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AT&T complains to the FCC that Google Voice blocked calls
AT&T HAS SLAMMED Google Voice to US federal regulators saying testers of the free service were not connected. The phone network provider was upset that Google allegedly blocked its calls to a convent of Benedictine nuns, a congressman and an optician.
In a letter to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), AT&T claimed its tests showed that Google Voice improperly blocks calls. Phone companies aren't allowed to block calls but some Internet phone service providers, such as Google, are able to do so.
Google acknowledged that its Voice service blocks calls to some areas, mostly to what it says are adult chat or free conference call services. Google also blocks calls in some rural areas where rates are higher and calls are more expensive to connect. Some companies called "traffic pumpers" deliberately route calls through those costlier, mostly rural areas to increase revenue.
AT&T compiled a list of well-known areas where "traffic pumpers" typically route calls and then used Google's search engine to find businesses, churches and other lines that might be blocked.
"We can now see the power of Internet-based applications providers to act as gatekeepers who can threaten the 'free and open" Internet', Robert Quinn, an AT&T senior vice president, said in the letter. He added that the FCC has "ample jurisdiction to order Google to stop blocking."
The telecom carrier is also questioning the need for the FCC to write 'net neutrality' rules barring companies from slowing or blocking web traffic.
This case is one of a few that have involved traditional phone companies speaking out over VoIP, citing its lack of regulation and various other reasons that they don't like it. AT&T only last week started letting VoIP work on its wireless network and it still doesn't allow Sling Player or tethering from Iphone users on its network.
Google has replied that its service is a web application and therefore not subject to the same regulations as traditional telecommunications carriers. The FCC is scheduled to unveil its proposed net neutrality rules next week. µ
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umm. Isn't google voice free?
I use it and it works great. so what if it doesn't go to some area or numbers.
can't complain if I'm not paying for the service.
maybe ATT should try to improve their own service for paying customers. instead of beetching
That's a key question right there.
AT&T you have no place to whine until you start playing fairly with Slingmedia and pretty much every other app/company you don't allow on your network because its too fragile.
I agree with everyone else so far. AT&T sounds like they are whining when they complain where Google seems to at least reply with logic and business acumen.
I laugh at the sheer amount of butthurt at&t are currently displaying. They just can't handle the competition google are bringing upon them and are exaggerating the smallest of "problems."
As a Google Voice User,I have Nothing to Complain.I`m looking foward To Have a Google Chrome OS as My Primary OS.The Future is Open Source.Voice Calls Will be Just Data.So in the near Future You`ll just need a Data Plan and Google Voice or Skype.AT&T can Please Stop Crying Like a Baby??????Does Days that you Charge those HUGE fees are OVER!!!!