Telecom analysts Rebecca Arbogast and David Kaut said the announcement was not only good for Skype but also for AT&T's "political and rhetorical position as the FCC attempts to write network neutrality rules, including for wireless broadband providers." The AT&T move is noteworthy, but not a surprise, in light of the AT&T August response to FCC questions about Apple's decision not to allow Google Voice to be carried on the iPhone through the App Store, the wrote. The announcement does not change Apple's position on Google Voice -- a situation the company said it was still "pondering."

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski issued a statement late in the day commending AT&T for its action. "Opening wireless services to greater consumer choice will drive investment and innovation in the mobile marketplace," he said.