Apple Answers FCC's Q's on why they ejected Google Voice application

Apple works with network providers around the world so that iPhone users have access to a cellular network. In the United States, we struck a groundbreaking deal with AT&T in 2006 that gives Apple the freedom to decide which software to make available for the iPhone. This was an industry first.
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There is a provision in Apple’s agreement with AT&T that obligates Apple not to include functionality in any Apple phone that enables a customer to use AT&T’s cellular network service to originate or terminate a VoIP session without obtaining AT&T’s permission. Apple honors this obligation, in addition to respecting AT&T’s customer Terms of Service, which, for example, prohibit an AT&T customer from using AT&T’s cellular service to redirect a TV signal to an iPhone.
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I used to work in a company that delt with the majority of mobile operators.

They do not want to be sidelined into just being a bit pipe and they will defend this to the death. VoIP means their voice network becomes non-viable to run and costs will go up for non VoIP users.
The VoIP also means they can't offer packages and deals on voice as they can't separate the IP traffic between VoIP and normal data.

Additionally the operator's data networks aren't as advanced as their voice networks so the sudden increase in VoIP calls would result in a service outage.

Everybody expects things to be free now - unfortunately free doesn't provide a long lasting business service model.
 
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