Speculation grows over 'Google Telecom'

A weekend report has said that master of internet searches Google is set to launch a VoIP service.
The Times newspaper has reported that Google will soon offer a free voice over IP telephony service, the latest in the company's growing arsenal of free products and services. It is expected that the service will include downloadable software that will allow broadband internet users to make free phone calls over the internet using a computer and headset.
Few details are offered about the nature of the service, and the report is based partly on speculation driven by comments from UK-based consulting firm Ovum, as well as a recent job advert on Google's website which calls for a "strategic negotiator" to help the company to provide a "global backbone network."
Ovum envisions a service that, for example, would allow consumers to search for a florist on the internet, find a nearby florist, and click on a link to give the florist a call over the internet.
"This would be an obvious development for the world's leading search engine. Millions have downloaded the 'Google toolbar,' so why not a VoIP client too?" said Julian Hewett, chief analyst with Ovum, in a statement released after the Times article was published. "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. Voice calls with very little cost AND funded by advertising. What a sweet extension to Google's advertising-driven business model!"
Indeed, the appeal of VoIP technology is quickly gaining ground among consumers, especially in the US. Voice over Internet Protocol allows individuals to make low-cost or free calls over the internet, provided they have a broadband connection and a properly-equipped phone or computer. The rise in VoIP has also spawned growth in the number of smaller VoIP-focused telecoms firms, such as Skype, Net2Phone, Vonage, SIPphone and many more, including VOIP Ireland and Blue Face in Ireland. The traditional telecoms companies such as AT&T, BT, Eircom and Esat BT have also jumped on the VoIP bandwagon in recent years.
Meanwhile, Google has been engaged in what seems to be a rapid expansion of its service portfolio in all directions. The company, which started off as a humble internet search engine, now offers blogging services, online digital image management, e-mail, internet advertising, desktop PC searches, online book searches, and much more.