Internet search engine company, Google, is planning to develop technology linking users to a free telephone service via broadband internet connection.

"From a telecoms perspective there is a big appeal in the fact that Google is a search operation - and of course the Google brand is a huge draw," said Julian Hewitt, senior partner at Ovum, a telecoms consultancy.

Using a headset and broadband connection, the technology could be made to link calls with Google's search engine; allowing surfers looking for retailers to simply click on a link activating a call to the shop instantly. Since the calls are through VoIP (Voice Over IP), the cost is almost nothing.

Thousands of miles of fiber-optic cable remain unused around the world; bandwidth that would be needed and is available at rock-bottom prices today.

Rumors have circulated that Google has been purchasing the dark unused fiber, although the reasons are not yet revealed. In a recent job posting on its website, "Google is looking for Strategic Negotiator candidates with experience in...(i)dentification, selection, and negotiation of dark fiber contracts both in metropolitan areas and over long distances as part of development of a global backbone network," the posting reads in part.

"Dark fiber" refers to fiber-optic cable that's already been laid, but is not yet in use.

Google has been reluctant to talk about its plans. However, if the directory were successful, users around the world would be able to search and call through wired or wireless devices directly by clicking on a link.