AT&T announced Friday that only subscribers on the new “Mobile Share”...

AT&T announced Friday that only subscribers on the new “Mobile Share” shared data plan will be able to use the popular iPhone FaceTime app on the carrier’s mobile network, which prompted renewed charges Monday that restrictions on the app’s use violated FCC rules. All iPhones are currently only able to use the app via Wi-Fi, but will be able to use it on mobile networks on the new iOS6 system set to debut this fall. Last month, speculation centered on whether AT&T would charge users a fee to use the app on its mobile network, prompting public interest groups to charge that such a move would violate the FCC’s Open Internet rules (CD July 19 p11). News that mobile use of the app would be restricted to “Mobile Share” subscribers renewed those charges. “The FCC’s rules prohibit such blatantly anti-competitive conduct by wireless companies,” Free Press Policy Director Matt Wood said in a statement. “Such behavior would be a problem no matter what Internet platform you choose. It would be unimaginable on your home broadband connection. Apple’s FaceTime comes pre-installed on a Macbook Pro, too, but no home broadband provider would dream of blocking the app there unless you'd signed up for a more expensive data plan.” AT&T spokesman Mark Siegel said AT&T does not believe their decision to limit mobile use of FaceTime violates FCC rules. “FaceTime is available to all of our customers today over Wi-Fi and we're now expanding its availability even further as an added benefit of our new Mobile Share data plans,” he said.