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Google Says It Will Limit Call Blocking

Amy Schatz

Google Inc. (GOOG) said it will limit the number of phone numbers its Internet phone service blocks, in a partial bow to federal regulators’ concerns that it was skirting rules designed to ensure that consumers phone calls are connected seamlessly.

A Federal Communications Commission spokesman said the agency was reviewing the letter but had no comment. It’s not clear if Google’s actions will settle the FCC’s inquiry, since the agency has historically taken the position that phone companies can’t block calls or stop consumers from calling whomever they want.

In its letter to the FCC, the search giant said its Google Voice call management service will only block a limited number of phone numbers instead of all calls to some rural areas where it costs more to connect calls.

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