FCC steps in to investigate Apple, AT&T over Google Voice app rejection

[Imran Siddiqui]

A tiff between companies that aren't playing nice?! Apple rejected Google Voice while having other apps with SMS capability. That's far more "probable cause" than something on a tax filing that looks iffy (Hell, sometimes we don't even need that).

And the FCC is doing it because it has regulatory power. DoJ can't do everything... unless you want to expand the DoJ exponentially.

[The Mad Monk]

Why does Apple have to "play fair"? It dosen't control the market. It's not the government. There is no reason it cannot play favorites with its own product.

[The Mad Monk]

To be clearer, anti-trust is the DoJ's territory. Why is the FCC expanding into areas it has not been established to handle?

[chequita guevara]

Why does Apple have to "play fair"?

Because those are the rules.

[Asher]

To be clearer, anti-trust is the DoJ's territory. Why is the FCC expanding into areas it has not been established to handle?

This is not specifically an anti-trust issue (there's no monopoly, AFAIK).

The FCC regulates this market, if they see something that rubs them the wrong way (and this Apple/AT&T thing has rubbed the vast majority of people the wrong way), it can be investigated. If the FCC determines they are not breaking any rules, they can still make new regulation that will prevent this in the future...if it's in the interest of the public.

[self biased]

i think they just had a problem with the app because it played a file that said "bababooey" when it booted up.

[Imran Siddiqui]

Why does Apple have to "play fair"? It dosen't control the market. It's not the government. There is no reason it cannot play favorites with its own product.

To be clearer, anti-trust is the DoJ's territory. Why is the FCC expanding into areas it has not been established to handle?

I'm assuming you have heard of the Communications Act of 1934 and the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (which amends the 34 Act)?

FCC has jurisdiction on this issue (and most wireless communications in general) based on their regulatory power. It's not just about obscenity on TV.

[Imran Siddiqui]

http://wireless.fcc.gov/index.htm?job=about

The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB) handles all FCC domestic wireless telecommunications programs and policies, except those involving public safety, satellite communications or broadcasting, including licensing, enforcement, and regulatory functions. Wireless communications services include cellular telephone, paging, personal communications services, and other commercial and private radio services. The Bureau also is responsible for implementing the competitive bidding authority for spectrum auctions, given to the Commission by the 1993 Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act.

http://wireless.fcc.gov/index.htm?job=scpd

The Spectrum and Competition Policy Division is responsible for formulating and implementing spectrum, competition, and infrastructure policies that promote access to and efficient use of radio spectrum for wireless communications and encourage competition in the telecommunications marketplace.

[The Mad Monk]

Yes, and the way it has forced its way into saying what software can or cannot be provided on one cellphone out of many is just another example of the needless expansion of government power.

Are you really going to tell me that this is a good use of my money?

[Imran Siddiqui]

encourage competition in the telecommunications marketplace

Why should Apple get a free pass on being investigated for potentially running afoul of FCC regulations?

Or do you really just not know how the executive branch works?

[Asher]

Yes, and the way it has forced its way into saying what software can or cannot be provided on one cellphone out of many is just another example of the needless expansion of government power.

Are you really going to tell me that this is a good use of my money?

Yes. I don't think you understand the ramifications of Google Voice.

It's a run-around of the traditional telecom industry. No wonder they're trying to block it. AT&T is trying to stall innovation. The FCC is right to intervene, and it is a good use of money.

[The Mad Monk]

I know how it works all too well.

How does forcing competing cellphones to have the exact same software suites encourage competition? Where's the freedom of choice?

Should we require all auto manufacturers to install OnStar as well?

[The Mad Monk]

Yes. I don't think you understand the ramifications of Google Voice.

It's a run-around of the traditional telecom industry. No wonder they're trying to block it. AT&T is trying to stall innovation. The FCC is right to intervene, and it is a good use of money.

Don't use AT&T and don't use the iPhone. Let the market handle it.

[DanS]

To be fair, I think cell phones are a little different than other business areas. First, telecommunications has traditionally been a monopoly and we should guard against any return to those days. Second, cell phone companies are using licensed airwaves. The airwaves are still owned by the community at large and it makes sense that the community would institute rules on the use of its property.

[Imran Siddiqui]

To be fair, I think cell phones are a little different than other business areas. First, telecommunications has traditionally been a monopoly and we should guard against any return to those days. Second, cell phone companies are using licensed airwaves. The airwaves are still owned by the community at large and it makes sense that the community would institute rules on the use of its property.

Cell phones are using OUR public airwaves. They should be subject to higher regulation.