YouMail back after Google pulls it at T-Mobile's request
updated 04:30 pm EST, Fri December 9, 2011
Software glitch clogs T-Mobile's data network
YouMail and T-Mobile have apparently resolved their differences, and the visual voicemail app is once again available from Android Market (free, Android Market). It had been pulled by Google yesterday at the carrier's request. Both YouMail and T-Mobile are blaming each other for letting a seemingly simple situation escalate out of control.
The problem apparently began in early November for YouMail users with Android phones who upgraded from version 1.8.3 to 2.0.45. A polling parameter was inadvertently set to continuously poll YouMail's servers over the network. This generated a significant amount of network traffic. It's unclear whether this problem was specific to T-Mobile or impacted all networks.
T-Mobile claims that they quickly notified YouMail to get quick resolution. YouMail counterclaims that while T-Mobile might have tried to contact them, it was by sending an e-mail to YouMail's free customer service inbox. There it was "lost in the shuffle." YouMail also contends tha,t although it was aware of an issue, it had no idea of the magnitude of the problem. After no response from YouMail, T-Mobile complained to Google.
Google took immediate action and pulled the YouMail app from Android Market. YouMail executives complain that Google did so without any advance warning. Google then tried to stay out of the controversy and told YouMail to deal with T-Mobile directly.
Initially, YouMail reacted by strongly criticizing T-Mobile, suggesting a conspiracy where the carrier tried to remove a competing app. YouMail also criticized Google, saying it pulled first and looked for a reason to restore the app later.
T-Mobile and YouMail have now been in contact, and a mutual plan of action is underway. YouMail blames the situation on an unfortunate chain of events. [via GigaOM]
