Following Apple’s iPhone 5 reveal, Verizon Wireless finally announced its decision concerning FaceTime over cellular. Verizon stated that it will allow all iPhone 5 data plan subscribers to use iOS 6’s FaceTime over cellular for no additional charge, unlike AT&T, which took the opposite stance back in July, announcing that it would be charging for FaceTime over cellular.
Previously FaceTime has been limited to Wi-Fi use, but FaceTime video calling over cellular networks will be enabled on September 19 when iOS 6 is launched. However, that doesn’t mean everyone will be able to use this new feature free of charge, unless you are a Verizon Wireless customer that is. In a press release, Verizon stated that “customers wanting to use FaceTime on their iPhone 5 can do so using any Verizon Wireless data plan allowance.” Bad news for iPhone 4S users, though, as FaceTime over cellular won’t be available for these iPhones.
In July, Sprint announced that it would also not be charging for FaceTime over cellular. AT&T said it would be restricting FaceTime over 3G and 4G networks to iPhone users who subscribe to the company’s new Mobile Share data plans. Following the backlash from consumers, AT&T released a statement defending this decision saying it was within their rights to do this.
Pre-orders for the new iPhone 5 will begin tomorrow, September 14, and it will begin shipping on September 21. Don’t forget to set your alarm so you can be one of the first to order the newest iPhone!
Source: Business Review Canada and Apple Insider, The Wall Street Journal via Gizmodo
Image Credit: TechnoBuffalo
