Because this isn't an official investigation, it's not clear what the FCC is ultimately trying to determine, but in general the government wants to know why certain VoIP apps are being rejected and others are not. This goes to the issue of net neutrality, and whether handset makers and wireless carriers are stifling apps that could amount to competition. Also, this inquiry fits into the FCC's broader look at exclusivity deals between phone makers and wireless carriers.

In short, the good stuff. This whole fiasco has been pretty shady from the start, from the contradiction between AT&T's actions and public statements to Google's blame game over Skype for Android. I expect all three companies to wriggle and spin their comments, but in the end we should get a more thorough explanation of the situation than ever before. Ladies and gentlemen, your tax dollars at work.