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zumpoof

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Can an iOS app be built that bills for phone calls?

I don't know much about iOS programming, and I'd like to know if it's possible to build an app with a certain set of features. I'd like to know if it's possible to build an iOS app that allows one person to call another person, but to also be billed for the phone call. Very similar to 1-900 numbers. Is this possible to build on iOS?

Thanks in advance,
Zumpoof
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Scott Fell
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Yes. You would use a third party service like https://www.twilio.com for your number and voice API. Your app would need to track minutes used (you can get this from the api as well) and then figure the rate times amount to send to your credit card gateway.
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zumpoof

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Thank you for the quick reply, Scott. I probably should have clarified further- a phone call has to be made, but a phone number isn't necessarily needed. I figure two people who have the app could communicate through the app itself. So, they wouldn't dial a number per se, they'd select a person to call from within the app and then press a 'call' button of some sort.
That is essentially what google voice / hangouts, whats app or skype does now or any voip service with softphone capabilities. You can keep the number hidden.

https://www.sipwise.org/news/technical/byov-services-1/

There are other competitors to twillio.  A service like this will be the easiest way to start.
From googleing, I found an old 'walkie tallkie" app https://alvinalexander.com/java/jwarehouse/android-examples/samples/android-9/SipDemo/src/com/example/android/sip/WalkieTalkieActivity.java.shtml

You will see this uses SIP
/**
     * Logs you into your SIP provider, registering this device as the location to
     * send SIP calls to for your SIP address.
     */

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Scott Fell
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The answers given I think answers the basic question. But I'm curious, why would anyone use an app to pay to call other people when there are many many that let you do the same thing for free?

In addition to the ones Scott has alreafy mentioned, WhatsApp is used globally to connect people over WiFi for free and acts like a phone. As does Voxer. They all pretend to be like phones but use IP communications protocol.  

Or are you trying to create an app that connects to the real world phone network from your app to call anyone? There are dozens of those apps too, and they require a backend service to connect you to the regulat phone network.

I used to teach iPhone programming, and while your idea may sound like a money maker, it's best to thoroughly check if a). It's being done. And b). Is any one really making any money from the idea.
Y
So if you are will to share a little more about what your goal is, I’m sure Scott  and or I would give good feedback.
And to add one more thought, if you are trying to make your own communicaitons service, you are going to need a backend service structure somewhere to handle user accounts and interconnect issues.  The simplest answer here is to simply require users to be logged into their account to use your app.  Then the backend will know who is using it, and what they are doing, and how long, and can charge the users account given all that info.
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Scott, thank you for directing me to Twillio. With it we've built a rudimentary prototype app where my friends and I can call each other through the app (basically a walkie talkie). The sound quality is surprisingly good!