Do Other Countries Lose Out on Apps Because of AT&T Policies?
Mike Ash (via Marco.org) makes this point following the FCC responses today:
Ignoring the question of why it’s Apple’s job to prevent their customers from breaking AT&T’s terms of service, it’s interesting to note just how much this policy is centered on the United States. The iPhone is sold in dozens of different countries and works with dozens of different cellular carriers all over the world. You can be certain that each one of those carriers has different terms of service. Why is AT&T so privileged that their terms of service, and theirs alone, are the ones that Apple looks at when deciding whether to reject or accept any given app? It’s quite likely that people all over the world are missing out on great iPhone apps that their cellular carriers would permit them to use just because AT&T does not permit Americans to use them.
This by way of saying, for example, because AT&T prohibits SlingPlayer from running over 3G, users in Canada (on Rogers), the UK (on 02), Japan (on SoftBank), etc. are also prevented from using SlingPlayer of 3G.
Apple certainly makes only specific mention of AT&T in their consideration process. However, AT&T was the first iPhone carrier signed, so perhaps there’s something in that original deal that makes it so — or is it just that Apple is headquartered in the US?
Now, presuming those other, international carriers aren’t just sighing in relief that AT&T takes the hit on this so they don’t have to (anyone think Rogers, O2, SoftBank, et al. are dying to take the network hit that comes with an uber-popular, functionality surfacing device like the iPhone doing high-bandwidth tasks like streaming TV shows and movies?
There are certainly examples enough of region-specific apps (AT&T’s own apps are just in the US), and apps that are missing from just one regional app store (Skype is not in the Canadian App Store, reportedly due to a patent dispute).
As mentioned previously, Sling has submitted a 3G-enabled version of SlingPlayer for non-US App Stores (Canada, UK, Japan, etc.), so we’ll soon see.
August 21st, 2009 at 11:38 pm
Not sure what to say to that, but IF at&t has any say in the app approval process, then yea, the entire world is getting forked over because the privileged USofAT&T decided their customers are not worthy.
IF it’s all Apple’s fault, as it is starting to look like based on the letters, then this is for Apple:
.i.. ..i.
August 21st, 2009 at 11:41 pm
I’m in Canada and downloaded Skype from iTunes. I faked a US address though, so you may be right. But it is obviously possible to get it in Canada.
August 22nd, 2009 at 12:09 am
Only if the developer is American perhaps?
August 22nd, 2009 at 3:24 am
What other countries have top tier networks? I know Japan has incredibly fast speeds, and possibly Australia too. Anybody know of any others?
August 22nd, 2009 at 4:35 am
Vodaphone in the UK are pushing out a 7.2Mb 3G service which is forcing other carriers (such as O2) to look at doing the same, just to keep up. Part of that decision process will be about demand and marketing. The iPhone is a great way to market to build demand on such a service and as such I see apps like SlingPlayer as being likely for encouragement in the UK and possibly elsewhere.
It’s an interesting thought, and one which may not be far from the mark. There will however be those (Rogers) who sigh relief as you say.
August 22nd, 2009 at 5:40 am
Yes, In Singapore, SingTel offers 50GB data @ 20 USD and I can’t use it for Skype over 3G because of AT&T. Tethering is finally enabled. Apple is still an “American” gadget. So is Japan. In Japan iPhone didn’t pick up at first, because Japanese watch TV on mobile, which is banned by AT&T. Apple is losing more money because of AT&T than what it would have got from International sales.
August 22nd, 2009 at 8:27 am
YES, YES, and YES.
im in austria. my provider allows video streaming (qik, ustream, slingplayer), allows tethering and VOIP (skype, fring)
ive a non official iphone provider which is the biggest provider in austria and a iphone 3gs bought in an italian Apple Store.
Normally the best combination.
But there is no video streaming app in the appstore that works over 3G, there is no Tethering enabled cause Apple says “ask your provider” and my Provider says “ask Apple its their device” and Skype is not working over 3G even my Provider allows this ALL.
Ive solved my Tethering-Problem where no one feels responsible for. So i made help.benm.at.
And if i wanna use the other things ive to jailbreak.
August 22nd, 2009 at 9:11 am
btw: also the official austrian iPhone Provider T-Mobile supports VOIP and Video Streaming.
August 22nd, 2009 at 9:20 am
No 3G data connections on prepaid here in *** land. My factory unlocked 3GS can only be used to make and receive calls. Wifi is more scarce than a white boy. This place is a MYTH.
August 22nd, 2009 at 9:21 am
J a p land. Got censored.
August 22nd, 2009 at 12:49 pm
Of course.
Every interdiction by AT&T affects the rest of the world. I’m in Italy and I got a data plan at 12 euros a month, with 3Gb and the ability to do basically anything. For now I got MMS and free tethering, but I would be able to use voip, skype and other services as well. Too bad AT&T has to decide for us.
August 22nd, 2009 at 4:06 pm
Why is AT&T so privileged that their terms of service, and theirs alone, are the ones that Apple looks at when deciding whether to reject or accept any given app?
And you know this because you sat in AT&T’s and Apple’s last board meeting… There are plenty if apps not in the US app store, there are plenty of countries not on unlimited data plans. Maybe it’s Canada, let’s blame Rogers and boycott any Canadian vacations and Canadian produced movies…
One you are ranting about Apple, the next week the rumor mill points you towards AT&T… This is highschool BS… Stop following the pitchforks and torches, enjoy life and think for yourselves…
You have crossed the line of debate and are now just sheep in a lynch mob… ( well most of you )…
August 22nd, 2009 at 9:39 pm
Apple can easily block apps like Skype and others in the US AppStore if AT&T doesn’t like.. why me????
August 26th, 2009 at 1:01 pm
In France all cellular cariées sold thé iPhone after that the national competition counsil decide that the monopol of the cell carier Orange was illegal regarding the French cellular providers competition. All providers offer for a free App which permits to watch TV live!