FCC probes Apple's rejection of Google Voice for iPhone
Asks Apple, AT&T and Google what they know, and when they knew it
Computerworld - The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) late Friday launched an investigation into Apple's rejection of Google Voice for the iPhone, and the removal of similar software from the App Store.
In a letter sent to Apple, the FCC asked the company why it turned down Google Voice for the iPhone and pulled several other Google Voice-related programs from the iPhone's only sanctioned online mart. The FCC also sent similar letters to both AT&T -- Apple's exclusive carrier partner in the U.S. -- and Google, asking both firms to provide more information on the issue.
The FCC's letter (PDF download) asked Apple whether it rejected Google Voice and dumped other applications on its own, or "in consultation with AT&T," and if the latter, to describe the conversations the partners had.
In other questions, the FCC asked Apple whether AT&T has any role in the approval of iPhone applications, wants the company to explain how Google Voice differs from any other VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) software that has been approved and requested a list of all applications that have been rejected and why.
Finally, the FCC asked Apple to explain its App Store approval process, something that some developers have said is so shrouded in secrecy that they don't know the rules. "What are the standards for considering and approving iPhone applications?," the FCC letter asked. "What is the approval process for such applications (timing, reasons for rejection, appeal process, etc.)? What is the percentage of applications that are rejected? What are the major reasons for rejecting an application?"
"This is great news," said Kevin Duerr, the CEO of Durham, N.C.-based Riverturn Inc., the developer of VoiceCentral, one of the Google Voice-related applications that Apple yanked from the App Store this week. "Obviously, who knows where this will go, but we're all for that inquiry," he said late Friday. "This is the kind of investigation that needs to be done anyway on Apple's policies in the App Store."
Duerr applauded the FCC's demand for the specifics of Apple's approval process. "It's precisely what developers want. I can't speak for all developers, of course, but all we want is a level playing field. I can accept, no, I can understand 'My house, my rules,' but I don't understand what the rules are."
This week, Duerr took Apple to task for pulling VoiceCentral, and in an interview yesterday raked the company over the coals for the paucity of information about why it removed his company's software from the App Store.
"I know that they're Apple, and they love their shroud of secrecy, but I don't understand it in this line of business," Duerr said Thursday. "What's the harm in telling developers why an app has been rejected or pulled from the App Store? Why wouldn't you say: 'Here's why.'"
Apple iPhone
- Apple snares top smartphone sales spot
- Will this be the year of Apple in the enterprise?
- iPhone app includes hidden tethering
- Apple is the No. 1 smartphone vendor again, say research firms
- Apple breaks Microsoft's 'lock' on enterprise workers, argues analyst
- Apple crushes sales records, hits revenue 'home run'
- Apple approves fake iPhone app for App Store
- Apple's iPhone narrows gap with Android among recent buyers
- iPhone purchase plans at all-time high in U.S.
- Apple's iCloud, Siri doubles iPhone 4S data consumption



- Excel 2010 Cheat Sheet
- Register for this Computerworld Insider Cheat Sheet and gain access to hundreds of premium content articles, guides, product reviews and more.
- Forrester Total Economic Impact (TEI) Case Study - Oracle
- In this paper, Forrester Consulting examines the total economic impact and potential return on investment (ROI) realized by three Enterprise organizations as they...
- The Hidden Truth About Virtualizing Business-Critical Applications
- This IDG whitepaper highlights key findings based on the Quickpoll Survey conducted with more than 300 Enterprise and Commercial IT decision makers worldwide...
- Top 10 Myths About Virtualizing Business-Critical Applications
- Even though virtualization has brought positive change to enterprise IT over the last decade, some skepticism remains about how valuable virtualization can be...
- Enterprise Java Applications on VMware: Unix to Linux Migration Guide
- This guide focuses on key considerations for IT Architects who are in the process of migrating Java applications from UNIX to Linux as...
- Indiana University Virtualizes Mission-Critical Oracle Databases
- The Kelley School of Business at Indiana University deployed VMware Infrastructure which decreases costs, streamlines server deployment, and reduces energy consumption. All Gov't Legislation/Regulation White Papers
- Apps QuickStart Series Part 2: Designing and Deploying SQL Server on VMware vSphere
- Download this webcast to learn about the design considerations for virtualizing SQL workloads, performance and scalability information and high-availability options, as well as...
- Apps QuickStart Series Part 1: Designing and Deploying Exchange 2010 on VMware vSphere
- Download this webcast to learn the virtual hardware design considerations for Exchange 2010, deployment using the building block approach, options for high-availability and...
- Customer Spotlight: How IPC The Hospitalist Company Implemented Oracle on Vmware
- Have you been looking to hear about customer's experiences with the new VMware vCenter Site Recovery Manager product? View this webcast to learn...
- Virtualize Business-Critical Applications with Confidence
- Virtualizing business-critical applications has become a key focus for organizations as they move along their virtualization journey. With the launch of VMware vSphere®...
- Virtualizing Microsoft and Oracle on VMware vSphere: Benefits and Best Practices
- Virtualizing business-critical applications is an essential step in your journey to the cloud. Microsoft SQL Server, Exchange and SharePoint, and Oracle applications, are... All Gov't Legislation/Regulation Webcasts
