FCC questions Apple on Google Voice ban

The Federal Communications Commission sent letters to Apple, Google and AT&T seeking more information on why Apple rejected a Google application for the iPhone that lets people make free calls.

By Bloomberg News

The Federal Communications Commission sent letters to Apple, Google and AT&T seeking more information on why Apple rejected a Google application for the iPhone that lets people make free calls.

The letters, sent Friday, also ask whether Apple consulted AT&T when deciding to reject the application and whether AT&T has any role in approving iPhone software.

Google said this week that it submitted the request for its Google Voice application to be made available on the iPhone six weeks ago. Google Voice lets users place U.S. calls, send text messages and organize voice mails — without paying service fees.

Both Apple and Google declined to say why the request was denied.

"AT&T does not manage or approve applications for the App Store," said Fletcher Cook, a spokesman for AT&T. Apple declined to comment and Adam Kovacevich, a spokesman for Google, didn't immediately return a call seeking comment.

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Another example of very poorly written story. Although technically correct it leads people unfamiliar with how google voice works to draw... Posted on August 1, 2009 at 12:48 PM by guy99. Jump to comment

Hmm, very interesting downside for a cellphone company to activate a cellphone capable of connecting to the Internet via WiFi - loose your revenue... Posted on August 1, 2009 at 6:19 AM by rawdibob. Jump to comment

Way to go Google. Any help breaking the rediculous restrictions is welcome help. Posted on August 1, 2009 at 6:45 AM by I'm Fed Up!. Jump to comment

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