Engadget got there hands on a AT&T response to the FCC investigation of the disappearing Google Voice apps from the iPhone.

In a letter to the FCC, AT&T claims “had no role in any decision by Apple to not accept the Google Voice application.” So it appears that AT&T not only has thrown Apple under the bus, they backed over them. This will not end AT&T’s involvement in App store approval shenanigans entirely, since the letter also says “AT&T has had discussions with Apple regarding only a handful of applications that have been submitted to Apple for review where, as described below, there were concerns that the application might create significant network congestion.” Not only did that result in CBS and MobiTV killing the Final Four app’s ability to stream video over 3G, it also explains what happened to SlingPlayer Mobile. This while all iPhone users are STILL waiting for AT&T to get us MMS and a tethering plan!

Apple has also answered the FCC with claiming Apple acted alone in these decisions.

“Apple is acting alone and has not consulted with AT&T about whether or not to approve the Google Voice application. No contractual conditions or non-contractual understandings with AT&T have been a factor in Apple’s decision-making process in this matter.”

More:

“Apple alone makes the final decisions to approve or not approve iPhone applications.

There is a provision in Apple’s agreement with AT&T that obligates Apple not to include functionality in any Apple phone that enables a customer to use AT&T’s cellular network service to originate or terminate a VoIP session without obtaining AT&T’s permission. Apple honors this obligation, in addition to respecting AT&T’s customer Terms of Service, which, for example, prohibit an AT&T customer from using AT&T’s cellular service to redirect a TV signal to an iPhone. From time to time, AT&T has expressed concerns regarding network efficiency and potential network congestion associated with certain applications, and Apple takes such concerns into consideration.”

So it appears Apple plans to take on ALL the criticism themselves, OK then. Let the fun begin…

It seems that both Apple and AT&T are full of crap in their answers. AT&T claims they knew nothing and Apple swears they are STILL studying it! Absolute, BULLSHIT in my opinion. There are so many ridiculous things in Apple’s answers, I will do a separate post on it taking them one-by-one!

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