When Vonage (NYSE:VG) introduced its Vonage Mobile application on Monday, it appeared as if the historically stingy AT&T (NYSE:T) was turning over a new leaf.
Vonage's app for discounted international phone calls works on AT&T's network, whereas earlier VoIP-driven App Store offerings -- led by eBay's (NASDAQ:EBAY) Skype -- worked only if the Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPhone or iPod touch owner was in an active Wi-Fi connection.
Well, AT&T now confirms that it's giving VoIP platforms the ability to use its carrier network, even if it means that Ma Bell will miss out on the juicy charges it could potentially collect if those calls were dialed directly.
Finally! AT&T has scoffed at everything from tethering to Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) Voice for iPhone owners, leading regulators to begin digging into the strict practices of carriers with handset exclusivity deals.
In short, AT&T is playing nice before it's forced to play nice.
"Until all wireless carriers live up to the unlimited [component] of their data plans, the streaming revolution will have to wait," I wrote last week, in response to how many of the iPhone's video and audio on-demand programs are restricted to Wi-Fi connectivity.
So is AT&T turning over a new leaf, or is it about to get whacked by a falling branch?
AT&T's network has been taxed by iPhone users who go through data like offensive lineman at a buffet spread. Opening the data floodgates to new applications is the right thing to do, but rivals will have a field day if the network deteriorates further.
Verizon (NYSE:VZ) is rolling out its clever "there's a map for that" ads, in a promotion of its seemingly wider 3G coverage area.
As VoIP apps become more popular, iPhone owners may downgrade to cheaper plans with fewer included minutes. That development could reduce the amount that AT&T is willing to pay to subsidize iPhones in the future -- if regulators don't break up exclusivity deals.
So props to AT&T for doing the right thing, but I wouldn't want to be an AT&T investor right now.
