FCC Investigates iPhone Applications

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is a powerful body that regulates radio, television, wire, satellite, cable and internet communications.  The FCC rules on all types of communications issues including preventing media conglomerates from exclusive control over particular communications methods.

The FCC’s latest investigation involves Apple and AT&T.  FCC jurisdiction is based upon iPhones running on public networks and its duty to ensure fair competition on wireless networks.  Apple recently rejected the Google Voice application for the new iPhone; AT&T claims that it is not responsible for accepting or denying iPhone applications. On face it seems inappropriate for the FCC to force Apple to allow all applications to be used on Apple’s product.  So what if Apple refuses the Google Voice app to be used on its iPhone; customers who want to use the Google app should buy a Blackberry or other mutlimedia device that allows the application.

So what is the FCC’s beef…why not let the free market dictate how apps are used?

Simple, because we have open use of the Internet, meaning on the wired Internet, we can connect any type of PC or other computing device and use any applications we want on those devices; so shouldn’t we want these same privileges on our wireless devices?  Currently, the wireless Internet is controlled by cellular carriers like AT&T, we can only use the phones they allow on their networks and can only use the applications they approve.  We use are mobile devices like mini computers are able to download functions (applications), which enable different uses for these devices.  So why shouldn’t wireless devices fall under the same open access rule as the wired Internet?

This issue is at the heart of the FCC’s Apple investigation.  The FCC is concerned about how Apple determines which applications can and cannot be used on the iPhone and sold in Apple’s App Store. On July 31, 2009 the FCC sent letters to Apple and AT&T with questions concerning how applications are chosen for the App Store, reasons for rejecting the Google Voice app, any part that AT&T played in denying Google Voice app, and all other applications that have been denied for the iPhone.  I would love to be a fly on the wall at Apple as their attorneys determine the best way to address these questions.  Lets hope that the Apple and AT&T responses are published!

This is a case where it appears the FCC is attempting to defend Internet open access by forcing Apple to create a clear policy on what type of iPhone applications are not acceptable.  The outcome of this investigation will determine how we use the wireless Internet and iPhone devices.  Applications provide useful tools to enhance how we use our mobile devices; however given the phones are closed sources, which means that the phone provider must approve the applications, users are limited to applications that are approved by the phone provider.

Is the closed source method stifling innovation or protecting consumers from downloading bad applications?  Further, should it be up to phone providers to determine which applications are “bad” or should a central agency, such as the FCC, determine if the application meets specific requirements?

Mobile phone technology will continue to evolve, should consumers get to decide how they want to use their devices?