AT&T had no part in the decision to remove Google's Google Voice iPhone application from the Apple iPhone App Store, according to a 16-page letter the telco sent to the FCC.
AT&T maintains that while it has an agreement with Apple to restrict voice applications that leverage wireless networks operated by AT&T, it retains no control or review privilege for any iPhone application and Apple alone acted to remove the application. In addition, AT&T said the agreement limiting VoIP applications did not extend to VoIP apps that leverage the iPhone's WiFi capabilities.
In the letter AT&T specifically mentions that part of the initial iPhone exclusivity contract required Apple to block VoIP calling functionality on the iPhone in order to protect AT&T's monthly service revenues. AT&T said in the letter that it would take a fresh look at allowing VoIP over its 3G data network as a result of the controversy regarding the Google Voice removal and subsequent FCC probing of its practices related to VoIP.
For more:
- see the ZDNet.com article here [1]
Related articles
Pros and cons of Google Voice from around the Web [2]
Google Voice app pulled from iPhone App Store [3]
Links:
[1] http://government.zdnet.com/?p=5279
[2] http://www.fiercevoip.com/story/pros-and-cons-google-voice-around-web/2009-08-06
[3] http://www.fiercevoip.com/story/google-voice-app-pulled-iphone-app-store/2009-07-28