With the Apple iPad WiFi + 3G models it is possible to access the internet, but not to make phone calls over mobile networks. Making phone calls with the Apple iPad is only possible via a detour over internet telephony (voice over IP or just voip). Providers such as Skype or Sipgate and the software developer Acrobits have released voip apps or clients for making phone calls with the iPhone, the iPod Touch or the iPad. While Apple iPad WiFi users can make voip calls whenever they find a hotspot for connecting to the web, some operators in Germany prohibit voip calls over their GSM and 3G networks. For example, Deutsche Telekom (T-Mobile) and Vodafone only allow voip calls over their networks when the subscriber has booked a special tariff option. On the other hand, customers of O2 Germany may use voip services with their mobile device.

Sipgate for iPad

German provider Sipgate has published its voip app in Apple’s iTunes app store just recently. It is the first official voip app for the Apple iPad in Germany. With the Sipgate app, which is free of charge, iPad users can make voip calls over WiFi as well as over the 3G networks and by using a headset or on the iPad’s speaker phone. The Sipgate voip price plan “Basic” comes without a monthly fee or minimum charge and with rates of 1.79 cents per minute for calls to landlines in Germany and of 14.9 cents for calls to mobile phones in Germany. Phone calls between Sipgate subscribers are free of charge. Except for voip calls, the Sipgate iPad app offers text massaging (SMS), fax functionality and voice mail. New customers of Sipgate get a regular German area code under which they can be called at any place in the world with an accessible broadband internet connection.

Download link: Sipgate voip app for Apple iPad

Skype for iPad

With the Skype app on the iPad users can call and instant message anyone else on Skype for free over WiFi networks. They can also call landlines and mobiles and send text messages anywhere in the world for certain rates. The new version 2.0.0 of Skype for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad comes with 3G calling and an improved call quality due to introducing Wide-band SILK audio codecs into the app. Calling over WiFi networks is and will remain free for everyone. Skype to Skype calling over 3G networks is free during a trial period, which - according to Skype - lasts until end of the year. Afterwards, users will have to pay for Skype to Skype calls over mobile networks.

Download link: Skype app for Apple iPad

Acrobits Softphone for iPad

In order to use the Acrobits Softphone, Apple iPad users need an account with a verified voip provider and a headset. Features of the Acrobits Softphone client include push notifications on incoming calls, bluetooth headset and speaker phone support, call recorder and player, multiple SIP account support, iPhone contacts integration and a detailed call history. It is easily set up by the user and offers a logical layout. The Acrobits Softphone app can be downloaded from iTunes with WiFi and 3G network capability. It requires iPhone OS 3.0 and costs € 5.99.

Download link: Acrobits Softphone app for Apple iPad

iPad Apps do not run in the background

Currently, it is not really convenient to use voip services on the Apple iPad. With iPhone OS 3.0 apps do not run in the background, which means the iPad user is only available over his voip account when the voip app - and no other app - is running on the tablet. The new version iPhone OS 4.0, which will probably be published in autumn, will enable apps running in the background. Until then, a feature like push notification might be helpful in order to not miss important calls on the Apple iPad.

More Information about the Apple iPad in Germany:

Purchase Prices and Dedicated Mobile Data Plans for Apple iPad in Germany
Ten Must-Have Berlin Apps for iPhone and iPad
Free WiFi Hotspots in Berlin