Apple blocked Google app for blocking iPhone functions

"Contrary to published reports, Apple has not rejected the Google Voice application, and continues to study it," Apple stated.

Posting its response to the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) enquiry regarding Apple’s rejection of Google app on its Web site, Apple said that it has "spent a lot of time and effort" developing their application and do not want Google to "replace the iPhone's core mobile telephone functionality and Apple user interface with its own user interface for telephone calls, text messaging and voicemail".

The company also raised its concerns regarding Google application as it could transfer contact data from the iPhone’s to the Google server and said that it has yet to obtain assurances that data will not be used inappropriately.

AT&T denies role in Apple’s decision on Google Voice
FCC had also questioned AT&T on its role in Apple’s decision. In a letter addressed to Ruth Milkman, chief of FCC's wireless telecommunications bureau, AT&T stated that it was "not asked about the matter by Apple at any time, nor did it offer any view one way or the other. More broadly, AT&T does not own, operate or control the Apple App Store and is not typically consulted regarding the approval or rejection of applications for the App Store".

Even Apple elucidated its stand saying that it has acted alone without consultation with AT&T, adding that it has no contractual or non-contractual understanding with AT&T affecting Apple’s decision in the matter.

Meanwhile, AT&T said it has an agreement with Apple regarding voice-over-Internet protocol (VoIP) service.

"AT&T and Apple agreed that Apple would not take affirmative steps to enable an iPhone to use AT&T's wireless service … to make VoIP calls without first obtaining AT&T's consent," stated Cicconi, senior executive vice president for external and legislative affairs at AT&T.

Further AT&T stated that it has no objection to Apple allowing VoIP apps on its iPhone using Wi-Fi connection rather than AT&T's wireless service.

Advantages of Google Voice
Stating the benefits of its version of Google Voice, as opposed to App Store version of Google Voice, for the Apple Store, Google said that its application "offers some significant advantages over those alternative means of accessing Google Voice".

"The Google voice features accessible by the mobile Website are more limited than those features found in the App Store version of Google Voice," the company stated in a letter to FCC.

Further, Google Voice provides people with an alternative number. Users can access the service to transfer incoming calls to mobile phones initially, then to the work number and finally to home number. Users can also set voice mail service and access Google Voice e- mail transcripts.