FCC: There's (Not) An App For That?

July 31, 2009

FCC Wireless Bureau Acting Chief James Schlichting wrote to Apple, AT&T and Google on Friday inquiring about recent reports that Apple won't approve the Google Voice application for the iPhone and has removed related (and previously approved) third-party applications from the iPhone App Store. In light of pending FCC proceedings regarding wireless open access and handset exclusivity, the Commission wants a more complete understanding of this situation, he wrote.

Some questions posed in the letters with answers due Aug. 21:
• Why did Apple rejected Google Voice and remove the third party software?
• What related apps were removed or have been rejected?
• Did Apple act alone, or in consultation with AT&T, in rejecting Google Voice?
• Does AT&T have any role in the approval of iPhone applications?
• What other apps have been rejected for iPhone and for what reasons?
• Is there a list of prohibited applications or of categories of applications?

Read the letters here: Apple, AT&T, Google.

Juliana Gruenwald

Tech Writer

E-Mail: jgruenwald@nationaljournal.com.

Juliana Gruenwald has been covering tech and telecom issues for more than a decade for National Journal, Interactive Week, BNA and Congressional Quarterly. This is her second stint with National Journal. She was recruited by NJ in 1998 to help launch its first tech policy publication, Technology Daily. She left in 2000 to cover international tech and telecom issues for Ziff Davis Media's Interactive Week magazine. She started her career at United Press International as the wire service's first Helen Thomas Intern. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Minnesota. A Minneapolis native, she misses the lakes but not the cold.

Josh Smith

Tech Reporter

E-Mail: joshsmith@nationaljournal.com.

Josh Smith covers technology policy as a staff reporter for National Journal. He previously interned at National Journal Daily, a Senate press office, and the Deseret News in Salt Lake City where he covered the state legislature, courts, and crime. In 2009 he graduated with honors from Southern Utah University after managing an award-winning student newspaper as editor-in-chief. Josh has received state, regional and national awards for his political and policy reporting, including first place in CapitolBeat’s 2009 Best of Statehouse Reporting college competition. A native of drop-dead-gorgeous Utah, Josh lives in Virginia with his wife, Amber.

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