Google: Gmail Calling Doesn't Make Us a Carrier

Indeed, to to sign up for a Google Voice account, users must be subscribed to a traditional carrier's landline or mobile phone service. The phone number is the endpoint; not a user's Gmail account.

Most analysts agree with this sentiment and, while it is popular and convenient to go after Google as an Internet giant seeking to put too many fingers in too many pies, the FCC has seemed little bothered by the notion of Google as a carrier.

Under Chairman Julius Genachowski, the FCC treats Google, ever railing about network neutrality, very much the Internet company it is trying to get Verizon, Comcast and others to free up their pipes for application data.

"It is rolling out numerous products in its quest to grow, and it remains to be seen if it can devote the attention and energy necessary to make VoIP succeed."