Friday, September 25, 2009

AT&T Complains To FCC, About Google Voice, For Not Connecting To Porn Lines.

Google Voice AT&T and Apple Saga
Looks like AT&T failed to make calls over Google Voice to "adult-chat lines and conference call services."  Perhaps they were trying to save money by going through Google Voice. In any case, they  have made a complaint to FCC over the matter. AT&T has also accused Google of violating "net neutrality".
Mean while Google did admit that it is blocking calls to "adult chat lines and conference-call centers, which charge higher access fees to carriers." Perhaps AT&T  was just trying to get back at Google for complaining to FCC on Google Voice.
AT&T must be familier with the issue as according to Gizmodo, FCC reprimanded AT&T for  not connecting numbers to rural phone companies who were overcharging in 2007.
Google's Richard Whitt, Washington Telecom and Media Counsel, said in a blog post, "Response to AT&T's letter to FCC on Google Voice"  that Google Voice is different from a traditional phone service because  consumers can use it only if they already have phone service. Therefor it is not bound by rules that govern entities like AT&T.
Google also gave a response for the "Net Neutrality" claim saying that

"The FCC's open Internet principles apply only to the behavior of broadband carriers -- not the creators of Web-based software applications. Even though the FCC does not have jurisdiction over how software applications function, AT&T apparently wants to use the regulatory process to undermine Web-based competition and innovation.
The post further stated that
  • Unlike traditional carriers, Google Voice is a free, Web-based software application, and so not subject to common carrier laws.
  • Google Voice is not intended to be a replacement for traditional phone service -- in fact, you need an existing land or wireless line in order to use it. Importantly, users are still able to make outbound calls on any other phone device.
  • Google Voice is currently invitation-only, serving a limited number of users.
 AT&T Fail! But that is only my view, there are many others who feel differently and follow the link below and read the comments.
Google public policy Blog
Gizmodo don't forget to follow the comments!

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