Google Voice answers nation's call

Google is tinkering with a new service that could transform the way troops on the frontlines communicate with their families on the home front.
Google Voice assigns users a single U.S. phone number that can ring at phones in multiple locations like the home, office or on a cellular device - all at the same time. Coupled with a feature that stores and transcribes voicemail in e-mail form, Google Voice can relieve some of the technical hassles that come with staying connected.
"Google Voice can help keep people connected, can help servicemembers worry less about missing a call or not getting in touch with people they need to, and focus more on getting the mission done," said Army Sgt. Dale Sweetnam, who the U.S. Army is loaning to Google for a year to help the company coordinate its military outreach efforts.
Sweetnam, who spent 13 months deployed in Iraq with Task Force 49, provides Google a window into servicemembers' experiences downrange where keeping contact with family and friends back home competes with the demands of daily military objectives.
"With the operation tempo of the military and the intense nature of accomplishing a mission, to make communication just one less thing you have to worry about is a great tool," he said.
As Google puts the final touches on Google Voice, the service is available in limited capacity and only by requesting an invitation from the company. But, given its recognition that military deployments are often fraught with communication lags, Google is giving priority invites to active members of the military.
Earlier this month, the company announced that troops with a .mil e-mail address can visit google.com/militaryinvite to sign up for a free Google Voice account.