WebProNews

Google rumors are starting to be true more often; just last week rumors circulated that the search giant had acquired phone service company GrandCentral Communciations. Google confirmed that purchase this afternoon.

Google product manager Wesley Chan made the announcement on the Google Blog, without disclosing financial details, though last week's speculation put the price at about $50 million.

GrandCentral's business centers around various voice communications services like phone number and voice mail integration, and voice mail Web access.

These are complementary services to already-established phone services. For example, a person with multiple phone numbers can set them all to ring when certain people call.

Google says GrandCentral's technology was a nice fit for the company's goal to enhance "the collaborative exchange of information between our users."

"We're really excited to welcome the GrandCentral team to Google," said Chan. "While we're moving their technology over to Google's network, a limited number of invitations will be available to register for a GrandCentral beta account."

It is interesting the forays Google has made into the voice communications world recently. This acquisitions comes at a time when the company began to offer free directory assistance services, has tested Google Phonebook, has had disagreements with telecom giants like AT&T, and is rumored to be interested in the 700 MHz wireless spectrum about to come to auction.