AT&T To Reconsider VoIP Applications Over 3G? Yeahbuwhat Apple VoIP apps?
As part of the responses to the FCC’s inquiry into the rejection of Google Voice from the iPhone App Store, AT&T stated the following:
As noted above, AT&T regularly reviews its policies regarding features and capabilities available through the devices we offer in order to provide an attractive range of options for our customers. Consistent with this approach, we plan to take a fresh look at possibly authorizing VoIP capabilities on the iPhone for use on AT&T’s 3G network.
This was couched in some legal arguments stating economists and jurists allow deals where one party’s core business is protected against adverse actions taken by another party — in this case AT&T is saying VoIP would hurt their revenue from voice plans, so it’s okay for Apple to protect AT&T from that hurt.
However, AT&T also says that while Apple agreed not to produce a VoIP app for the iPhone without AT&T’s consent, they had no obligation to “take action against” a third party app.
So, presumably Apple is not allowed to make a VoIP app unless AT&T says okay, but Apple’s just being kind to AT&T by not allowing Skype (for example) to use the 3G network?
And if AT&T is changing their mind and thinking of allowing a VoIP app, and the only VoIP app they say they’re allowed to allow is one by Apple…
Conspiracy theorists, where does that leave us?
August 21st, 2009 at 11:51 pm
even if apple didn’t restrict VoIP apps at the app store level, it is quite conceivable that AT&T would still be able to disable their data connections or throttle their bandwidth – depending on how AT&T structured their mobile network.
August 22nd, 2009 at 12:06 am
It still leaves us where we started. In the end they’re still playing ring around the rosey. The apps will never see the light of day
August 22nd, 2009 at 12:09 am
Man, that’s some sour look on your face there Rene….
These responses, and I’ve read all of them, sound like kids caught with their hands in the cookie jar.
By far the most forthright (other than the redaction) was Google’s.
If ATT can be believed, I have to eat a fairly large helping of crow here, because I always suspected, and frequently posted, that ATT was leaning on Apple to ban Google Voice.
ATT flatly denies this. “AT&T was not asked about the matter by Apple at any time, nor did it offer any view one way or the other”.
Both ATT and Google dumped this steaming pile right back on Apple’s front porch.
I stand corrected.
August 22nd, 2009 at 12:36 am
techcrunch has an absolutely scathing, point-by-point refutation of apple’s response:
http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/08/21/the-simple-truth-whats-really-going-on-with-apple-google-att-and-the-fcc/
i don’t agree with a lot of techcrunch’s past analysis, but this feels pretty spot on. a steaming pile indeed.
apple’s reasoning really rings hollow. even if they are totally justified in their rejection policies, apple knows that their reasons sound really awful when read aloud, and are trying to dodge and weave.
one thing that i’m not sure of in techcrunch’s analysis is the idea that apple is backpedaling and will ultimately accept the google voice apps back into the app store. not so sure that’s the direction this issue is headed.
August 22nd, 2009 at 12:37 am
The more you study ATTs response the more it looks like they have been unfairly targeted during this whole fiasco. (Including by me).
Apologies to ATT.
Now can I have my MMS?
August 22nd, 2009 at 1:48 am
Where’s the freaking MMS? Bullsquat!!!
August 22nd, 2009 at 5:43 am
@reneritchie, the day AT&T and other carriers becoming dumb pipes is not so far… The only problem why Apple is conspiring is the hefty carrier subsidy that AT&T gives them. If AT&T charges for n GB of data, why is it so keen on how I use it?
August 22nd, 2009 at 8:00 am
I’m sure there’s an agreement signed between ATT and Apple that protects each other from apps that may put a dent in their profits. Apps like Skype will never be given the day to do what it does for desktop PC users–full capabilities.
August 22nd, 2009 at 8:29 am
The problem is that AT&T offered unlimited data when it should not have. If they’d have offered some high (but limited) data plan instead, then voip wouldn’t be a problem. But instead they offered unlimited data (which sells better) and then restricted what kind of apps can stream data over their pipes.
I don’t believe that Apple is denying these apps (voip, streaming video apps, etc…) without at least considering their relationship with AT&T. Maybe they are concerned that the strain on AT&T’s networks could look bad on Apple, as consumers would just see it as the iPhone not working right. Or maybe they’re looking toward being able to negotiate another good deal when their contract is up again – whether that’s in the subsidy or being able to still get unlimited data for the consumer.
Either way, Apple is CLEARLY looking at AT&T when they deny these things. They have no reason not to allow these apps otherwise.
August 22nd, 2009 at 8:49 am
I’m still blaming AT&T… UNTIL I get my MMS…
August 22nd, 2009 at 3:23 pm
@Glenn_VA
ATT says NO.
ATT/Apple contracts occurred prior to App Store, and ATT says there is nothing to prevent use of VOIP other than that APPLE itself can not add a Voip client. Other than that, as long as it does not hurt the 3g network, ATT says they exert no control.
Go read the full text of ATT’s response posted in other threads.