When I spoke to Skype CEO Josh Silverman yesterday regarding his partnership with Verizon (s vz) , I asked him: When is Skype going to launch an upgrade to its iPhone app that would allow us to use the service over 3G networks? His answer: “Very soon.”
Skype is one of the most popular free apps in the iTunes App Store; it’s currently ranked No. 52. The company has been lobbying the FCC to make sure that mobile phone companies allow Skype usage over their 3G wireless broadband connections. The lack of VoIP support over AT&T’s 3G network has caused major consternation amongst iPhone owners. AT&T (s T) and Apple (s AAPL) recently allowed VoIP calls over Ma Bell’s 3G wireless network, but Skype has been dragging its feet.
Skype said earlier this month that it was holding back the release of its app for a little while longer because it wanted people to get wideband audio and a good quality audio experience. Silverman said yesterday that Skype was “tuning” its software and the Skype users “will have it very soon.”
What he means by “very soon” is open to debate. If I had to guess, I would say we should expect upgrades in the second quarter of 2010. What is your best guess?
