iPhone vs. Google Voice

[Commentary] The least attractive aspect of Apple's captivating iPhone may be the limits imposed by Apple and its iPhone partner, AT&T. Apple's process for approving iPhone applications remains maddeningly opaque -- for instance, programs similar to Google Voice have been approved, although a few were rejected later. And developers can't succeed unless they get into the App Store, the only sure way to reach millions of iPhone users. Nevertheless, the FCC shouldn't delve any further into the Google Voice dispute. Neither Apple nor AT&T are gatekeepers in the competitive mobile market, and until they start to approach that point, the government shouldn't force them to make life easy for their competitors. We think the wiser course for Apple and AT&T would be to welcome all compatible programs to their devices. But it's their call. Google Voice users can get to the service through the iPhone's Web browser, but if that isn't slick enough for them, they can always switch to another phone.