The iPhone and VoIP; Revolution or Pricey Gimmick?

With the entire world on the edge of its collective seat waiting for the release of Apple’s iPhone next week, the question for VoIP addicts out there is whether or not the sleek new portable will have quite the muscle it needs to run VoIP applications and services. Mobile VoIP is the next wave, or so we’re told, so it’s not surprising that so many people are clamoring for more information.

For the most part, the technology of the iPhone’s WiFi capacity, Address book integration, 32-bit Operating System is all the basis needed to start bringing mobile VoIP to the mainstream. The particular SIP protocol that works with mobile phones is especially situated for this technology.

The market is currently burgeoning with a few new and developing SIP providers. However, with their infrastructure and the already developed .Mac framework, Apple could easily kick out their own SIP offering for use with the iPhone. It’s a question that is yet to be answered, especially with the stalwarts at AT&T keeping their doors and vaults guarded against such a use of the product. Ultimately, the question is whether or not it is more profitable for Apple to exclusively sell its product with AT&T or to offer the cutting edge options that so many of us wish they would independently.

So, with Apple making substantial sums of money either way with astronomical hardware sales and content downloads, what does that leave for AT&T? Lots and lots of service fees. And unfortunately, that’s what it’s looking like for the iPhone’s VOIP future.

AT&T has unfortunately already announced that they will charge a completely separate lineup of fees for the iPhone, essentially offering a separate billing contract for the device. This is most likely in response to the heavy data load the iPhone demands with its integrated internet features.

So, with more than $600 plus tax for the phone, a two year contract, and a data plan that no one is quite sure how much will cost yet, the iPhone is a pricey option for VoIP. The WiFi capabilities are still substantial, but they’re only useful when you’re in the right area and have the access to WiFi you need to use it.

For those that do get the iPhone though, give it a shot every now and then. We all know VoIP will work beautifully with this baby and if you’ve already spent that kind of money, get the most you can out of it. Just remember when the bill comes that those calls are still being paid for, regardless of how free the VoIP is.