Google Voice under FCC scanner

AT&T had last month filed a complaint with FCC against Google for blocking voice calls, through its Google Voice service, to rural areas.

Google Voice is a service that allows users to connect all of their phone numbers to one common number and handle calls and messages through a Web site.

AT&T claims that Google is blocking calls to cut costs on network access expenses and this amounts to breach of telecommunications law, which necessitates phone operators to provide unrestricted access to services anywhere in the nation.

FCC demands explanation
Addressing the concern raised by AT&T, FCC sent inquiry to Google Friday, asking the company to explain how its Google Voice application blocks calls to rural area.

Further, the federal regulator is seeking details about the software's functionality, how calls are routed, and how Google selects the users etc.

In a statement to Google, FCC wireline bureau's chief Sharon Gillet wrote, "In light of pending commission proceedings regarding concern about so-called 'access simulation,' the commission's prohibition on call blocking by carriers, as well as the commission's interest in ensuring that 'broadband networks are widely deployed, open, affordable, and accessible to all consumers,' we are interested in gathering facts that can provide a more complete understanding of the situation."

FCC has asked Google to respond with all the information by Oct. 28.

Google dismisses allegations
After AT&T had filed complaint, Google had dismissed all claims.

In a company blog, Rick Whitt, Google's telecom and media counsel, had stated the company has restricted Google Voice service to areas that are expensive to connect.

Whitt had further added that there are significant distinctions between Google Voice and traditional phone service. Google Voice is a free Web-based application and is not meant to be a replacement for traditional phone service.

This is not the first time that the company’s Google Voice application has sparked controversies and drawn attention of FCC. A few months back, Apple had rejected Google Voice software for its iPhone. As a result, FCC had to intervene to probe the dispute.