AVNRWORLD

About seven months after AT&T said it would allow VOIP apps to its 3G network, and about four months after rivals Fring and iCall offered their own apps with 3G support, Skype has finally added that functionality. Ah, but that's only if you pay for it.

Skype 2.0 for the iPhone has been released, and it has some improvements, but the most notable one, the ability to use 3G for VOIP calls, will cost you. Here's the good news / bad news, with the full list of changes:

Upgrades / improvements include:

• Call using your 3G connection. Skype-to-Skype calls on 3G are free until at least end of August 2010, after which there will be a small monthly fee (operator charges for data will still apply).
• Near CD-quality sound for Skype-to-Skype calls using wideband audio (SILK codec) on iPhone 3GS and 2nd generation iPod touch.
• Enhanced call quality indicator.
• Improved start-up time.
• Fast access to the dial pad from iPhone home screen.

It's been two months since Verizon and Skype starting serving up VOIP on Verizon's 3G network, BTW, without that extra fee. The fee is likely one for Skype, not for AT&T.

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