FCC Chairman Genachowski Praises AT&T's Wireless VoIP Move

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski on Monday praised the Tuesday move, by AT&T, to no longer prevent customers with Apple’s iPhone from using voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP) telephone services bypassing AT&T’s voice network. AT&T and Apple have been in a long-running spat with Google over who is to blame for incompatibilities between the various devices and services offered by the three companies.

“When AT&T indicated, in response to the FCC’s inquiry, that it would take another look at permitting VoIP on its 3G network I was encouraged,” Genachowski said in a statement. “I commend AT&T’s decision to open its network to VoIP. Opening wireless services to greater consumer choice will drive investment and innovation in the mobile marketplace.”