We’ve watched with interest as mobile service providers try and decide how to charge (or not charge) for VoIP calls made over the mobile data channel, and policies continue to evolve on this issue. We also think the same might be said for how video over IP calls are managed by mobile providers. And it is noteworthy to observe that the billing and management policy varies domestically and even more so internationally. Meanwhile, video collaboration looms as an even greater concern.
Back in 2010, we reported on a Verizon Wireless plan to integrate a Skype mobile application. We have also reported other free and inexpensive apps and services that use a mobile data channel for to make voice calls. And a month ago we reported that MetroPCS will be offering voice as a service over LTE.
Still, carriers aren’t always sure of whether voice or VoIP that uses the data channel is friend or foe. The same could also be said about video calls made over a mobile broadband connection. For example, AT&T recently decided to limit FaceTime video sessions to users who have bought a shared data plan — a move that has created a stir among users and may generate an FCC review of net neutrality compliance.
MORE: Groups to file net neutrality complaint against AT&T
VoIP over mobile is also not always necessarily embraced by international mobile providers. For example, in South Korea mobile providers are allowed to block VoIP calls or charge extra for using the broadband data channel. TeliaSonera, a Swedish mobile operator, initially decided to charge extra for VoIP calls, then recently changed its policy to instead increase all data rates.
Our observations: Part of the issue for operators is how each country approaches regulation for net neutrality balanced with the operators’ need to make money on voice calls. When it comes to video calls, network capacity also becomes a huge factor given the significant bandwidth demands of a two-way video call.
As we did years ago when VoIP first appeared as a substitute for traditional wireline voice, we contend that VoIP over mobile is not a question of if but when. Consequently, carriers and regulators need to work together to address the business and public policy issues. If regulators don’t come up with a framework that allows net neutrality to coexist with mobile video collaboration, then everybody who uses mobile broadband will face the consequences.
