Skip to main content

Sprint says it will not charge for FaceTime over network, Verizon calls iOS 6 pricing conversations ‘premature’

In its summary of our evidence that AT&T may charge users for using FaceTime over its cellular network on iOS 6 devices, The Wall Street Journal has taken a look at the iOS 6 FaceTime over Cellular plans for America’s other carriers. Notably, Sprint says that it will keep FaceTime as a free feature over its cellular network:

Meanwhile, AT&T rival Sprint Nextel Corp. (S), which still offers unlimited data to new and existing users on its network, said it has no plans to erect pricing barriers to FaceTime.

“We are committed to our unlimited data and that means not charging for data consumption based on the application,” a spokeswoman said.

The iPhone’s third wireless carrier in the United States, Verizon Wireless, did not immediately comment to the WSJ. Though, the carrier did provide GottaBeMobile with the following statement:

The timing of any pricing conversations related to future versions of iOS is premature.

Even with the lack of a detailed comment from the carrier, the barrier seen by iOS 6 users running on AT&T’s network is not present for Verizon Wireless users. This can obviously change between today and the launch of iOS 6 this fall.

Notably, Verizon Wireless’s Personal Hotspot feature is not an extra charge on Apple’s iPads, so perhaps this offer will transfer over to 3G/4G FaceTime video calling. Also notable is that AT&T is yet to announce plans for the Personal Hotspot feature on its versions of Apple’s latest iPad.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel