Along with AT&T and Apple, Google also responded to the questions put forward by FCC in matter related to rejection of Google Voice application for iPhone. Earlier this month, FCC asked Apple, AT&T and Google what role they played in rejection of Google Voice application from Apple’s App Store for iPhone.

Apple said that they didn’t approve Google Voice App because it alters the iPhone user experience by replacing Apple’s UI with its own for telephone calls, text messaging and voicemail. Apple also said that Google is free to provide Google Voice web app that can be used via Safari browser present on the iPhone.

In its response to FCC questions, Google submitted highly redacted document that essentially removed all details of communication between Google and Apple. The company did say that Google Voice can directly access the iPhone address book and dial directly from the application, thus providing a more seamless experience for the iPhone user. Google also said that it will offer a Voice web app, but the Web app would not be as full-featured as the App Store version of Google Voice, as iPhone features accessible by the mobile website are more limited than a dedicated app.
The “seamless experience” that Google describes was one of the main reasons why Apple rejected Google Voice app. The application bypassed three main iPhone features and saved iPhone user’s entire Contacts database on Google servers.

In the letter Google also describes the approval process used by Android Marketplace, which has automated approval system that tests for technical issues and doesn’t screen or reject applications on basis of functionality.

However, it is known that Google pulled the Tethering application from Android Marketplace on T-Mobile request. Even though AT&T said that it had no role in any decision made by Apple regarding Google Voice app, it is becoming more and more apparent that carrier do play a role (direct or indirect) in deciding what kind of applications are allowed on your smartphone.

It will be interesting to see what FCC will say on Thursday after considering the letters from Apple, AT&T and Google, and looking into practices put in place by wireless industry.