Apple is going to allow VoIP clients on the iPhone using it's new SDK.
More specifically, Jobs stated that, as long as an application is not using the mobile carrier's network, VoIP functionality in applications will be allowed. The exact wording from the iPhone SDK agreement is that "If an Application requires or will have access to the carrier network, then additionally such Application: ... May not have Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) functionality."
The limitations on VoIP over cellular is probably a requirement from AT&T and is part of their contract. However I would also expect the developers to quickly work their way around this (the rub of course is the App Store).
However expect to see Skype and Gizmo Project among others to quickly get their clients out. Skype on the iPhone would make a great product to use overseas to get around ridiculous roaming charges.
The biggest benefit of the iPhone SDK is that it ushers the mobile application space into a whole new world. The App Store will revolutionist the delivery of mobile apps the same way iTunes revolutionized the music delivery world.
App Store should not be underestimated in it's impact.
Greg Royal is one of the original founders of Cistera Networks and has been the chief technology officer/EVP since 2001. He has more than 20 years of IT sales, marketing and management experience in New Zealand, Australia and the US. He also has significant experience in designing and deploying large scale IT systems including experience in financial services, government, education and retail.
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Spel this
Dude--learn the difference between "its" and "it's."
IPHONE and VOIP
I think you are talking using Wifi as the access and not the GRPS. If you are using unsecured Wifi access points, your conversation could be wifitapped - as opposed to wiretapped- very easily.
I don't think VoIP while
I don't think VoIP while sipping latte's at Starbucks is the market they're focusing on here...short-term think campus deployments where wifi voip can be secured with sRTP or other encryption/authentication.
Long term, mobile-IP will offer end to end security no matter where you are.
Wouldn't it be nice with 3G
This would really be something if the iPhone supported 3G networking, then you wouldn't have to find a wi-fi hotspot and could use your unlimited data to make your VOIP calls. Ah, to dream.