In a promising sign of things to come, US carriers are now starting to permit Skype calls over the 3G mobile network.
US carrier Verizon will permit Skype calls over its 3G network starting in March, using a number of devices including several models of BlackBerry as well as Android smartphones from HTC and Motorola.
The iPhone is missing from that mix, of course, as Apple’s superphone remains exclusive to AT&T – which still only permits Skype calls to be made on Wi-Fi, despite the carrier announcing in September 2009 that it would ‘approve’ VoIP applications.
Verizon’s customers get a much better deal, however, with the ability to use the latest SkypeMobile client to make unlimited Skype calls to other Skype members, call international numbers using standard Skype Out rates and swap Skype-based instant messages.
Now we just have to hope that some brave Aussie network follows Verizon’s lead...