If you haven’t heard by now, Apple recently pulled several apps with Google Voice functionality from the App Store, and rejected Google’s official app. The reason? In short, AT&T didn’t want a free alternative cutting into their cellular business. Now it appears Apple may be left with the political blowback as the FCC is now […]
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FCC Now Investigating Apple's Rejection of Google Voice Applications

Aug 1st 2009 by

If you haven’t heard by now, Apple recently pulled several apps with Google Voice functionality from the App Store, and rejected Google’s official app. The reason? In short, AT&T didn’t want a free alternative cutting into their cellular business.

Now it appears Apple may be left with the political blowback as the FCC is now investigating them, in particular the role AT&T played in the removal of those apps.

The Wall Street Journal (subscription required):

In letters sent late Friday to the three companies, the FCC asked why Apple rejected the Google Voice application for the iPhone and removed related “third-party applications” from its store.

The letter also seeks information on how AT&T was consulted in the decision, if at all.

The FCC is apparently looking into this matter on it’s own, and not from complaints by third parties. This also appears to be par of a industry wide investigation by the FCC and Department of Justice into possible anti-competitive movements within the large mobile providers here in America.

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