In the continuing saga between Google and AT&T, the FCC has now stepped in and is asking the search giant some serious questions. AT&T alleges that Google is violating net neutrality rules with its voice service. The allegations made by AT&T have caused the FCC to set in motion a probe into Google’s voice service.

Recently I wrote a story about the on-going spat between AT&T and Google. The two companies locked horns when Google’s voice app was blocked on AT&T’s wireless service on the iPhone. However, it was eventually revealed after some probing by the FCC that AT&T had nothing to do with blocking Google Voice and it was all Apple’s doing.

However, it seems like this left a bad taste with AT&T as the company tattletaled on Google to the FCC regarding its voice service. AT&T alleges that Google Voice blocks certain calls to rural areas due to high connection charges.

According to The Washington Post, the FCC has indicated that it is now looking into the allegation that Google is blocking calls. Google has defended its application by indicating that it’s not a traditional telecommunications service as it is done through software.

AT&T ran into the same issue by the FCC several years ago when it was blocking calls for the exact same reason. It is now up to the FCC to define Google Voice and if it should be treated like a traditional phone service or “common carrier program.”

The FCC sent Google a list of questions regarding how the service works and have requested that the answers be sent back by Oct. 28. The FCC has also asked Google regarding its policy for Google Voice’s trial service and exclusive invite only program. It will be interesting to see if the FCC holds Google by the same standards as traditional telecommunication services.

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Entry was posted on Sunday, October 11th, 2009 at 3:25 am under Cell phones, Google, Internet, Software, Technology.

Read more entries by Mike Ferro.
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