Print
Discuss
Send to friend
RSS feedsGoogle has refused to confirm or deny reports that it is planning to launch a voice over IP (VoIP) telephony service.
The rumours were fuelled when the company posted a job ad last week seeking a 'strategic negotiator' with experience in the "selection and negotiation of dark fibre contracts both in metropolitan areas and over long distances as part of the development of a global backbone network".
Industry analysts pointed out that the ad could signal moves into IP telephony, adding that such plans could be a big money spinner for the company.
"What a sweet extension to Google's advertising-driven business model," said Julian Hewett, chief analyst with Ovum.
"The appeal for Google is obvious: search for something then 'click here' if you'd like to speak to the company that's selling what you're looking for. Google then collects a fee from the 'sponsor' for each voice connection."
A popular VoIP network would demand the provision of substantial capacity over backbone infrastructure fibre.
However, after over-investment in the sector during the internet boom of the 1990s there is still a large amount of dark fibre which as been laid but remains unused.
"This is pure speculation and we do not comment on rumour," said a representative of Google UK. "We are not aware of any moves to enter this arena."
See also:
Converged networks will demand increased security, warns new alliance 08 Feb 2005
But no plans to register domains yet, says search giant 01 Feb 2005But differences in technology are leading to confusion 27 Jan 2005Tool scans television content and presents stills and text excerpts 26 Jan 2005Picasa 2 offers online sharing of digital images 19 Jan 2005
Jobs gives a sneak peak of forthcoming search system 12 Jan 2005All Telecoms
del.icio.us
Digg this
reddit!
