Google Voice is a great online service which allows users to make cheap international calls and consolidate multiple telephone numbers through one unique Google number. Voice mail messages are recorded, transcribed and emailed to the user. So why have Apple refused to allow the Application to be available through the iTunes Store?

The decision has caused massive amounts of controversy, preventing iTunes users from easily downloading and using Google Voice. Apple have refused to comment on the decision which has sparked an outcry from the internet and Apple communities. PC World accused Apple of “Control Freak Tendencies.” TechCrunch called Apple “Rotten to the Core.” So why did Apple put its self forward for the firing line by making such an unpopular decision?

It seems as though Apple were protecting their business partner AT&T, the telecoms provider, from potentially losing revenue from lost calls, which would result from its users choosing to make a call by Google Voice and not the phone network carrier.

“There’s some turf to protect,” said Martin Pyykkonen, an independent technology analyst. “From Apple’s standpoint, why embrace something that could end up being a competitor down the road?”

Google Voice, previously Grand Central, is currently a free to use service and at present Google has not released information about how it plans to make revenue from the product. The service was reintroduced two weeks ago and was by invitation only.

“We work hard to bring Google applications to a number of mobile platforms, including the iPhone,” said Carolyn Penner, a Google spokeswoman, who noted that users may still access the application through the phone’s Web browser, even if they can’t download the application from Apple’s online iTunes store. “We will continue to work to bring our services to iPhone users, for example by taking advantage of advances in mobile browsers.”

The problem is that if Google Voice becomes too popular, network providers could potentially lose revenue.

“If you use Google Voice tremendously, it would take away from AT&T’s minutes,” said Richard Doherty, an analyst with Envisioneering, a technology research firm. “The fear is that Google could dump you into a chat room with all of your friends and you may end up not needing AT&T.” Taken from LA Times.

Could this be seen as AT&T monopolizing and controlling how its users make calls in order to make more money? Surely a user should be able to make a call, using whatever service they feel is appropriate?

Article by Creative SEO UK