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Google Voice comes under FCC scrutiny
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Once again Google is facing controversy over its Google Voice Service. This time, the FCC is fielding concerns that its Google Voice service is preventing calling from consumers to various rural cities and towns. On Friday, the FCC sent a letter to Google that it is examining the issue as it develops network neutrality rules that would prevent broadband service providers from either blocking or decreasing the quality of content and applications that go above the use of "reasonable network management techniques."
The FCC's inquiry comes as the commission will unveil its proposed "Open Internet" ruling this Thursday. In addition, the FCC wants to get "a more complete understanding" of the complaints against Google. Google's troubles began in late September when AT&T lodged a complaint against the search engine company arguing that Google Voice blocks certain calls to rural markets so it can get out of paying access charges.
Although Google said the service does block some calls, it maintains that because Google Voice is a free, invitation-only service delivered over the web it is not subject to the same rules placed on traditional telcos. Not only is Google Voice a web-based service, but the company says the service still requires a landline or mobile phone to use it.
For more:
- Light Reading has this article
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Comments
Posted by Barry | October 16, 2009 - 12:31am
Google realizes that this is not just about being a free service. If they are merely offering a web service that requires that users have telephone lines there would be no reason to block any calls, right? They recognize this is a telephone service and would just like to be treated differently from other carriers.
Posted by Bob Madore | October 15, 2009 - 5:20pm
I cannot imagine that people would be so stupid as to attack a service which has been free and has technology that is just fantastic.
This is a FREE service, so if calls are blocked to anywhere --- SO WHAT???
I think there would or should be a claim ONLY if the service was charging a person and then violated any disclaimer or claim made by that service for the fee being charged.
What in "H" is wrong with people today --- attack all free services so that no one can enjoy a neat technology???
It is more sour fruit from ATT and Apple that is causing this problem, because they do not want Google to provide an application on their monopoly!
Come on Girls and Boys --- Play fair! and have fun!
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