Google Fiber (NASDAQ: GOOG) confirmed that it is going to offer wireline voice service in existing and new markets where it plans to offer 1 Gbps FTTH broadband service.
Eligible customers will be able to get the new Fiber Phone service for $10 a month, a service that includes unlimited U.S. calling and similar low rates similar to Google Voice for international calls.
Customers will also be allowed to port an existing number to the service and access services such as call waiting, caller ID and 911. In addition, the service will transcribe voice messages and send them as a text or email.
Since the Fiber Phone service is cloud-based, customers can use their number wherever they can get access to an Internet connection, including a wireless phone or a PC.
While home phone service usage has continued to decline, Google Fiber said that it wants to round out its product set with a service that might resonate with some households that are looking for a one-stop shop for service.
"And while mobile phones have pushed us toward the future, home phone service is still important to many families," said John Shriver-Blake, product manager for Google Fiber, in a blog post. "Landlines can be familiar, reliable and provide high-quality service, but the technology hasn't always kept up."
Similar to the way it is rolling out its 1 Gbps service, Google Fiber said it will roll out Fiber Phone in a few areas to start and gradually expand it to all residential customers.
Google Fiber is currently available in four cities and is being rolled out in seven cities. The service provider is also eyeing 11 additional cities in parts of the Midwest, Southwest and West.
"We can't bring Fiber Phone to everyone at the same time, so we're doing it in phases," Google Fiber said on its phone service page. "We'd love to keep you updated on our progress. You'll be among the first to know when it's available in your area."
Google Fiber's debut of its Fiber Phone service should not be all that surprising as the service provider revealed in February that it was testing a new voice service with some of its FTTH customers. At that time, customers had one week to reply if they agree to the terms Google Fiber laid out in its e-mail.
For more:
- see this Google Fiber blog post
- Venture Beat has this article
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