The war between AT&T and Google regarding Google Voice is getting pretty funny. GigaOm has revealed AT&T’s latest (lame) tactic:
AT&T today countered Google’s claims that it’s blocking Google Voice calls to rural areas because they’re directed to free conference call lines and sex hotlines engaged in the dubious practice of so-called traffic pumping by trotting out a convent of Benedictine Nuns who apparently can’t receive, or make, Google Voice calls, either.
Google’s point about certain rural areas exploiting high-cost termination fees for sex hotlines is legitimate. AT&T trotting out a group of nuns that can’t receive Google Voice calls is not quite as legitimate (in terms of net neutrality), but it’s definitely underhanded. The company is obviously trying to garner pity from religious people, as in, “Oh my God. These poor nuns can’t receive calls from Google Voice. Google must hate Jesus!!!”
It’s pretty low and more than a little silly. That’s my take on it anyway. What are your thoughts? And also, if you could use Google Voice to call nuns, would you serenade them with “How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria”? I certainly would. Ha!
I don't think ATT can really drag Google's name through the mud as much as Google can surely drag ATT through the mud. Only a matter of time before Google starts dumping more of their cash into expanding their fiber build out and no longer have to buy bandwidth from ATT
@Smartguy Do you really think Google intends to buy enough fiber for its own network? It seemed like it was more interested in open wireless bands for its future plans.
This is starting to sound like a high school sophomore debate class argument… amusing and yet annoying at the same time.
Though in the end, I suppose it's *nun* of my business what the two companies do. (See what I did there?)
@lookatthisguy Ha! I half agree with you. I think AT&T is the one being lame.
So…
If I run a sex hotline, can I sue AT&T for slander now?
@N8R Ha! What AT&T doesn't know is that the nuns are running the sex hotlines.
@ R Pad
I heard Grace was amazing.
I HATE AT&T. It is one of the 2 services we can get for internet, and I lose my connection at least 30 times a day. bastards…
Oh and I dont think you wanna know what I would say if I could call nuns…..Me Likey the Habit!
@Ray
I'm not saying Google will build a network for ALL of its needs, but 30% of the internet traffic is ran on 3 companies own fiber builds. Microsoft, Google, and one other I read about the other day. Anyway their fiber builds help them save money. All I was saying is that Google could build out its network more and put a dent in ATT. I don't think Google wants to become and ISP. I could easily see MS doing it though.
@Smartguy Totally agreed.
Intel was the third company