Google Voice: Building An Open Network World, One Disruption At A Time

Posted on 27. Oct, 2009 by Antonella Stellacci in Mobile

Picture an open network world with open devices, where carriers are mere pipes, that only run the network and charge for the bandwidth, and consumers are free to pick their devices, applications and calling mechanism. This world is getting closer every day, thanks to the continuous innovations of Google Voice.

Google Voice

Recently Lifehacker reported how users have been using Google Voice to make unlimited wireless calls. Indeed, most carriers have plans that allow to call certain favorite numbers without eroding minutes. So what happens when your Google Voice number becomes one of them?
This is exactly the threat that has been terrorizing the carriers this past summer, when Google voice mobile app started showing up. The Android version is the one to look at: it tightly integrates with the address book, allowing you to make ALL calls through Google Voice.

So what’s to stop Google from bundling the Google Voice app with Android OS and sell it to makers of phones? Maybe also offering free mobile calls in exchange for listening to advertisements?
There’s a long way to go to get there, for sure. But a new piece was added to the equation yesterday. Up until now, if you wanted to use Google Voice, you needed to choose a “Google number”. As of yesterday, you can also access a lighter version of Google Voice and its VM feature without having to change your number. A no-brainer, right? And totally free…
Watch the video.