Google Dials up voice service in Egypt

Google is working some new connections.

The search giant has thrust itself into the ongoing upheaval in Egypt by working with Twitter to expand communications options for Egyptians, and in so doing, the Internet search shop took another big step into telcoterritory.

Through the acquisition of SayNow, Google and Twitter have created a service used by Egyptian protesters and supporters to post voice message online. With Internet services cut off there, the few remaining phone networks have been the only communications links available in many parts of Egypt.

Google says it acquiresd SayNow last week, a calling and voice meessaging service used largely as a publicity tool for celebrities and performers. In the following days since the purchase, Google says it has worked with the SayNow staff and with Twitter to allow Egyptians to leave voice mails that are posted as Tweets at Twitter's speak2 Tweet.

The workaround scheme to thwart the Mubarak government's Internet shut down not only puts Google in the international spotlight, but it highlights the Net giant's broader ambitions as it takes on a larger role as an alternate international phone company.

Web-calling services like google voice and Skype have taken a big chunk out of the conventinal calling business, and international telcos.

Last year, Google introduced Google Voice, whose virtual dial pad allows users to make free calls via their computers. The dialing feature was an addition to the Google Chat video calling services that rivals skype.

Last week , Google started offeering users the ability to move or port their phone numbers to Google voice from their telco accounts.

Google, it seems, wants to be the new phone company.

Google shares were up 2% to $611.10 in afternoon trading Tuesday.

http://www.newsweek.com/2011/02/01/google-dials-up-voice-service-in-egypt.html