I finally went through the FCC filings, and there are still a lot of questions.

Full FCC PDF links are: AT&T, Apple, and Google

AT&T claims that they had nothing to do with the Google Voice rejection, but does confirm AT&T and Apple have agreements in place to ensure no VOIP apps over 3G are approved. An interesting tidbit of that though is this:
Quote:
AT&T and Apple also agreed, however, that if a third party enables an iPhone to make VoIP calls using AT&T’s wireless service, Apple would have no obligation to take action against that third party.

Basically meaning if someone jailbreaks their phone and runs a VOIP app over the AT&T network, Apple doesn't have to try and stop it. AT&T also claims this:
Quote:
we plan to take a fresh look at possibly authorizing VoIP capabilities on the iPhone for use on AT&T’s 3G network. AT&T will promptly update the Commission regarding any such change in its policies.

Apple and AT&T also agreed to deny apps that violate AT&T's terms of service, such as an app that redirects a TV signal (IE, why SlingPlayer was shot down until it worked only over WiFi).

Apple's response had a lot of interesting tidbits on how their approval process works. Average time an app is in queue is 14 days. 40 full time staffers review apps, and 2 reviewers must review each app. 20% of apps are rejected initially due to bugs or other issues, but the majority of those are fixed by the developer and resubmitted. Lots of fluff about protecting people, and the really interesting tidbit about Google Voice is this one:
Quote:
Contrary to published reports, Apple has not rejected the Google Voice application, and continues to study it. The application has not been approved because, as submitted for review, it appears to alter the iPhone’s distinctive user experience by replacing the iPhone’s core mobile telephone functionality and Apple user interface with its own user interface for telephone calls, text messaging and voicemail. (snip) In addition, the iPhone user’s entire Contacts database is transferred to Google's servers, and we have yet to obtain any assurances from Google that this data will only be used in appropriate ways. These factors present several new issues and questions to us that we are still pondering at this time.

Basically it sounds like they got their hand caught in the cookie jar, and are now trying to backpeddle. "We didn't reject it, honest!. We just haven't approved it yet".

Google's response was pretty useless, due to this:
Quote:
FCC: What explanation was given (if any) for Apple's rejection of the Google Voice application (and for any other Google applications for iPhone that have been rejected, such as Google Latitude)? Please describe any communications between Google and AT&T or Apple on this topic and a summary of any meetings or discussion.

Google: [BEGIN CONFIDENTIAL] [END CONFIDENTIAL]


So, some interesting info came out of the inquiry, but the most useful information was censored, leaving us only with Apple's side of the story. I really have to wonder here why Google did censor their response. They may not want to harm relations with Apple over this situation, even though they stand in the best position to help force better improvements to the App Store approval process.