Summary
Anyone remember the Reseller Carrier (some use to refer these carriers as Wholesalers), the CAP, or the CLEC?
Analysis
Okay, so Google cannot provide it new IP-based voice service without the help of other carriers or network providers. By providing voice in the manner Google is making it available, Google is effectively a CLEC. Google needs to purchase network elements from a number of carriers. The carriers may be ILECs or even backbone providers. My answer to critics – So What!
Some industry pundits have bashed the quality of Google’s voice service. Let us assume these comments are true. I can tell you now that if I were the carrier and I had to jump multiple network types (TDM based and IP based) in order to service my own customers, I would not be surprised in poor voice quality.
Google should be happy that critics are reviewing the Google voice service. The critics’ comments can be useful in helping Google improve the service.
The growth of IP-based technology has not made it any easier to be a CLEC. Twenty years ago all you had to do was sign up with the ILEC as their reseller and the ILEC provided all of the tech and billing support. As I recall, it was so simple I remember one man resellers/CAPs doing quite well serving business complexes and small office buildings.
Let’s give Google some time. The company will do either very well as a voice provider or not.
Analyses are solely the work of the authors and have not been edited or endorsed by GLG.
