Groups Echo Carr's Call for FCC Investigation of Apple on BeeperMini

The FCC should immediately investigate Apple for blocking the functionality of cross-platform messaging app BeeperMini, several tech and policy groups said in a letter to Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel Tuesday. Apple's actions degrading Beeper Mini’s functionality "may have violated FCC’s Part 14 rules, which guarantee access to advanced communications services and equipment by people with disabilities,” the letter said. A total of nine entities signed the letter, including the American Economic Liberties Project, the Open Markets Institute and Y Combinator. Earlier this month, Commissioner Brendan Carr at the State of the Net conference called for a similar investigation (see 2402120068). Beeper Mini’s tech allows users of Android phones to message iPhone users without using SMS. Without the app, Android users can message iPhones only with SMS, and their text messages have limited accessibility and appear on iPhones in green bubbles rather than the blue of Apple’s proprietary iMessage service. Apple responded by repeatedly blocking Beeper Mini from accessing its system, the letter said. Apple’s actions also prevent interconnection between carriers, which could violate other FCC rules, the letter said. Apple’s actions, and “the Biden Administration’s economy-wide focus on antitrust enforcement” should immediately lead to an FCC investigation, the letter said. Apple didn’t comment.