3G Skype Calling Hits Apple's iPhones... for a Future Price

At long-last, a new version of the Skype application for the iPhone has been released and, more importantly, it allows owners of Apple's device to make outbound Skype calls using their 3G connections. Previously, Apple--and in many ways, AT&T--had forbidden such a practice due to competition between the network and Skype itself.

"We absolutely expect our vendors not to facilitate the services of our competitors," said Jim Cicconi, AT&T's senior executive vice president for external and legislative affairs, in an April interview with USA Today.

With the release of Skype 2.0 for the iPhone, users are no longer restricted to WiFi only calling. Skype-to-Skype calls over a 3G connection are free—for now, at least. The company has indicated that it plans to begin charging users for these kinds of calls beginning in September, but the service won't come in the form of a "buy a chunk of minutes" option akin to the company's Skype-to-landline or Skype-to-mobile calling services.

Instead, users will pay an undisclosed monthly fee for the ability to fire up Skype on their iPhones and call out to other Skype users. That's in addition to whatever fees or prices they already pay as part of their various calling plans with AT&T.

Skype-to-Skype calls over a WiFi connection will remain free, and it's unclear whether users will pay a fee in addition to paying for Skype minutes or unlimited calling plans when trying to make Skype calls to landline or mobile phones over the iPhone's 3G connection.

Currently, Skype users on Verizon smartphones can make all the calls they want for free—save for the standard rates that apply when using Skype to dial up a landline or mobile phone. The application works on Verizon's 3G service and doesn't cost a single penny extra to reach another Skype user, even though it only allows for Skype-to-Skype calls, instant messaging, and discounted international calling (you can't make calls out to U.S.-based numbers via the Skype app).

Of course, Skype and Verizon partnered up in February of this year to release the application across the carrier's various smartphones. It's been suggested that the fee for iPhone users is a way for Skype to maintain this partnership and still tap into the iPhone/AT&T market in some capacity—however, it's unclear whether Skype will be forking over a fraction of its to-be-determined monthly subscription costs to AT&T itself.