What is the purpose of FaceTime audio-only calling?

Well:

"FaceTime Audio also provides a sharper, higher quality sound than traditional phone calls by utilizing the technology known as “Wideband Audio.” The difference is as clear as comparing a 1970′s television set to a IMAX screen. Once you hear the difference, you’re unlikely to want to go back to regular cell phone calls. Plus, the service is free."

If I were a carrier, I'd be a little worried here.

It's just like making a phone call, except you can only facetime from an iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad or Mac to an iOS device or Mac. It's also free, if you choose to facetime over wifi. call quality depends whether you have a strong connection.

Try making an international phone call, or one-hour local phone call, using plain vanilla; and let us know your costs that were incurred. Gonna be expensive!

Next, try the same but this time with audio-only facetime that uses your data. The costs now? Basically zero, especially if your data just gets shaped once you reach your monthly limit.

wjosten wrote:

If I were a carrier, I'd be a little worried here.

They've given up the battle on voice already. They know the money's in data.