AT&T to ease restrictions on FaceTime over cellular network Telco to initially enable Apple's video-calling feature only on its LTE network. AT&T Inc. plans to phase out controversial restrictions on the use of Apple Inc.'s FaceTime mobile video-calling application over its cellular network. The telecom company has required subscribers to sign up for its new data-sharing plans to use the feature over its cellular network, causing an outcry from public advocates that the move violated the Federal Communications Commission's neutrality rules. AT&T said it will phase in the unrestricted use of FaceTime on its network and expects to eventually allow all customers to use the service. FaceTime uses a camera on the iPhone to connect with others on their phones, iPads or Mac computers. The application had originally been available for use only over Wi-Fi connections, but the latest version of Apple's operating system released in September allowed for use over cellular networks. Sprint Nextel Corp. and Verizon Wireless, a joint venture of Verizon Communications Inc. and Vodafone Group Plc., didn't place any restrictions on its use. AT&T will initially allow the application to be used on Apple devices that can connect to its next-generation LTE network, which would include the iPhone 5 and some versions of the iPad, it said. The service would be limited to customers on tiered-data plans, meaning those that still have grandfathered unlimited plans wouldn't be able to use the service. At the end of September, 64% of AT&T's smartphone subscribers were on tiered-data plans