Mobile operators could be preparing to charge customers for using Apple’s iOS video calling service FaceTime on their networks.
FaceTime was first introduced to iPhones and iPads in 2010, but has previously been limited to Wi-Fi connections. This is set to change with iOS 6, which brings 3G Facetime to cellular networks for the first time.
AT&T has not confirmed whether or not it plans to charge customers for 3G FaceTime usage on its network, but given the large amount of data that it is likely to demand, it seems a realistic proposition.
Other data-hungry iPhone features, such as voice-recognition software Siri, have been blamed for placing strain on 3G networks and many operators, including AT&T, charge its users an additional fee for tethering.
If similar plans were made by UK operators, it could raise the issue of net neutrality, the belief that all types of Internet traffic are treated the same.
Announced at its Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) last month, iOS 6 promises more than 200 features, including updates to Siri, better Facebook integration, new Safari and iCloud features and a brand new mapping application.
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Charging for FaceTime on 3G would be an act of sheer greed on the part of operators. They get paid for supplying the service and internet access, they shouldn't be so avaricious and want more. It's not business, it's greed.
I really doubt that they will in the UK anyway, iphone users are the operators cash cows who pay over the odds on their monthly contracts just to get the latest shiny apple offering.
Am I missing something?
Operators are going to charge for using FaceTime. Isn't this what they do already - i.e. data bundles and usage charges.
The days where every operator had an unlimited data allowance package are dying or dead.
FaceTime uses the data network, it's data hungry. FaceTime on the cell network will be expensive - you can't justify an additional charge based on the way you use your data. That's just a ridiculous idea/concept. After all 1mb of FaceTime or 1mb of Facebook, it's still your data allowance.
If anything, it should be a welcome revenue stream for the telcos as they will effectively be able to charge people to received calls via charging for you standard data allowance. (Assuming they have the capacity to handle this potential increase)
So a far more sensible article title would have been "telcos to review the way they charge for data in light of increase data usage for 3rd party services such as FaceTime et al".