FCC Probing Apple's Rejection of Google Voice iPhone App

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on August 3, 2009 - 7:55am.

Washington - The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is investigating why Apple rejected the Google Voice application from its App Store for the iPhone, as well as what role if any carrier partner AT&T had in the decision. In letters sent to Apple (NASD: AAPL), AT&T (NYSE: T) and Google (NASD: GOOG), the FCC has also asked which third-party applications that supported Google Voice were additionally removed from the store by Apple.

It is additionally seeking information from Apple on all applications that have been rejected from the store, and explanations.

For its part, AT&T has denied involvement in the decision process. "AT&T does not manage or approve applications for the App Store," AT&T spokesperson Brad Mays told Ars.

The FCC is investigating whether Apple's rejection of applications from would-be competitors is adversely affecting consumers, and developers.

In its letter to Google, it also asks that company to name which applications it has rejected from its own Android store, and why.

Related Links:
http://snipurl.com/om8v9 (Ars Technica)

http://snipurl.com/om88c (Wired.com)