The world beating behemoth that is Google has shocked many with the news that its new super high speed television and internet network service known as Google Fiber will not include a Voip service.
The service has thus far been tested in Kansas City - where it has been welcomed with open arms and graciously received - and is now ready to be rolled out across the united states. The main advantage offered by Google Fiber is downloading speeds three times that of current service providers.
The Voip service would have required voice and data to be combined into a single connection. Google have admitted that they looked closely at offering such a service, and concluded that, "the cost of actually delivering telephone services is almost nothing, however, in the United States there are all of these special rules that apply."
The regulations pose a serious headache for service providers looking to provide an all inclusive service, due to the way that tax state calculations are determined across different states. But it would seem that had Google wanted to find a solution, they could have.
It is still possible for Google Fiber subscribers to make use of Voip services by purchasing of a MagicJack or Ooma and registering for their own low cost service, however, this solution could prove problematic for certain customers, as Dave Greenbaum of GigaOM points out.
But this solution is far from the best option for the majority of consumers, as GigaOM's David Greenbaum points out: "Many people still use alarm or fax systems that need a landline, and although both can be done over the internet, it is an additional hassle to switch".
It seems clear that Google could have resolved this issue if they had so wished, but decided against it - obviously believing that a lack of voice service will not have a detrimental effect on the service's popularity. Whether they will end up regretting this decision, only time will tell.
So even in a worst case scenario, Google aren't going to be missing out on much in lost revenue, and considering the potential market share that they will soon be commanding from the rest of the industry if their competitors cannot launch a service to match the speed of Google Fiber, no one will notice - or remember - that Voip was ever an issue.
The service has thus far been tested in Kansas City - where it has been welcomed with open arms and graciously received - and is now ready to be rolled out across the united states. The main advantage offered by Google Fiber is downloading speeds three times that of current service providers.
The Voip service would have required voice and data to be combined into a single connection. Google have admitted that they looked closely at offering such a service, and concluded that, "the cost of actually delivering telephone services is almost nothing, however, in the United States there are all of these special rules that apply."
The regulations pose a serious headache for service providers looking to provide an all inclusive service, due to the way that tax state calculations are determined across different states. But it would seem that had Google wanted to find a solution, they could have.
It is still possible for Google Fiber subscribers to make use of Voip services by purchasing of a MagicJack or Ooma and registering for their own low cost service, however, this solution could prove problematic for certain customers, as Dave Greenbaum of GigaOM points out.
But this solution is far from the best option for the majority of consumers, as GigaOM's David Greenbaum points out: "Many people still use alarm or fax systems that need a landline, and although both can be done over the internet, it is an additional hassle to switch".
It seems clear that Google could have resolved this issue if they had so wished, but decided against it - obviously believing that a lack of voice service will not have a detrimental effect on the service's popularity. Whether they will end up regretting this decision, only time will tell.
So even in a worst case scenario, Google aren't going to be missing out on much in lost revenue, and considering the potential market share that they will soon be commanding from the rest of the industry if their competitors cannot launch a service to match the speed of Google Fiber, no one will notice - or remember - that Voip was ever an issue.
About the Author:
Saul Saresi writes regularly about Voip systems and technology for his website which can be found here business voip previous examples of his research and writing can be found here business phone
The Communication Blog
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