The big question is whether Fring can say that the telcos can't technically prevent VoIP over cellular data connections (3G, Edge, etc.). Can Fring make the data stream, so that it will be indistinguishable from browsing the web and making VoIP calls.

If Fring can confidently say yes and if they're right, then the telcos can change their data/voice plan by increasing the data plan cost just enough so they can stay comfortably profitable and continue to be in business.

Being able to do whatever you want with the data throught the cellular connections will promote creativity and will eventually help the overall scientific and technology industry, including the telcos themselves.

When Skype client comes out on the iPhone via the SDK (i.e. a "legal" program), will there be any reason why Apple will not distribute it?

Apple will end up making a lot more on hardware sales than on AT&T kickbacks. iPhone is going viral all over the world. No kidding, people might not be technical, they might not read the manuals, but for iPod/iPhone, it's obvious that they are a class above (at least) all competetors, and everyone wants the best.

It's really as simple as the the old 'build a better mousetrap and the world will beat a path to your door' idea.

Macs have always been great computers, but that is a bit harder to grok.

Technically there is nothing new here. This is very similar to Skype.

I would expect that once the iPhone 2.0 will be released there will be several apps for VOIP that will not require jailbreak. The only question is how these apps will overcome the no app running in the background limitation for incoming VOIP calls.

Steve Jobs officially says it's the application he won't put on the iPhone.. and rightly so since ATT is a partner

however i am sure he doesn't give a damn and he knows very well that's what people want