Here it is, AT&T’s statement on what they sent to the FCC regarding the rejection of the Google Voice app on the iPhone. As you can see, unlike last time where the statement was vague, AT&T is clearly stating here that it had nothing to do with the Google Voice rejection. This wording comes from Jim Cicconi, AT&T’s senior executive vice president, external and legislative affairs. Updated with the full AT&T response to the FCC
Below that, find the full document AT&T sent to the FCC responding to its questions.
We’re reaching out to Apple on this right now and will update.
AT&T Statement on Letter to the FCC Regarding Apple App Store
WASHINGTON, DC – On July 31, 2009, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued letters to Apple, AT&T and Google with a series of questions about the Google Voice app and Apple’s App Store approval process. AT&T today responded to the questions raised in the FCC’s Wireless Telecommunications Bureau letter. The following statement may be attributed to Jim Cicconi, AT&T senior executive vice president, external and legislative affairs:
“We appreciate the opportunity to clear up misconceptions related to an application Google submitted to Apple for inclusion in the Apple App Store. We fully support the FCC’s goal of getting the facts and data necessary to inform its policymaking.
“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.
“AT&T does not block consumers from accessing any lawful website on the Internet. Consumers can download or launch a multitude of compatible applications directly from the Internet, including Google Voice, through any web-enabled wireless device. As a result, any AT&T customer may access and use Google Voice on any web-enabled device operating on AT&T’s network, including the iPhone, by launching the application through their web browser, without the need to use the Apple App Store.”
Here’s the full document:
[photo: flickr/peter kaminski]
typical bs they are just blaming apple
No little birdy whispering to Gruber or some other Apple blogger that this is a lie? If not I can let one rip and than all off you can go back making this appear as completely AT&T’s fault.
I’m sure MG can figure out way to tie in MS and a Brown Zune joke in there somewhere.
AT&T had no role in any decision by Apple to not accept the Google Voice application for inclusion in the Apple App Store.
>>>>> To confirm this statement FCC must verify the agreements of AT&T’s cellular network service with Apple to originate or terminate a VoIP session.
$10 says Apple releases the same statement.
Apple may charge you $10 to read their statement!
A thought… suppose iPhone coming to Verizon and they should have also been in this “question and answer” session?
i am erect with anticipation on how this shitstorm will all go down
poor choice of words?
Woah!
Niiiice….
The plot thickens (I’m looking at you Mr. Jobs)
Hey Mitch!
Raise your hands and say you didn’t see this coming.
More B.S. Notice how they attempt to circumvent the whole issue by saying that we can still use Google Voice via the web. Which, as it turns out, is only technically true, but certainly not usable in any serious way.
One way or another, one or both of these anti-innovative companies is going to have to take some level of responsibility for this decision. I cannot believe I was dumb enough to get locked in to a contract with two companies that care to stifle progress and outwardly lie so much.
Sounds like “Snake Oil” from the DEC days and UNIX…. Trust me, AT&T has a say in any Apple App that uses the POTS of AT&T circular (cellular)…
Apple will fix this or loose MAJOR market share within the next year or two…
*cough* Slingbox *cough* Skype
Sorry, something in my throat. . .
True, but what happens if you have no WIFI?
Wow…loving this.
Load of crap. They don’t have to review any application if their legal agreement with Apple already states that no applications sold allowed on the phone can do x, y or z. So therefore they can say “we are not involved in any decisions” and the rest of the legal BS in this response. Funny thing is how long it took them to get the wording just right.
An interesting play on Apples part here would be to allow all VoIP apps, Slingplayer, etc into the store with full access to all network functionality of the phone. See how fast AT&T starts complaining then.
And after that happens perhaps the FCC could start looking into why mobile carriers are allowed to use words like “unlimited” to describe data plans that aren’t unlimited?
Exactly. The FCC should ask if AT&T has any policies or agreements with Apple regarding app rejection.
My thoughts exactly, Andras.
