The FCC is getting answers from both Apple and AT&T after inquiring about the Google Voice app rejection.
AT&T in a letter to the FCC answered questions about the denial of allowing the Google Voice iPhone App into the iPhone app store, by saying it they had no role in the decision not to offer Google Voice on the AT&T network.
Meanwhile, Apple laid out a long answer to the FCC questions on its website. The main reason for non-approval was that it altered the user-interface and took over the iPhone functions, voicemail and SMS texting.
Google Voice is a free app that is like having your own robotic switchboard with answering service to
route calls and tell spammers that your number is disconnected. Messages are turned into text
and sent as email. They currently only offer apps for Android and BlackBerry.
Here's what Apple wrote to the FCC:
"The application has not been approved because, as submitted for review,
it appears to alter the iPhone's distinctive user experience by
replacing the iPhone's core mobile telephone functionality and Apple
user interface with its own user interface for telephone calls, text
messaging and voicemail."
The Google Voice application replaces Apple's Visual Voicemail by
routing calls through a separate Google Voice telephone number that
stores any voicemail, preventing voicemail from being stored on the
iPhone, i.e., disabling Apple's Visual Voicemail. Similarly, SMS text
messages are managed through the Google hub--replacing the iPhone's text
messaging feature. In addition, the iPhone user's entire Contacts
database is transferred to Google's servers, and we have yet to obtain
any assurances from Google that this data will only be used in
appropriate ways. These factors present several new issues and
questions to us that we are still pondering at this time.
Apple explained why it rejects apps:
Most rejections are based on the application containing quality issues
or software bugs, while other rejections involve protecting consumer
privacy, safeguarding children from inappropriate content, and avoiding
applications that degrade the core experience of the iPhone. Given the
volume and variety of technical issues, most of the review process is
consumed with quality issues and software bugs, and providing feedback
to developers so they can fix applications. Applications that are fixed
and resubmitted are approved.
The FCC had a little confusion because it asked about VoIP apps to which Apple responded.
"Apple does not know if there is a VoIP element in the way the Google
Voice application routes calls and messages, and whether VoIP
technology is used over the 3G network by the application. Apple has
approved numerous standard VoIP applications (such as Skype, Nimbuzz
and iCall) for use over WiFi, but not over AT&T's 3G network".
Read the official Apple response.
The official statement is from Jim Cicconi, AT&T senior executive vice president,
external and legislative affairs:
"We
appreciate the opportunity to clear up misconceptions related to an
application Google submitted to Apple for inclusion in the Apple App
Store. We fully support the FCC's goal of getting the facts and data
necessary to inform its policymaking.
"To that end,
let me state unequivocally, AT&T had no role in any decision by
Apple to not accept the Google Voice application for inclusion in the
Apple App Store. AT&T was not asked about the matter by Apple at
any time, nor did we offer any view one way or the other.
"AT&T
does not block consumers from accessing any lawful website on the
Internet. Consumers can download or launch a multitude of compatible
applications directly from the Internet, including Google Voice,
through any web-enabled wireless device. As a result, any AT&T
customer may access and use Google Voice on any web-enabled device
operating on AT&T's network, including the iPhone, by launching the
application through their web browser, without the need to use the
Apple App Store."