Day Of Reckoning For Apple, AT&T And GoogleDay Of Reckoning For Apple, AT&T And Google

Remember the Google Voice Debacle? Apple pulled the Google Voice application from the iPhone Apps Store and an uproar ensued. Eventually, the FCC decided to stick its nose into the matter. Well, Apple, AT&T and Google all owe the FCC some answers today.Back on July 31, the Federal Communications Commission hit Apple, AT&T and Google with a set of questions. The questions seek answers and clarity about the approval process for the iPhone Apps Store, and who has any sort of say in how apps are approved.

Apple initially approved an application submitted by Google called Google Voice. The application tied into Google's Internet-based phone service and allowed people to make and receive phone calls from a number other than the one registered to the iPhone.

The application was eventually pulled from the Apps Store by Apple. Many believed that AT&T had a say in the application's removal, a charge that AT&T flatly denies. An AT&T spokesperson said, "AT&T does not manage or approve applications for the App Store. We have received the letter and will, of course, respond to it."

The answers are due today. Will the FCC release the answers to the public? I certainly hope so. I have to wonder if Apple and AT&T will answer the questions separately, or if they worked together to sync up their answers. Looking at the questions, either company could cast the other in a negative light depending on how they are answered. All of the companies will look bad if the answers don't mesh with what the other companies say.

Stay tuned. This is sure to get interesting.