Apple, AT&T, Google Respond to FCC Over Google Voice Rejection

Early this month, the FCC sent requests to AT&T, Google, and Apple, asking them a series of questions about the way applications are accepted or rejected from the App Store. This all began with the rejection of Google Voice, BTW. The deadline was August 21st. Naturally, all 3 companies waited until the last minute, but they did respond on Friday.

You can expect that all three responses would be full of legalize, and you'd be right. Here's a summary of what they said, however.

AT&T: We did nothing wrong. We have no control over the App Store. We weren't asked about Google Voice.

“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."

Here's the full response they sent to the FCC:ATT Response to FCC iPhone Letter 082109 as Filed

Apple: We did nothing wrong. The App Store is wonderful. Google tried to muck with our wonderful UI. And we haven't rejected it!

Contrary to published reports, Apple has not rejected the Google Voice application, and continues to study it. 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. Apple spent a lot of time and effort developing this distinct and innovative way to seamlessly deliver core functionality of the iPhone.

View their response to the FCC below:Apple Response to FCC

Google: We (obviously) did nothing wrong (except that we redacted the good parts of the letter). Oh, and our web app version of Google Voice is going to be really lame compared to a real app.

View Google's full response:Google Response to FCC

I'm hoping this isn't done. Many would obviously love to see Google Voice in the App Store. Personally, if it's not there when iPhone OS 3.1 is jailbroken, I might just consider jailbreaking my iPhone.