Note that the line, “AT&T was not asked about the matter by Apple at any time.” does not preclude any discussion about blocking this type of app way back when the two parties were negotiating their exclusive relationship.
Further, Apple knows that this type of app will make ANY carrier partner a little upset. AT&T isn’t the only carrier partner than Apple has.
Sure, they say they had nothing to do with the rejection of the Google Voice app specifically, but that doesn’t mean AT&T doesn’t have some kind of pre-existing policy with Apple that states what kind of apps they should disallow in the store (apps that provide competing services).
Man apple is such a little bitch of a company.
GOOD CONGRESS!!
for BEGINNING to do some of the ish they’re supposed to do… like encouraging competition! & fighting monopolies and the policies that encourage them.
Apple’s submission:
http://www.appl...-fcc-questions/
Well, if AT&T didn’t tell Apple to censor it, then Apple danged well better have a good
*logical technical* reason
for censorship,
shown to have been *previously published*,
and *provably usable*
as a means of justifying withdrawal/censorship of previously acceptable apps!
apple just posted their response too, saying ATT does have a say in which gets approved
“There is a provision in Apple’s agreement with AT&T that obligates Apple not to include functionality in any Apple phone that enables a customer to use AT&T’s cellular network service to originate or terminate a VoIP session without obtaining AT&T’s permission”
Another interesting fact is the original Google Voice app completely replaced the phone app like on Android, I want it even more now
Very carefully worded. It may be true that they never spoke with Apple concerning Google Voice in particular but if there was a standing agreement with Apple to block any apps which tried to replace the phone features by using the 3G network then they are still guilty. This could have just made things worse if the FCC decides AT&T is just trying to play word games.
Is this Michael influencing people just so he can revert back to iPhone and give a “valid” excuse why he did so?
Nice, no wonder Apple didn’t have to contact AT&T before they nuked the Google Voice App.
AT&T’s BS-department said they don’t block websites, but they didn’t say they don’t block apps.
What the hell Apple?
Pretty muted post from Mr. Siegler one would say! Considering he likes trashing AT&T all over the place, where is the apology? Cat got your tongue?
I think he’s just too hung over from all that apple juice.
delightfully ignorant comments from the fantards. T controls the spectrum, anything that increases expensive wireless data flow in the long run makes them happy
I’ve just decided not to buy an iPhone anymore… I was all gung ho about them with my friends before, telling them about Google Voice and what not… but after this, I’ve referred them all to HTC Dream/Magic’s…
Welcome to the Android party.
Step 1: buy HTC Magic.
Step 2: root phone.
Step 3: enjoy freedom.
I’m so glad this inquiry is happening because AT&T is completely full of sh*t. They’re basically playing “we never said anything but poor us and our overloaded network” and the bully Apple who is rejecting applications out of the goodness of their hearts. Right…
The solution for this whole battle is simple: just get rid of unlimited data plans, upgrade the data network, stop charging for antiquated airtime and SMS which is really just data, and run all of the calls with VoIP. This whole fiasco all boils down to AT&T trying to profit from their antiquated network. They’d otherwise have absolutely no reason to force Apple’s hand in rejecting VoIP apps and bandwidth hogs.
Come on boys, reaching out takes moments, not months! AT&T is FODER now… Apple will “SPIN” this within the year….
Cool, AT&T and Apple. If you’re not into crippling apps for your own gain/savings, how about opening up Skype, SlingPlayer, and Qik? Then we can add Ustream and TVU, and tv.com. By then, we’ll have tethering and MMS.
That being said, I will not leave the iPhone. I have friends with BB Bolds, HTC G1’s, and Palm Pre’s. I’ve played with them all and they are inferior to the user experience of the iPhone. Some may have more features, but features don’t sell me, usability does.
Anyone catch that ATT frees Apple from any legal recourse for a “third party” enabling any of these functions? Pg. 6 #1 – VOIP
Does that free jailbreaking from any legal issues? Apple still has the option, but they aren’t obligated either.