Apple Will Lose Fight to Ban Google Voice in the End
Jeff Bertolucci, PC World
Sep 18, 2009 5:34 pm
The ruckus over Google Voice on the iPhone continues, as Google and Apple squabble over who said what to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission, and whether Apple really did ban Google's well-received VoIP app from its App Store. Macworld's Dan Moren offers a good recap of the latest mudslinging developments.
But whatever happens in this round, Apple will ultimately lose the fight. It's only a matter of time before Google Voice comes to the iPhone. Why? There are too many factors working against Apple for it to maintain its anti-consumer stance on this issue.
* The FCC is investigating the matter, and it's a safe bet the Feds aren't keen on Apple's handling of Google Voice. In fact, the FCC may very well interpret Apple's actions as a violation of Net neutrality principles -- essentially, that ISPs shouldn't block or impair the ability of consumers to use Internet services -- and ultimately pressure Cupertino to soften its stance on Google Voice. While one could argue that Apple isn't an ISP, the company certainly is a major player in the wireless industry.
* The public wants VoIP apps like Google Voice, which provides one number for all of your phone lines, and lets you manage voice services online. Skype for iPhone is popular too. Unfortunately, Apple has crippled it. You can use Skype for iPhone to make calls over Wi-Fi, but not via AT&T's 3G or EDGE networks. Apple's hardball stance on these matters isn't winning the company friends among consumer groups or lawmakers, who see these limitations as anti-consumer.
http://www.pcworld.com/article/172261/apple_will_lose_fight_to_ban_google_voice_in_the_end.html