FCC Opens Inquiry Into Google Voice Apps for iPhone

In another indication of how awkward things might be getting for Apple and Google, last week Apple not only rejected Google’s Google Voice application for the iPhone, but also tossed out third party applications that used Google Voice. Now, the Federal Communications Commission wants to know what’s going on, sending an inquiry (PDF) to both Apple and AT&T why the Google Voice applications were rejected. The letter focuses on what role (if any) AT&T may have played in the rejection of Google Voice applications, and asks for details of conditions and contracts between Apple and AT&T that may impact iPhone application approval.

Apple has been infamously vague and arbitrary with accepting iPhone applications, at various times seeming to reject applications that compete with its own core iPhone apps or add services like tethering that potentially undermine its exclusive deal with AT&T. Apple has also rejected applications that provide access to offensive or objectionable materials—even if that same material is readily available to (say) the iPhone’s own Safari Web browser.

Industry speculation indicated AT&T may have been behind Apple’s rejection of Google Voice apps, since the service could undermine AT&T’s ability to retain customers—and the company was behind the rejection of a SlingPlayer application, citing concerns over bandwidth utilization. Apple has recently been rather public with its displeasure with AT&T, pointedly indicating how the carrier lags behind international operators at providing MMS and tethering services for the iPhone 3GS. However, in a statement AT&T has claimed it has no role in approving applications for the iTunes App Store, putting the blame for rejecting Google Voice applications solely at Apple’s feet.

Apple and AT&T have until August 21, 2009 to respond to the FCC inquiry.

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