AT&T, Google Respond To FCC
AT&T on Friday insisted that it had no role in any decision by Apple to not accept the Google Voice application for inclusion in company's iPhone App Store. The wireless company, which is the exclusive iPhone service provider, was not asked about the matter by Apple nor did AT&T offer any view one way or the other, AT&T Senior Executive Vice President Jim Cicconi said. His statement came as the telecom giant -- along with Apple and Google -- were set to respond to a July request for information by FCC Wireless Bureau Acting Chief James Schlichting.
Schlichting wanted details about reports that the Google Voice app had been blocked and previously approved third-party applications were removed from the iPhone App Store. In light of pending FCC proceedings regarding wireless open access and handset exclusivity, the Commission wanted a more complete understanding of this situation, he wrote, setting an Aug. 21 deadline for responses. Cicconi added that any AT&T customer could access Google Voice on any Web-enabled device operating on AT&T's network, including the iPhone, by launching the app through a Web browser without the need to use the App Store.
Google provided a redacted version of its letter to Schlichting, which leaves unanswered the question of what explanation (if any) was given for Apple's rejection of the Google Voice application. Google Telecom and Media Counsel Richard Whitt wrote that Apple has approved Google Earth and Google Mobile apps for iPhone and that Google does not have any other proposed applications pending with Apple. Apple's letter to the FCC was not immediately available and multiple e-mails to Apple officials were not returned. Tech Daily Dose will update this post as more details emerge.
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