Face Time Wars

Topic: Face Time use is being eased with Verizon Wireless plans while AT&T continues to force Wi-Fi only.

Virtual Phone. Available at FlickrCC. October 25, 2011.

Article Title: "Verizon will enable iPhone's FaceTime on all data plans, unlike AT&T"

Article Source: Ars Technica

Summary: Face Time has always been a major advantage of the iPhone for AT&T; unfortunately, Face Time is limited to a Wi-Fi access only. Until now. Verizon Wireless is allowing Face Time to use data plans without restriction; although, it will still use data from your plan once the iOS6 update is pushed out September 19.

Reaction: As an iPhone user, I really enjoy the bonus of using Face Time.  The only issue I've had with Face Time is the limitations.  My husband and I can't video chat when he's at work because he doesn't have Wi-Fi access.  Why would I have paid the extra money for that feature when it is unusable?  It is frustrating.  What is even worse is the issue with Verizon's forced shared data plans, but I won't go into that.

World Impact: Although the iPhone is Apple's baby, other companies who have been granted access to sell the technology are going to take as much advantage as possible of marketing in order to compete with Apple. Competition is good for these companies because consumers need to benefit from their specials. Internet and cell phone data isn't expensive to allow users access, yet companies are consistently monopolizing services and charging outrageous amounts.