AT&T war with Google heats up
The telcos don't think much of net neutrality. It lets companies like Google (GOOG) and its YouTube operation send massive amounts of data and video over the internet without it costing them more than it does a company that just sends text. Video fills up the "pipes" slowing the Web and forcing internet providers to eventually upgrade their systems.
Now AT&T (T) has what may up being a powerful complaint against Google which may get it some sympathy with the public and some attention from the federal government. The big telco says that Google Voice keeps consumers from calling some phone numbers. Google does say it blocks some conference calls which cost the search company extra money.
In at letter to the FCC, AT&T said "Other providers, including those with which Google Voice competes, are banned from call blocking because in June 2007, the Wireline Competition Bureau emphatically declared that all carriers are prohibited from pursuing "self help actions such as call blocking."'
Google's response was "Google Voice does restrict certain outbound calls from our Web platform to these high-priced destinations. But despite AT&T's efforts to blur the distinctions between Google Voice and traditional phone service, there are many significant differences."
If net neutrality is truly neutral, Google may have a very hard case. And, it will be one of what will probably be dozens of case brought before the FCC and federal courts over the net several years. The FCC has complicated net neutrality to such an extensive level that interpreting the concept has become increasingly difficult. Under any common sense approach, Google's call blocking should be a violation.
The war over the cost of transmission of data, voice, and video is moving from fixed line internet to wireless. Google and AT&T could easily exchange charges similar to those brought on September 25 on the issue of which calls can be blocked to and from cellphones.
The FCC will be clogged with these issues, lawyers will become rich, and the consumer will barely be able to track the rules.
Douglas A. McIntyre is an editor at 24/7 Wall St.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
9-26-2009 @ 12:19PM
sbhappe34 said...
Google think they are the giant, now they are meeting the real giant. If they don't win now they will later in another way.
Reply
9-26-2009 @ 7:25PM
Kagome said...
Google can`t win against Ma Bell. Ma Bell wrote the book and her rules
Reply
9-26-2009 @ 8:01PM
Randell Stephens said...
At&t are a bunch of greedy Bastards. all they care about is the bottom line, not their workers or their customers!!!!!!!
At&t should either support the workers and their customers or we should all switch!!!!!
Reply
9-26-2009 @ 10:19PM
Aaron said...
Your Dumb. I work there and Love it . Call 866-Mobility and Ask for Aaron.
9-27-2009 @ 9:59PM
DEK said...
You are correct. They want the best for nothing!!!!!
9-27-2009 @ 8:37AM
tom said...
Aaron you are a corprate puppet
Reply
9-28-2009 @ 4:58AM
Kyle said...
Um, Aaron how about I call that number and complain to your supervisor for calling a customer Dumb on a blog and stating that you work for AT&T and also gave the number. Now that is a dumb thing to do and shows the lack of customer service that AT&T provides to their customers. I WIN!
9-27-2009 @ 3:02PM
Kassandra said...
I totally agree with Randell, in fact I already swichted from their greedy business.THEY ARE GREEDY BASTARDS & WILL PAY NOW OR SOME TIME IN THE FUTURE!!!!!!!!!!
Reply
9-27-2009 @ 4:26PM
Flavioos said...
Watch AT&T, dudes!
For a 10-minute phone call to South America they charged me $39.10. So, I switched to Tel3Advantage.com and a 21-minute call to the same phone number on the following month cost me only 53¢. Unbelievable...
Reply
9-27-2009 @ 6:13PM
Van said...
AT&T is right. Although I am NOT the biggest fan of Ma Bell she has a valid point. Even Google doesn't want to bring down the wrath of the government. They would be wise to unblock numbers (it's not like they can't afford it) before regulators get involved.
Reply
9-27-2009 @ 6:07PM
Mercy Nielsen said...
I work for ATT going on 30 years. They are a GREAT company to work for. I have been able to raise my 4 children alone because of their generous benefits (wages, medical ,401K, paid tuition). If only all companies treated their employees like they do.
Reply
9-27-2009 @ 11:39PM
Sue said...
One question are you in management or non-management with AT&T? Because right at this time there has been no
final settlement on the CONTRACT debacle with AT&T and her non-management employees.
9-27-2009 @ 7:07PM
frank said...
Oh Boy,,We can talk about this...I dont know about google,,,,we have done some research on it ,and it came up 'negitive',,,But,,,'THE WORST COMPANY-CORPORATION IN THE WORLD WHICH SHOULD BE BANNED-AND BROKEN UP-AND THE CEO'S IMPRISONED IS "AT&T.....The worst Company,in the world,,and a good case,,,for the elimination of,:The Corporation.....,,We mean in General-no more Corporations,,,period!!!!!People dont even know,,,what they are.....................................
Reply
9-27-2009 @ 9:33PM
carl said...
I have ATT as my net. They are always droping out! My bill is never what they said it would be! And on top of that they are not compatible with 64 bit! I will be switching as soon as i can! And they are with Yahoo and that sucks too!
Reply
9-28-2009 @ 12:30AM
Betty said...
Wish we still had Ma Bell, since AT&T took over our bill has tripled. They should be ashamed of their selves.
Reply
9-28-2009 @ 1:57AM
leolux10 said...
Hmmmm. Alot of animosity towards AT&T! And to think I was considering switching there, from T-Mobile! What would be the thoughts/advice on that!? Anyone? =/
Reply
9-28-2009 @ 4:51AM
Kyle said...
Um, Aaron how about I call that number and complain to your supervisor for calling a customer Dumb on a blog and stating that you work for AT&T and also gave the number. Now that is a dumb thing to do and shows the lack of customer service that AT&T provides to their customers. I WIN!
Reply