IDG News Service - Apple is still reviewing the Google Voice iPhone application, and AT&T has not played any role in that review process, the companies told the U.S. Federal Communications Commission on Friday.
Google Voice has not been approved for distribution to the iPhone, and on July 31, the FCC questioned Apple and AT&T about their treatment of that and other proposed iPhone applications. It also questioned Google about its iPhone application and the approval process for software on its own Android mobile platform. All three companies submitted responses on Friday.
Apple said it has not rejected the Google Voice iPhone application but is still studying it. In response to pointed questions, both Apple and AT&T said the iPhone maker did not consult AT&T about Google Voice and that the carrier has not been involved in evaluating it. They said Apple typically does not consult AT&T about decisions on what applications can be offered in the iPhone App Store.
Google Voice would let users make calls on the smartphone while also providing voicemail, text messaging and contact management features. The fact that it has not been approved for the iPhone has heightened criticism of the review process for iPhone applications, which critics say is murky and unpredictable.
In the case of Google Voice, some observers suspected AT&T had squelched the software because it feared competition for its own voice services. In questioning the companies, the FCC cited pending proceedings at the agency concerning open access to wireless networks and exclusive deals between handset makers and carriers.
Apple told the FCC that Google Voice hasn't been approved because it appears to replace the iPhone's core phone functionality and user interface with its own interface for phone calls, text messaging and voicemail. The application also transfers the user's Contacts database to Google's servers, "and we have yet to obtain any assurances from Google that this data will only be used in appropriate ways," Apple wrote.
The FCC had also questioned Apple and AT&T about third-party applications that make use of Google Voice. Along with Google Voice, three other applications -- GVDialer from MobileMax, VoiceCentral from Riverturn and GV Mobile by Sean Kovacs -- also raise issues that Apple is still studying, the company wrote.
Apple said it alone makes decisions about whether applications are allowed on the App Store. However, AT&T told the FCC that as part of their iPhone partnership, "AT&T and Apple agreed that Apple would not take affirmative steps to enable an iPhone to use AT&T's wireless service (including 2G, 3G and Wi-Fi) to make VOIP calls without first obtaining AT&T's consent." Apple said it also respects AT&T's customer terms of service, such as its rule against using the cellular network to redirect a TV signal. Apple said it doesn't even know whether there is a VoIP (voice over Internet Protocol) element to Google Voice.
Last month I blogged about the partnerships you should build inside your organization. In keeping with that tone it's time we discussed expanding that partnership mentality to include some of the best technical resources you can ever get hold of, those are the ones that work in your neighboring cities, municipalities, counties, regions, townships etc. Come on folks, these people are already doing exactly the same things as you!
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