AT&T further denies involvement in iPhone app rejections

By Tim Conneally | Published August 21, 2009, 5:20 PM

We already knew that AT&T claimed it had no involvement in the rejection of the Google Voice app for the iPhone that triggered an FCC investigation. Today, AT&T released a more complete and loquacious denial.

"We appreciate the opportunity to clear up misconceptions related to an application Google submitted to Apple for inclusion in the Apple App Store. We fully support the FCC's goal of getting the facts and data necessary to inform its policymaking," said Jim Cicconi, Senior Executive Vice President of external and legislative affairs for AT&T.

"To that end, let me state unequivocally, AT&T had no role in any decision by Apple to not accept the Google Voice application for inclusion in the Apple App Store. AT&T was not asked about the matter by Apple at any time, nor did we offer any view one way or the other."

"AT&T does not block consumers from accessing any lawful Web site on the Internet," Cicconi continued. "Consumers can download or launch a multitude of compatible applications directly from the Internet, including Google Voice, through any web-enabled wireless device. As a result, any AT&T customer may access and use Google Voice on any web-enabled device operating on AT&T's network, including the iPhone, by launching the application through their web browser, without the need to use the Apple App Store."

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Want to get Apple's attention? "Update" Itunes so it doesn't work in Windows. Quicktime right after..Apple did the same to Palm and many other companies, while they cried out about companies not playing nice with them. BTW, I don't like Microbloat either, so skip the fanbot crap.

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Yet, there was another statement saying that any application which makes use of AT&T's voice or data network requires Apple to consult AT&T.

Now, whatever "consult" means in this case could be anything. Knowing AT&T's policy on toll-free conference calls over mobile phones, I would lean toward their disapproval toward Google Voice. Does this stop Apple from accepting it?

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at least now its clear Apple acted alone, period, end of story
and i can finally say Michael Arrington is a tool

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