Google 411 - Toll Fraud or Free LD?

[kwbMitel]

http://www.google.com/goog411/

Help me to understand, Google has a 411 service accessed by a 1-800 service. "GOOG-411 will connect you with the business you choose"

For free. (Your telephone company may apply usual charges for making a phone call or receiving an SMS. You will not be charged any additional 411 fee.)

Does this mean free long distance or is it now a toll fraud hole in almost every business system out there?

I can't decide on the information provided by google.

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Occam's Razor - All things being equal, the simplest solution is the right one.

 

[paterson]

Nice...

I don't see that Google is making the connection call free, but only the 411 directory look up is free along with the service of connecting you. If that call is long distance from the number you are calling from, then I suspect long distance charges will be applied from the service provider.

My initial thinking is that if you do not restrict business phone system users/extensions from dialing the 1800 number, then yes, normally restricted users will be able to connect to a potentially long distance number if that was the number that was looked up. This is due to the fact that the call is already outside the PBX/Key System and no longer subject to restrictions within the programming of the system.

I would hope that businesses that restrict long distance via account codes from their Telco provider would be able to count on that restriction being enforced.

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If you did not take enough time to get it right the first time...

What makes you think that you have time to fix it?

 

[TheMitelGuy]

kwbMitel...

According to Google's video and FAQ section, this is in fact completely (totally) free. I expect Google has made a deal with someone and is getting a good rate on LD inside North America.

I don't know that I would block it? To be honest, I don't work for Google (although many people here have guessed who I do work for), I'm actually going to tell me to start using it. Why not? There is no cost. This is how Google works - free, free, free. As long as it's working, go with it.

From Google's website: "GOOG-411 is Google's new 411 service. With GOOG-411, you can find local business information ___completely free___, directly from your phone. You can access 1-800-466-4411 from any phone, anywhere, at anytime.

 

[kwbMitel]

The MitelGuy, The website says the service is free. There is no specific reference to LD or local charges only the obscure reference:

"Your telephone company may apply usual charges for making a phone call"

I'm strongly leaning towards this service containing hidden costs.

*******************************************************
Occam's Razor - All things being equal, the simplest solution is the right one.

 

[Canuckvoip]

Cool, just tried it to call my office from my home. Then used it to call a business in Winnipeg.
Both worked fine.
Based on the fact that you are calling a 1800 number, I feel that there is no cost at all to the user. Just air time for cell users I suppose.
Guess I'll have to scrutinize my next bill to prove it...
:>)

You can't believe anything you read... unless of course it's this sentence.

 

[TheMitelGuy]

There is no charge.


The statement regarding charges, is in respect to airtime on cell phones.

I asked a friend that works at Google. I'm using it for sure.

 

[paterson]

There is no charge.


The statement regarding charges, is in respect to airtime on cell phones.

I asked a friend that works at Google. I'm using it for sure.

Wow... Thanks MitelGuy for looking into it further!

_______________________________________________________________

If you did not take enough time to get it right the first time...

What makes you think that you have time to fix it?

 

[MitelInMyBlood]

We have used this a few times. It is what it says it is and works good. What I'd like to find (and this isn't it) is a way for my US-based road warriors to figure out a way around Rogers Wireless horrendous roaming charges for US cell phones roaming in Canada. Currently billed at 69¢ per minute! Geezus! We are about to forbid our employees to take their US cell phones with them into Canada except at their own expense!

What are others doing?



Original MUG/NAMU Charter Member

 

[TheMitelGuy]

Try the reverse - Mr. Rogers (R.I.P.) charges me $1.99/min in the U.S. to use Cingulars network. NO ONE can win with Rogers, other than his widdow...