Google Voice: we're not serving "high-cost destinations"

Google has told the Federal Communications Commission that its Google Voice feature maintains a small list of do-not-transfer numbers that lead to certain "high-cost destinations." The explanation comes in response to an inquiry letter that the FCC sent to Google on October 9, and that was widely perceived as a response to complaints about the service from AT&T. The FCC asked Google if it uses third-party providers to maintain that list. Yes, it does, Google says, but details about the providers are redacted from the letter. Google responds that it is not a common or telecommunications carrier, because the service is mostly free (Google Voice only charges for international calls), and because it is only offered on an "invitation only" basis. Consumers who want to try Google Voice can apply via the service's request an invite page. The company says it uses this system "to minimize disruptions" that would result from an overflow of customers signing up at once, but hopes to eventually run the service without the invitation system.