Mike Dano writes: "Google Voice highlights what I think are some very important developments. First, the voice services provided by wireless carriers are archaic when compared with Google Voice and other VoIP-based offerings. I mean, I still have to 'press 1' to listen to my voicemails, while Google Voice users are getting transcripts of theirs. And I can't think of any wireless carrier that offers call routing of any kind, much less a service that can be managed based on the identity of the caller.
But what makes this all the more remarkable is Google's widespread activity on the mobile front. The company already offers a mobile phone operating system--Android--that enjoys support from a broad range of handset makers. And the company's mobile applications, including maps and search, are must-haves for many smartphone users. Add a comprehensive management system for voice calling and what need is there for a carrier, other than transport?
GigaOm's Om Malik flatly states that 'the Google Voice app essentially reduces the cell phone carrier to a dumb pipe.' And his assertion involves a voice-based service, not a high-end, data-centric one (where many of the dumb pipe arguments typically reside).
Google Voice--both the application's potential and the company backing it--should give entrenched wireless operators pause. They've based their businesses on providing voice calling to millions, and if they can't at least stay on top of the innovations in that segment, what hope do they have of remaining relevant in a mobile broadband future?"
