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Google Launches Click to Call Service

Google is testing a service it calls Click-to-Call through which searchers using Google�s search engine are given the option of making a telephone connection with companies that turn up in a search, or advertisers found on the search results page.

The searcher clicks on a green phone icon that appears alongside some companies. The searcher then enters his or her phone number. Once the searcher clicks the �Connect-For-Free� command, Google dials the searcher�s number.

When the searcher picks up, he or she hears ringing on the line as Google connects the searcher to the company that turned up in the search.

Google said the connection process is completely under its control and the business being contacted has no access to the searcher�s telephone number. The searcher�s phone number is blocked on the company�s end. The company�s number appears on the searcher�s caller ID when Google makes the connection. The idea is for the searcher to keep the advertiser�s number for the future.

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