So now that you know that apple has let skype develop an application for the iPhone that allows you to chat and receive calls. But..and there is a but here, you wouldn’t expect anything less would you? You can’t make phone calls over 3g.  If you have a wireless connection on your iPhone then you can make and receive skype calls without a hitch.   You think At&T would want you to not use your minutes and only use your data unlimited plan? Think again mon frere’.

From the Skype FAQ:

Can I use Skype over 3G?

Most 3G networks should support Skype presence and chat.  However, Skype calling is not possible via the iPhone. Please note that data usage costs apply for using Skype over 3G mobile networks, so we recommend an unlimited data plan.

That said, if you have wireless and want to call locally or internationally its not a bad deal because you won’t be using your minutes – its around $2/month for US nation wide.

Update: According to commenter (cleve) if you jailbreak and use the beta of  3.0 OS for iPhone you can use skype over 3g.  Check out the video here.  The question of course is will that actually last when they roll out with the non-beta version of customers.  I suspect not.

Can I use Skype on my iPhone or iPhone 3g to make free phone calls?

Yes and no.  Skype already offers several mobile applications that you can download on other phones, just not an iPhone.

Update: 3-30-09: YES you can.(not to be confused with Obama)  Check out this link.  You need a monthly subscription or you can do pay as you go credit.
With Skype you can make free calls over the Internet. Skype – the whole world can talk for free(yeah yeah blatant advertisement…what can I say, I like Skype)


There is another company that uses Skype-out that has a program called IM+ for Skype.  Basically you either pay them 5 bucks a month or just buy it for 30 bucks.  The program allows you to chat with your Skype buddies or call out but it is not using VOIP (Voice over IP). It is using the Skype out feature to call the person, and then call your iPhone so its like calling a conference call center where you are both connected.  It uses your incoming minutes on your cell phone so you’re not really saving any money by doing it unless you’re trying to do international calling from your cell phone, then the rates make sense.

But what if you want to do voice over ip and not use your minutes?  First things first, you may ask, “Can 3g support VOIP?”.

Yes it can, but you also have to understand that using VOIP over the 3g network violates your terms of service with AT&T… beacuse you know, they want you to use your minutes and not use the unlimited data plan.  Now it is not a violation to use VOIP over wireless network.  So if you’re in your house or a place with free wifi and want to make calls out using VOIP portion of Skype then bamn! You’re all good.  Except you need to wait.

Fring has already come out with a working solution for the first iteration of the iPhone; pre 2.0 update.  They have not finalized code or even come up with a beta offering for the new version, but they did sucessfully test the functionality on the first iPhone and it works good enough to use.  If you have not updated to the 2.0 software and have an original iPhone well you’re missing out on all the cool stuff, but you also don’t have to wait you can download the beta right now – after you jailbreak your iPhone.

If you are interested in seeing how Frig works with cell phones, check out this video. While he’s not using the iPhone, the concept is the same.