How Google Voice is Growing

The article, How Google Voice is Growing details the popularity of the Google Voice service. Google recently turned over records regarding Google Voice to U.S. regulators. Currently, there are 1.419 million users of the service and 570,000 of those users use it seven days a week. At the moment, Google Voice is still limiting the number of users but is slowly growing in the number of users.

Google argues that because Google Voice is not a traditional phone service provider, it should not be subject to the current regulations of the industry. To reduce costs, Google Voice blocks calls to certain numbers including those in rural areas and other high cost destinations. Due to unusually high call volume, Google has blocked access to 100+ numbers. Of those 100+ numbers, a majority of them include phone sex businesses and conference calling services. Because of these practices, AT&T has cried foul over Google's actions.

Due to the fact that the Google Voice service is still in its infancy, I am surprised by the number of individuals who want to partake in it. At the same time, not too much information is known about Google Voice as a whole. This service provided by Google could be of use to many individuals who use a cell phone and a house phone regularly. The ability to have calls from two different numbers sent to a single phone number instantaneously would make life easier for some. As the service grows, Google may be interested in charging a small monthly fee for this service. However, that may subject them to standard phone industry rules.