Armed with complaints that Google’s voice service blocks users from calling certain numbers, AT&T is urging the FCC to look into Google for the sake of net neutrality, saying that this action by Google is against FCC call blocking regulations. The rules that govern what telephone companies can do are clear and heavily enforced. However, the rules are less clearly defined when it comes to Internet calls, a fact that AT&T obviously wants to change, saying that the FCC "cannot, through inaction or otherwise, give Google a special privilege to play by its own rules."

If the major telephone networks have to abide by the same rules set by the FCC, Internet companies have to do so as well. AT&T further asserts that Google is using this call blocking capability to attract more customers, something which traditional call services cannot do, saying that, by doing so, Google is violating net-neutrality principles.

Google blocks users from calling adult entertainment phone numbers, numbers in rural areas, as well as some conference networks due to the high fees required to use these numbers, which is one way to reduce the operating cost of Google Voice.

What Google has to say

In response, Google stated in a blog that its voice service is not required to follow the traditional protocols governing AT&T and other phone carriers because it is not a telephone communications network but a voice service. Google Voice is only effective when one already has an existing phone connection. It is also free and customers cannot make any outbound calls through Google Voice on a traditional phone device. One needs to be online in order to make voice calls with this software. This is also invitation-only software and is currently serving a limited number of customers.

Net neutrality principles set forth by the FCC only apply to broadband carriers and does not have over its jurisdiction the ability to control web-based computer software. Google went on to say that AT&T was only filing its complaint in order to undermine its online competitors. Others are calling this move by the AT&T a "political stunt." The Free Press warned that this was a "red herring," an attempt by AT&T to distract attention from the FCC’s efforts on net neutrality.

Previously AT& T was also involved in the minor scuffle between Google and Apple Inc. during the latter’s alleged rejection of Google Voice as an iPhone application. AT&T allegedly was urging Apple to block the app because it would allow customers to make long distance calls. The telecom giant has also expressed in previous press statements that the FCC should not regulate and prohibit telecom companies from managing the networks that they spent millions of dollars to build.