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August 02, 2009

The FCC Questions Apple, AT&T and Google:

Last Tuesday (July 28th) when I was interviewed for the NY Times story, “Even Google Is Blocked With Apps for iPhone”, one of the questions I was asked was who I thought was the reason behind Apple's decision to block Google Voice from the iPhone Apps store. To which I immediately responded, AT&T.

In 2009, the advent of VoIP continues to be a disruptive force, although the fear of it comes from the potential of what it represents more than how it is being used today.

And as to the reasons why Apple/AT&T decided to block access to Google Voice, it is clear to me that despite whatever was said in the trade press, in the end the wireless division at AT&T still has not fully embraced the impact of what it means when “Voice is an Application” and no longer just a service. Or maybe they have and they have decided to do everything in their power to prevent the widespread use of VoIP inside of WiFi hotspots on mobile devices which are under their influence.

As to why Apple/AT&T allowed Skype to run on the iPhone but not Google Voice, it might come down to "business." In this case, it is possible that Skype is purchasing some of their US termination from AT&T. Or maybe there is something else lurking behind the scenes that we are just not yet aware of. I also wonder who at AT&T and who at Apple were responsible for this decision.

Fast forward a few days later and I was excited to learn that the FCC got involved by reaching out to: Apple, AT&T and Google with a number of questions on of their own. I believe their respective answers will be quite revealing and while they may ask for “Confidential Treatment” to some (or all) of their respective answers, I believe in the end we will all learn at least a little bit more about how these companies approach business.

I for one am was very happy to see the FCC do what they did with regard to Apple + AT&T vs. Google, a great move by the Chairman. After many years of taking a back seat to related events, it is great to watch the actions of the new FCC. A FCC that once again is poised to provide thought leadership for the rest of the world...and it’s about time!

Links:

FCC letter to Apple - Download letter
FCC letter to AT&T - Download letter
FCC letter to Google - Download letter

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Tags: VoIP, FCC, Google Voice, Jeff Keni Pulver, Pubic Policy,Apple, AT&T, iphone

Posted by jeff on August 2, 2009 11:23 AM | Permalink

Additional resources: #140conf events | Watch the Jeff Pulver Show | Jeff's Qik Videos