Google Takes On Local 411 Service

Via CNET Blog -

Google has quietly launched Google Voice Local Search, an experimental service that allows people to search for local businesses over the phone. There are no ads on the service, which is available only in the U.S. To use it people can dial 1-800-GOOG-411 (1-800-466-4411) from any phone and search for a business by name or category and be connected to the business at no charge. Users can also get the search results and additional details over SMS if they are on a mobile phone.

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For those readers not in the USA, 411 is a phone service that is normally provided by the local phone company and can cost up to $1.25 USD per use. Approximately 6 billion calls are made to 411 within the United States each year.

So I am sure the local phone companies are happy about this move....not!