Press Release
AT&T-Apple Deny And Confirm Blocking VoIP
Contact: Timothy Karr, 201-533-8838
WASHINGTON -- Today, Google, Apple and AT&T responded to the Federal Communications Commission’s inquiries into iPhone users on AT&T’s network being denied access to the Google Voice application.
AT&T had previously stated that it "does not manage or approve applications" for the App Store. Today, AT&T acknowledged that it plays a role in authorizing VoIP applications. AT&T’s letter states: "AT&T and Apple agreed that Apple would not take affirmative steps to enable an iPhone to use AT&T’s wireless service (including 2G, 3G and Wi-Fi) to make VoIP calls without first obtaining AT&T’s consent."
This was verified by Apple's letter: "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."
While Apple takes responsibility for Google Voice situation, these letters highlight AT&T's role in blocking VoIP applications such as Skype on its 3G wireless network.
Ben Scott, policy director of Free Press, issued the following statement:
"Today marks an important step forward for backers of the open Internet. The FCC’s inquiry into Google Voice has ripped back the curtain on the wireless market and revealed AT&T’s secret veto power over applications on the iPhone that offer consumers voice services over the Internet. Google Voice may not have been caught up in this dragnet, but it appears the Skype application was not so fortunate. AT&T’s letter suggests they may reconsider permitting the Skype application in the face of this scrutiny. But the potential chilling effect of AT&T’s gatekeeper power is critical reminder of why the FCC must protect consumers."
"We applaud the FCC for this timely intervention. AT&T has been caught with its hand in the Apple jar. This inquiry has exposed the central issue of who controls the mobile Internet. It’s time for the FCC to move quickly to pass new rules to prohibit exclusive contracts for devices and violations of Network Neutrality."
AT&T had previously stated that it "does not manage or approve applications" for the App Store. Today, AT&T acknowledged that it plays a role in authorizing VoIP applications. AT&T’s letter states: "AT&T and Apple agreed that Apple would not take affirmative steps to enable an iPhone to use AT&T’s wireless service (including 2G, 3G and Wi-Fi) to make VoIP calls without first obtaining AT&T’s consent."
This was verified by Apple's letter: "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."
While Apple takes responsibility for Google Voice situation, these letters highlight AT&T's role in blocking VoIP applications such as Skype on its 3G wireless network.
Ben Scott, policy director of Free Press, issued the following statement:
"Today marks an important step forward for backers of the open Internet. The FCC’s inquiry into Google Voice has ripped back the curtain on the wireless market and revealed AT&T’s secret veto power over applications on the iPhone that offer consumers voice services over the Internet. Google Voice may not have been caught up in this dragnet, but it appears the Skype application was not so fortunate. AT&T’s letter suggests they may reconsider permitting the Skype application in the face of this scrutiny. But the potential chilling effect of AT&T’s gatekeeper power is critical reminder of why the FCC must protect consumers."
"We applaud the FCC for this timely intervention. AT&T has been caught with its hand in the Apple jar. This inquiry has exposed the central issue of who controls the mobile Internet. It’s time for the FCC to move quickly to pass new rules to prohibit exclusive contracts for devices and violations of Network Neutrality."
