AT&T washes hands of Google Voice iPhone app removal

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 

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