Mobile VoIP makes a splash at MWC
Verizon and Skype used the MWC event in Barcelona to announce what might be considered as a surprise partnership. For Verizon customers with data plans, they will, from next month, be able to make and receive Skype calls and instant messages. Verizon says it will initially offer the VoIP and messaging service over its 3G network.
It's a bold move by Verizon, as it will surely undercut to some degree its circuit-switched voice services. The wireless giant is clearly aiming to broaden its subscriber base, however, pitching the service primarily at US users who usually make expensive international calls on normal mobile connections.
In other Skype news at MWC, Nokia said it will launch its first phone with Skype pre-installed (N97) in Q3 this year. Other pre-installed Skype devices will follow, says Nokia. A key advantage of preinstalled software is no bugs or awkward downloads and configurations.
There appears to be mixed messages on mobile VoIP here in Barcelona. While there is evidence that operators appear to be warming to it (see Broadsoft story today), there is also some feeling that they are probably against it. Some industry observers feel the reason why Apple removed the Google Voice app from its app store was because its mobile operator partners leaned on it to do so.