3 replies to this topic

[Nvyseal]

images/news/apple.jpgThe FCC is now looking into Apple's chickenshit shenanigans with Google Voice, asking whether AT&T was involved, why it was rejected and what the hell's going on with this Google Voice thing.

Quote

The request is part of a broader-ranging inquiry by the commission on exclusive deals between cell phone carriers and handset manufacturers for hot phones. FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said Thursday that the FCC wants to look into rural areas where customers can't buy the latest fancy phones because of such exclusive deals.

This doesn't signal, by any means, that Google Voice is going to get onto the iPhone, but it does put some pressure onto Apple to not pull moves like this in the future.

WSJ

[Nvyseal]

Update: TechCrunch has published the three letters sent out, all very interesting reads. The FCC asks Apple specifically if any approved VoIP apps are allowed to be used over AT&T's 3G network, and more generally what are the "standards for considering and approving iPhone applications" and more details into the approval process. It also asks for the contact information of all developers of rejected Google Voice apps, presumably for further investigation. In the Google letter, it seems to be asking if Voice will be able to be utilized in any capacity over the web, without inclusion in the iTunes store. Unsurprisingly, a number of questions to Apple and AT&T concern the carrier's involvement in which apps or types of apps get rejected. All companies have until August 21st to respond and can request confidentiality on all or portions of their response.

I dont know about you, but I would like to see Apple eat crow on this one

[m.oreilly]

it will all end in tears...but for whom?

[othman11]

the tears will more than likely be ours. UNLESS the FCC decides to go postal on Apple and AT&T, I see this happening if they don't get the answers they want.