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Just a week after incredible gains and speculation in Vonage Holdings (NYSE: VG) pushed its stock up over 400% in just a few days, the internet telephone company announced that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) has approved its iPhone app.
This is significant because of the nature of the app; it will allow iPhone customers to use their iPhones to place VoIP calls over the internet instead of using AT&T Inc.'s (NYSE: T) wireless network.
After the Google Voice fiasco a few weeks ago, it's interesting that Apple and its partner, AT&T, apparently do not have any problems with approving a voice calling application that would theoretically bypass AT&T's minutes. As the iPhone requires a $30 data plan -- and all these voice applications work over it -- it takes minutes (and money) from AT&T's coffers. Well, theoretically.
The stranglehold Apple and AT&T have on iPhone customers is bizarre -- one never knows why some applications are approved and others are not. Apple is in total control, and to its benefit this is why the iPhone and App Store ecosystem work so well: Apple puts user experience above all else, period.
But, it's no secret that Apple would love to bring the iPhone to non-AT&T customers and maybe even make the wireless carrier irrelevant over the next few years. Telecom providers, in a large way, are already "dump pipe" providers who just sell a commodity service (voice and data). Apple wants to further that along, as evidenced by approving a VoIP application that makes the wireless carrier less relevant.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
9-11-2009 @ 8:49PM
Craig said...
Oh, I get it now, Vonage is going to go over the data network and not over the cellular phone network. Cool. Right now the best thing going is of course Truphone, but if you are not in a wi-fi area, you have to use your minutes to connect to their VOIP system. So Vonage will kill Truphone, I reckon.