“AT&T has replied to a Federal Communications Commission letter of inquiry into the role it played in the rejection of a number of third-party Google Voice apps and Google’s official GV client from Apple’s iTunes App Store. The gist of the reply: Don’t look at us,” John Paczkowski writes for AllThingsD.
“AT&T does not manage or approve applications for the App Store,” the company said in a statement. “We have received the letter and will, of course, respond to it.”
Paczkowski writes, “A flat denial, and one that would seem to throw Apple under the bus for denying iPhone owners access to Google Voice. Though just why Cupertino would take issue with an an iPhone application that offers free text messaging and allows users to make calls, routed via the Internet, for free in the United States and for a small fee internationally is unclear. After all, it’s not Apple’s domestic and international calling business the app is potentially encroaching on.”
Full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: Okay, so AT&T “does not manage or approve applications for the App Store.” We knew that already, thanks. About all that AT&T’s statement does is leave us asking if they voice their displeasure over certain apps to Apple or otherwise influence Apple’s App Store management and/or app approvals?
I thought Netshare was removed from the App Store because AT&T;asked Apple to remove it.
Frank – AT&T;doesn’t have to raise rates in order to improve their wireless infrastructure. They can cancel some of their transcontinental underwater cable projects to China instead.
So quit acting like an AT&T;stooge. It’s not welcome here.
Not “managing” or “approving” does not mean that AT&T has no influence on the process. Are their any restrictions built into the contract between Apple and AT&T that might play a role in some of these app rejections??
The fact that we are seeing this type of scrutiny on the App Store is a testament to its dominance. No one is worrying about the other mobile app stores at this point.
Paint – AT&Tamp;- Corner.
or
Paint – AT&T;- Corner.
Paint – AT&T – Corner.
; )
They(ATT) may not be able to approve/deny apps but Apple may have to follow certain criteria for apps with the contract exclusivity they have with ATT. I am sure somewhere in that contract there is some wording as to what apps are able to do before encroaching on ATT’s service revenue/profit stream.
Good luck FCC trying to find out what is going on.
E
BULLSH*T. How about the Slingplayer? The ONLY reason why it has to be used via WiFi is because AT&T;influenced the application design, limitations, and policy.
AT&T;blows.