Google Voice offers call-back services over Bandwidth.com's backbone. AT&T filed a complaint at the FCC over Google Voice's call blocking to certain rural areas, and took the opportunity to complain over 'traffic pumping'. Google denies common carrier status, but joins AT&T's complaint over traffic pumping. The FCC asked Google to supply information on technology, business model, marketing and call-blocking. AT&T's claim of Google Voice's advantage by blocking certain calls is questionable and its claim of common carrier status of Google Voice will not hold, but it looks to be more than just a call-back service. AT&T and Google agree on one thing: abuse of high rural termination fees must be stopped. Call-blocking looks unlikely to be sustainable, but allows Google to make the first step on the 'ladder of investment'. In this brief, we examine AT&T's and Google arguments. It looks like AT&T could be shooting itself in the foot, if Google is ready to take Google Voice beyond its current status of call management service.
