No Longer Free, Video Conference Calls Using Google Meet Are Now Limited To Only 1 Hour

Conference call using Google Meet (9to5google)

JAKARTA - After successfully gaining loyal users during the pandemic, Google has finally ended its unlimited video calling service for free Gmail accounts. Based on the update of supporting documents that were first noticed by 9to5Gooogle, now a free account can only make video calls for 60 minutes.

Previously, the unlimited conferencing service offered by Google was successful in helping many people in the world. Considering that many activities are now switching online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. No need to worry about dropped calls or creating new links, allowing more people to connect more freely and without limits.

Previously, this decision was made by Meet at the beginning of the pandemic. At that time, Google said that the free service was only valid from April to September 2020.

However, the company kept pushing back the deadline. To March 31, 2021, then, most recently, June 30.

Since the last deadline expired, Google has not shared a word. No announcements or notifications. Suddenly, conference calls via Google Meet were restricted.

Not only in terms of duration but also the number of conference participants. Now, in addition to the 60-minute time limit, users will also get a new notification in the form of “Calls with 3 more participants”.

“At the 55th minute, all members (conference call, -ed) will get a notification that the call will end soon. To extend call time, room makers can upgrade their Google account. Otherwise, the call will be terminated at the 60th minute”, wrote Google via the official blog, Wednesday, July 14.

You Can Still Use Free Meet, But More Restricted

Google also said that video calls between two people can still be made for 24 hours. Either through a free personal account or a company account (enterprise).

Meanwhile, the account upgrade mentioned by the company is priced at USD 9.99 per month for individual workspace accounts, equivalent to IDR 150 thousand per month.

However, this type of Google account has only been launched for five selected countries. So, for those of you who are in Indonesia, please be patient and wait until Google launches this version of the account.