iPhone FaceTime over cellular for AT&T now available for some, even without LTE?

AT&T's decision to let only its customers on shared and new data plans pick up FaceTime over cellular may have riled some, but at least it's been able to roll-out the functionality earlier than the two-month window suggested in early November. MacRumors' forums are abuzz with word that their iOS devices (mostly on the East Coast) are now able to make FaceTime calls without WiFi. Perhaps more importantly, according to these early reports, you might not have to wield an LTE iDevice to use it, with several non-4G devices running iOS 6 able to stream faces elsewhere. If you're still getting the pop-up of misery (seen above), forum users suggesting switching your phone off and on again.

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Via: iOS VLog

Source: MacRumors

AT&T decides to offer FaceTime over cellular, but only on LTE devices with tiered data plans (update: sometimes on 3G)

AT&T decides to offer FaceTime over cellular, but only on LTE devices with tiered data plans

Well, it's no secret that AT&T ruffled some feathers with its decision to make FaceTime over cellular available only to those on shared data plans. After what we can only assume was some deep soul searching, the carrier has shifted gears... a little. Now you'll be able to fire up the video chat app on your iOS 6 device over LTE, so long as you're on one of the new tiered data plans. If you're still rockin' one of those unlimited data plans -- or if you're unable to hop onto LTE due to device choice or locale -- you're still out of luck. The company explained the decision to initially limit the availability of the feature was due to the number of iPhones on its network. In other words, it didn't think its infrastructure was ready to handle a sudden surge of video calls. FaceTime over cellular will slowly become available to those on Ma Bell's tiered data plans over the next eight to ten weeks. For a few more details, check out the PR after the break.

Update: AT&T tells us that you don't need to be actively using LTE, just have a device that supports it. That's an odd way to partition customers, although it does mean that there's more of a safety net for areas where LTE isn't widespread.

Continue reading AT&T decides to offer FaceTime over cellular, but only on LTE devices with tiered data plans (update: sometimes on 3G)

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AT&T decides to offer FaceTime over cellular, but only on LTE devices with tiered data plans (update: sometimes on 3G) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Nov 2012 14:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Verizon Wireless confirms FaceTime over cellular on all data plans

If you'll recall, AT&T was quick to inform users after WWDC that it would not be supporting FaceTime over Cellular on all of its data plans (you'll need a Mobile Share plan for it to work) when it launches as part of iOS6 on the 19th. Now Verizon has responded, confirming in its iPhone 5 press release that the feature is welcome on any data plan allowance. Of course, your usual data restrictions will still apply so we wouldn't leave those 720p backside illuminated cameras streaming for too long. If you're the type to set your watch by iPhone launches, the press release also mentions Friday at 3AM ET is the time when they'll be available for preorder on the website, check the rest of the details after the break.

Continue reading Verizon Wireless confirms FaceTime over cellular on all data plans

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Verizon Wireless confirms FaceTime over cellular on all data plans originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Sep 2012 23:35:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AT&T CEO responds to paid 3G FaceTime rumor, says it’s ‘too early’ to talk pricing

AT&T responds to paid 3G FaceTime rumor, refuses to commit either way

AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson has responded to rumors that Ma Bell plans to add an additional levy upon those planning to use FaceTime over cellular. Speaking at the Fortune Brainstorm conference, he's quoted as saying that he "heard the same rumor," but that it was "too early to talk about pricing." Of course, given that response, it looks like the company has at least been mulling an additional levy for the feature. At present, he says his primary focus is to work with Apple on ensuring the video calling technology works smoothly across his company's data network, with iOS 6 due to arrive later this year.

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AT&T CEO responds to paid 3G FaceTime rumor, says it's 'too early' to talk pricing originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Jul 2012 06:06:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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