Last week marked the one-year anniversary of Apple lifting their restrictions on VoIP calls over 3G. We are proud to be the first VoIP provider to allow for calls over 3G, and have seen the growth in mobile VoIP adoption first hand over the last year. Industry experts see it too; According to analyst firm In-Stat, by 2014, there will be more than 139 million mobile VoIP users worldwide.

At iCall, we've watched our app within the iTunes store become a hit with young users (what teenager wouldn't want to turn their iPod Touch into a phone?), and have received positive feedback from the media. Shortly after the app's launch it was named App of the Week by The New York Times. And the interest from consumers keeps coming-today we see upwards of 60,000 new iCall app users each week.

So what's so special about VoIP apps? Well, for one thing, by leveraging Wi-Fi to make calls, you can avoid costly carrier contracts that lock you into a plan, even if you make infrequent, short phone calls. As an example, we've seen a lot of uptake from younger consumers who can't afford a phone of their own yet. Also, VoIP apps can help you communicate in areas that may have better Internet service than 3G network cover. We've found this to be the case with customers who are traveling and staying in a hotel room that has Wi-Fi but poor reception.

That said, smartphones are so much more than mere voice communication devices these days, and we understand that people use them for a variety of communication forms. We've had a great year since we entered the Apple App Store, and we plan to build upon the foundation we've created in the VoIP-over-3G space. Stay tuned for more information here about our goals for the app market!