog that a 3G VoIP app would be available "soon." Skype has said that it delayed the introduction of the app so that it could offer a call quality meter and higher quality audio to help with voice quality in low-bandwidth situations. Apple amended its developer agreements to enable VoIP apps for the iPhone 3G in the Apps Store. Previously users could only use VoIP applications over WiFi.
Indeed, the new Skype app includes wideband audio along with a call-quality indicator that moves form red to yellow to green depending on coverage. Other features include an improved start-up time and fast access to the dial pad from the iPhone home screen.
Skype is working to make sure its pricing options will be in line with customer expectations. The VoIP company has not decided what it will charge for the app but will make its announcement later this year.
"Offering certain product features on a paid-for basis allows Skype to continue to invest in developing the innovative products that its users are constantly asking for. Skype knows its users expect great value from its paid products and believes the 3G calling capability delivers that," a Skype spokesman told Phone Scoop. "However, Skype is also committed to ensuring that the pricing for 3G calling on the iPhone will be in line with customers' expectations."
For more:
- see this release
- read this Phone Scoop article
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