Click To Call From Google

The arcanum of Microsoft buyout of Teleo merger, which enabled Microsoft to place VoIP calls from the Outlook email client, has already come to light last year. Then, Avaya Meeting Exchange release from Avaya let IBM email clients place VoIP calls.

It’s Google’s turn now. Google recently released their click-to-call functionality in Google Maps. This helps Internet surfers to contact business vendors (in the US only) of their choice while looking at their location. In the FAQ section of this ‘click to call’ feature’, Google has elaborated on the working of this feature.

A “call” link for US businesses is available with each search result brought up by Google Maps for any business. On clicking “call”, a telephone handset icon shows up and you are prompted to enter your telephone number. You can enter your telephone number here and click “connect for free” button, which initiates a call between you and the selected business. Your phone rings and when you pick up, you should hear the business’s phone ringing at the other end. If someone picks up, Google pays for the call.

Have a look at the Privacy Policy that Google adheres to with respect to the ‘click to call’ facility made available on Google Maps. Regarding the call charges, the FAQ section articulates that the call charge is borne by Google. However, air time charges/other charges as imposed by the service provider is applicable if you provide your mobile number when you make use of this feature.

In case of acts of frivolity where someone who knows your phone number enters it while using the click to call facility, Google reports:

Google takes fraud and spamming very seriously. We use technical methods to prevent future prank calls from the same user within a reasonable period of time. You won’t be charged for any such calls. Please contact adwords-support@google.com if you believe someone is entering your phone number without your permission or knowledge.

Editor’s note: Some readers of other websites report not seeing the Google Maps click-to-call link. I tried it myself last night, and provided the business in the USA, a link shows for me. It’s possible that not all areas of the US are supported yet, especially if businesses are not registered with Google Maps.