AT&T has announced an official change in a policy which has frustrated iPhone users ever since the handset got a 3G data connection. Previously, if you wanted to use Skype or another Voice over IP application to make free calls, you had to do it over Wi-Fi. AT&T wouldn’t let you use the 3G data connection at all.

Now, in a filing to the FCC, AT&T has relented, and iPhone owners will be able to make calls without ever using the phone part of the iPhone again:

[…] We also stated that we were taking a fresh look at the issue and would promptly notify the Commission of any such change in our policies. AT&T has completed its review of the matter and today we informed Apple that, effective immediately, AT&T consents to Apple enabling third-party VoIP applications for the iPhone that use our wireless network, including our 2G and 3G capabilities.

Aside from being great news for Skype and Vonage users, this is an interesting development. The general thought has been that AT&T didn’t want always-available VoIP because it would eat into its core business as a telephone company. The well known 3G congestion on AT&T’s network has also been suspected. This has all been upturned, for voice communications at least.

The new policy is limited to VoIP. Speaking to Ars Technica, AT&T said that it would still not be allowing video streaming or other high-bandwidth applications over 3G, including the currently gelded SlingPlayer. One day we may see it, but the Death Star moves slowly.

For full coverage of the business implications of this reversal, see AT&T Relents, Opens iPhone to Skype, VoIP on our sister blog, Epicenter.

AT&T has change of heart about VoIP over 3G for the iPhone [Ars]

FCC Filing [FCC-PDF]

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