New York: The US Federal Communications Commission began an inquiry into Apple Inc's rejection of a Google Inc application for the iPhone that allows people to make free calls. In letters sent on Friday, the FCC asked whether Apple consulted with AT&T Inc, the exclusive US wireless-service provider for the iPhone, when deciding to reject the application and whether AT&T has any role in approving iPhone software. Google, owner of the world's most popular search engine, said last week that Apple rejected its request, submitted six weeks ago, that the Google Voice application be made available on the iPhone. Google Voice lets users place US calls, send text messages and organise voice mails without charging fees. Apple is the sole source of distribution for iPhone programmes, which are offered through the online App Store it opened in July 2008. More than 65,000 programmes are available. Apple declined to say why the request was denied or comment on the FCC inquiry, said Steve Dowling, a spokesman for the Cup-ertino, California-based company. Google, based in Mountain View, California, fell $2.59 (Dh9.5) to $443.05 on Friday in Nasdaq Stock Market trading. Apple rose 60 cents to $163.39, while AT&T lost 11 cents to $26.23 on the New York Stock Exchange. The government is seeking more information about Apple's decision because of its interest in wireless open-access and exclusivity deals between handset makers and carriers, according to the letter sent to Apple by James Schlichting, acting chief of the FCC's Wireless Telecommunications Bureau. The three companies have until August 21 to respond. | 
