Google is making its VoIP service a whole lot cheaper - but only for some users

Google Voice
(Image credit: Google Voice)

Google has updated its VoIP (opens in new tab) service in an effort to make calls cheaper for its European users. 

Launched in 2009, Google Voice (opens in new tab) has long allowed American users to call mobile phones and landlines in the US and Canada for free, but calls made in Europe to other countries in the region were subject to both domestic and international rates.

But the company has now revealed (opens in new tab) that beginning this month, calls from European Google Voice numbers to mobile and landline numbers in many European countries will be included with the cost of a Google Voice License. 

Smart Reply suggestions

This change is designed to reduce the cost of staying connected with colleagues, partners and customers located throughout Europe.

In addition to allowing users to call mobile and landline numbers in the US and Europe, Google Voice also features messaging (opens in new tab).

As spotted by 9To5Google (opens in new tab), Google has updated Google Voice for Android with Smart Reply (opens in new tab) suggestions. 

Just like in Gmail (opens in new tab) or Google Chat (opens in new tab), the company's VoIP service now shows automated replies that let you quickly respond to a coworker or friend if you happen to be busy at the moment.

While Smart Reply suggestions are now rolling out for Android with version 2022.01.24, they are not yet available on both iOS and on the web but will hopefully arrive soon.

Anthony Spadafora

After working with the TechRadar Pro team for the last several years, Anthony is now the security and networking editor at Tom’s Guide where he covers everything from data breaches and ransomware gangs to the best way to cover your whole home or business with Wi-Fi. When not writing, you can find him tinkering with PCs and game consoles, managing cables and upgrading his smart home.