FCC To Probe Google Voice Over Call Blocking

Over the past few months, we've been following the FCC's inquiry into Apple and AT&T after they rejected Google Voice from the App store. A couple weeks ago, AT&T did their best to deflect the FCC by dangling a shiny object in front of them — the use of Google Voice to block calls. It now appears the FCC has taken the bait, as they've sent an official inquiry to Google asking why the service restricts connections. "In its letter, the FCC asked Google to describe how its calls are routed and whether calls to particular numbers are prohibited. It also asks for information on how restrictions are implemented, how Google informs customers about those restrictions, whether Google Voice services are free, and if Google ever plans to charge for them in the future." Richard Whitt has already posted a brief explanation on Google's Public Policy blog. "The reason we restrict calls to certain local phone carriers' numbers is simple. Not only do they charge exorbitant termination rates for calls, but they also partner with adult sex chat lines and 'free' conference calling centers to drive high volumes of traffic." The FCC also received a push from members of the House of Representatives on Wednesday.

Comments

oh america

[nimbius]

land of the fee
home of the paid.

its always a new player that wants to shake up ma bell, to innovate in ways theyve never tried and to level the playing field for real competition. time and time again its proven by pre-paid legislators, lobbyists and interest groups: you dont fuck with the megacorps. especially not the bells.

if google manages to get anything out of this, which judging by their resistance to the bush administration in the past they may just, I will be very surprised indeed. Once, just once, id love to see something new happen to the communications industry...real competition that follows the lines of the capitalism ive been taught, not the cronyism ive come to expect.

off topic, but id like to see real competition in any industry with a government sanctioned monopoly as well.