More than 2 years after Skype was introduced on phones running Windows Mobile OS, it was this week made available on the iPhone. With all the fanfare, you'd think it was a cutting edge, defining moment.
Most people know how Skype works. You can use your computer to talk to people using Skype on their computer for free. This capability has existed since the mid 90s using CUseeMe, but that's neither here nor there. What has made Skype popular is being able to bypass international tolls and the call quality is better than it was back then. Not too long ago, they began offering Skypeout so regular phones numbers could be dialed. For a while they offered free Skypeout calls, but now offer domestic and international plans for $3 to $10 per month.
Ok, so for $3/mo you can make unlimited domestic calls using Skype on an iPhone. Sounds cool, like you may be able to drop down to the cheapest cell plan and make all calls using Skype. That would be nice, but you have to have the app running in the foreground to receive a call and it only works over wifi, not over the cell network. Maybe I'm the only one, but places where I have wifi, I also have a computer and a phone with free unlimited calls. Maybe I just don't get it. Furthermore, when on wifi, my calls are already free using a Tmobile phone with WMA. It's completely transparent, no special app or phone book and no extra monthly fee.
The real problem here is that the iPhone is designed to prevent all applications including Skype from running in the background. It is the only smartphone designed this way. They claim it hurts performance, while blackberrys, windows mobile and symbian phones handle the challenge just fine.
Well, theoretically one could use Skype on an iPhone to make free calls to other Skype users while on a wifi-covered campus, at a mall, at Starbucks, etc. This is great and with the $3 plan, you can call land lines and cell numbers. But if the person you are calling is using an iPhone, chances are Skype is not running in the foreground so they will have to use cell minutes when they receive your call while paying for Skype service. Why would you use cell minutes when you both are paying for Skype?! Because it only works over wifi, that's why.
AT&T is laughing it up and Apple is showing their poker face.
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