iPhone Savior: FCC Squeezes Apple Over Google Voice Rejection

Hundreds of iPhone developers are sitting on the sidelines quietly cheering the FFC's decision to start asking both Apple and AT&T some very tough questions relating to the company's rejection this past week of the wildly anticipated Google Voice app for iPhone. Affectionately called "the one number to ring them all", it provides iPhone users with dirt-cheap international calls, free conference calling and free voice mail transcriptions. David Pogue best described Google Voice in his New York Times review;

“If Google search revolutionized the Web, and Gmail revolutionized free e-mail, then one thing’s for sure: Google Voice, unveiled Thursday, will revolutionize telephones.” - David Pogue NYT

Not only did Apple hammer Google Voice into salt, they quickly removed all related (and previously approved) third-party applications from the App Store without any notice to developers. This kind of action by the company has not been uncommon, creating controversy at every turn during it's short one year odyssey. Leaving many developers feeling powerless like the disposable pygmies from Pocket God, subjected to the ruling hand of a less than benevolent god.

When the FCC received wind of this latest, seemingly arbitrary App Store rejection by Apple, they decided to launch an investigation into the anti-competitive nature of the move. The questions being aimed squarely at Apple have been on the minds of many from the birth of the App Store giving rise to hope that we all may finally get the answers we deserve.

Why did Apple reject the Google Voice application for iPhone and
remove related third-party applications from its App Store?

Did Apple act alone, or in consultation with AT&T, in deciding to reject
the Google Voice application and related applications?

What other applications have been rejected for use on the iPhone and for
what reasons?

What are the standards for considering and approving iPhone
applications?

These questions are only a few in a lengthy list included in the FCC investigation that already has AT&T choking up statements for the media less than one day later. Throwing Apple under the bus even before the sun could set.

"AT&T does not manage or approve applications for the App Store," company spokesman Brad Mays said. "We have received the letter and will, of course, respond to it."

It's too early to know exactly where to aim the bony finger of blame, but be certain that The Federal Communications Commission will eventually get the answers they're after. The big question is when? Government inquiries are not known to be quick affairs which may mean iPhone developers and users must continue enduring more app-tastic debacles from a company that created the App Store revolution. A revolution that is ruled absolutely by a maniacal dictator of sorts. Even though I'm comforted knowing it's always darkest just before it goes pitch black.

I would say this to Apple; The only consistent feature in all of your dissatisfying developer relationships is you.

Read Complete FCC Letters (here) (view Google Voice video after the fold)