FCC asks Google to explain how, why it blocks calls
WASHINGTON, Oct 9 (Reuters) - U.S. regulators on Friday asked Google Inc (GOOG.O: Quote, Profile, Research) to explain how the Internet giant's Voice service blocks expensive calls to some rural areas, after lawmakers demanded an investigation.
The Federal Communications Commission asked Google to respond by Oct. 28 with information about how Google Voice calls are routed, why it restricts calls to particular telephone numbers and how Google chooses the numbers.
Google must also identify how many users of Voice now exist and whether the company plans to offer Voice on other than an "invitation-only" basis, according to the letter sent by Sharon Gillett, chief of the FCC's wireline competition bureau.
Google has said that its Voice service is not a traditional phone call because it originates from a Web software tool, and has argued that it should not be regulated like telephone companies.
On Wednesday, a group of 20 U.S. House lawmakers, mostly from rural areas, urged the FCC to investigate Google's ability to block calls.
Google's Voice service has also triggered a dispute between the world's largest online search company and Apple Inc (AAPL.O: Quote, Profile, Research) over why the voice application is not available on the iPhone.
© Thomson Reuters 2009 All rights reserved
India Investment Summit 2009
Top executives and bankers discuss their own plans and the broader opportunities and challenges for India. Full Coverage
An icon bows to changing times
With his Playboy Enterprises in talks to be sold for about $300 million, the 83 year-old Hugh Hefner will be giving up control over the iconic adult entertainment empire he founded that was instrumental in shaping society's opinions on nudity, sex and free speech. Full Article





India
US
UK









