Google is testing a service it calls Click-to-Call through which searchers using Googleļæ½s 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 ļæ½Connect-For-Freeļæ½ command, Google dials the searcherļæ½s 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 searcherļæ½s telephone number. The searcherļæ½s phone number is blocked on the companyļæ½s end. The companyļæ½s number appears on the searcherļæ½s caller ID when Google makes the connection. The idea is for the searcher to keep the advertiserļæ½s number for the future.
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 ļæ½Connect-For-Freeļæ½ command, Google dials the searcherļæ½s 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 searcherļæ½s telephone number. The searcherļæ½s phone number is blocked on the companyļæ½s end. The companyļæ½s number appears on the searcherļæ½s caller ID when Google makes the connection. The idea is for the searcher to keep the advertiserļæ½s number for the future.