The FCC's next open committee is on Thursday, and maybe -- just maybe -- we'll be able to get to the bottom of this whole "
App Store / Google Voice rejection" mess. First, the committee plans to look into ways to "foster innovation and investment in the wireless communications market," issues related to "truth-in-billing," and exclusivity agreements between carriers and handset manufacturers, which critics say punish consumers in rural areas that the "big four" (Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile) don't serve. Also in the queue, according to
Ars Technica, is the wireless open access docket, which will mostly be given over to
Skype's inquiry into Apple's rejection of Google Voice for iPhone and its relationship to a "pending Petition filed by Skype to confirm a consumer's right to use communications software and attach nonharmful devices to wireless networks." And of course, all this goes down a few days after Apple, AT&T, and Google were required to respond to letters from the Commission inquiring about Apple's dissing the Google Voice app. If you've never had the opportunity to sit in one of these sessions, let us tell you -- they're incredibly exciting, fast-paced events. As always, the meeting will be broadcast live over Real Video -- hit the read link for details.
[Via
Ars Technica]
posted August 21st 2009 3:51PM
oh snaps
because the fcc has ruling over Apple's decisions?
edit: Apple and AT+T's decisions
It does if it finds that they're illegal.
I dont think the FCC should be able to force apple to allow certain apps to the app store. I wish it was completely open but its apple and AT&T's right to say what is allowed in their apple store and network.
It would be good if there was no contract exclusivity for any phone. Then everyone can just go to the provider for service instead of them having a good phone (I'm talking to you AT&T).
yeah, we have that system here (slovenia) and it's really nice. the exclusivity deals in the US are quite weird, the phone manufacturers can't benefit too much if their phone can only be bought by 1/4 of the consumers, the carriers kind of block each other with it so i think they would be in roughly the same situation if none of them used exclusivity deals and of course the worst off are the consumers because they probably can't get their favourite phone on their favourite carrier.
Nice joke! The event will be "broadcast live over Real Video." Hahah. It's funny because who would use that horrible piece of software to do anyt... oh.
:(
Just don't blame it on Phil Schiller.
Typo: "As always, the meeting will me broadcast live over Real Video", "me" should be "be".
and to add to that, shouldn't it be "broad-casted" as opposed to "broadcast" ? lol
@Dave: No.
...plans to look into ways to "foster innovation and investment in the wireless communications market,"
Cause the FCC knows how to do that.
Hopefully they bring up the issue about how these providers are reaming us with text message fees that cost them practically nothing. Why am I being charged for incoming texts again?
Text inflation is insane.. it started at 2 cents in 5 cents out.. I think its around 20 in way now?? That's insane.
Yes and texting is data so why isn't it covered in my unlimited (read 5GB cap) plan?
I was wondering why Schmidt was so buddy buddy with the administration..
AT&T should definitely be to blame for all their crap that they pull. "Oh it will cripple our network" :( Please take some of that billion you made in profit and improve your crappy network. The thing is though they are all like that it's not just AT&T, Sprint, Verizon they are all the same. They got us by the nuts and there ain't nothing we can do about it. FCC ain't gonna do crap either please all the lobbying that gets done, this is just a "look we actually do something" please!!! I doubt anything at all will come from this.
Positive! Think positive! Arggg have to think positive *thinks positive*.
How long do these meeting go?
Well if every one has the same phone (iphone), then it will be solely on the service provider Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile.
Race for the better network!
The reason apple rejected the Google Voice app was because they were pressure by AT&T. Google Voice has international calls for less money then AT&T and they didnt want people to start paying google for it. Google Voice = Big competition to AT&T
I truly hope the FCC gets to the bottom of these restrictions and spanks both Apple and AT&T hard. The whole app approval process is about as clear as milk. Clearer disclosure about the entire exclusive agreement between AT&T and Apple would help the consuming public greatly. If not, well. . . Android OS here we come!
Do you hear this AT&T and Apple!
I don't recall the big 4 and Apple getting any bailout money so the government has no right to tell them how they should operate. It is not anyones right to have a cell phone.
Uhh, the fact that the Big 4 operate over public airwaves gives the government the absolute right, if not obligation, to tell them how to operate. They pay a license fee to use their respective portions of the spectrum and, as part of the licensing agreement, are required to meet certain requirements/provide certain services/access deemed necessary for the public good. That may take the form of open device access, traffic neutrality requirements, etc., but those requirements and decisions are what the FCC is responsible for deciding on the public's behalf.
Wireless service is considered a utility and is therefor regulated as a necessity and not a consumer indulgence. The other issue is that spectrum is owned by the government which in turn is owned by the tax payers for their (supposed) benefit.
i think it may be a sky competitor
http://www.zahipedia.com/2009/08/17/google-voice-google-conference-calling/