Google Voice (1 Viewer)

[Keerock]

Really need GV to support fax. Would LOVE to ditch my fax land line. This would essentially put the eFaxes of the world out of business, but WDIC?

Thoughts on this?https://simonics.com/services/gvfax/

I may try this over the weekend to see if it's decent...

Holy crap. I just set this up in like 5 minutes and it works like a CHARM! Highly recommended. Only issue will be that I can't port my existing FAX land-line number over to GV, but I don't give a crap. I get so many spam faxes on that line it'll be nice to get rid of them. I'll just have to inform my clients of the new number.I'll end up saving over $300 per year on this change alone...

 

[Keerock]

Really need GV to support fax. Would LOVE to ditch my fax land line. This would essentially put the eFaxes of the world out of business, but WDIC?

Thoughts on this?https://simonics.com/services/gvfax/

I may try this over the weekend to see if it's decent...

Holy crap. I just set this up in like 5 minutes and it works like a CHARM! Highly recommended. Only issue will be that I can't port my existing FAX land-line number over to GV, but I don't give a crap. I get so many spam faxes on that line it'll be nice to get rid of them. I'll just have to inform my clients of the new number.I'll end up saving over $300 per year on this change alone...

This has worked extremely well. Highly recommended!

 

[(HULK)]

Do calls made through GV go over data? So, could I conceivably have a phone with no sim card and as long as I'm connected to Wifi I could make GV calls?

Absolutely... try it on an iPad or iTouch

You need an app to do it though. Try GrooveIP. Jaysus just used it yesterday and said he liked it.Theoretically you could have an iPod Touch as a wifi-only phone.

 

[(HULK)]

Do calls made through GV go over data? So, could I conceivably have a phone with no sim card and as long as I'm connected to Wifi I could make GV calls?

Absolutely... try it on an iPad or iTouch

So why do some sites say you need Talkatone or GrooveIP installed as well? I'm tempted to get another phone but don't want to pay for a plan if I don't have to - just trying to see what my options are.

If you want to go prepaid, report to the Ting/Solavei thread and I'll find the plan that best fits your needs.

 

[Jaysus]

I flipped the switch to Google Voice last night. I have some set up issues to work through, and I'm going to have to brainwash my wife to use it on her new phone as well, but I like most of what I've seen so far.

I do not, however, like how it "stole" (reclaimed) my new cell phone numbers from another Google Voice account I use as a "home" number. I hope there is a work around for now. Right now I have that account pointing at the two new Google Voice numbers I set up last night - not sure that will work for more than 90 days.

 

[BeTheMatch]

I just want to make sure I'm understanding this right.

I have a dedicated phone number for Google Voice. That's what we use basically as a home phone, since we have no landline. So it's not forwarded to a cell phone or anything.

But the connection isn't always the most reliable. I end up dropping calls sometimes.

I've never forwarded my GV number to my cell phone because my cel only allows me 1200 talk minutes a month, and I was under the impression that if I take a call on my cell that was forwarded to it through GV that that would still count against the 1200 on my cel plan. Is that correct?

Or is there a way to use the GV number through my cel without having minutes count against my cel plan?

 

[(HULK)]

I just want to make sure I'm understanding this right.I have a dedicated phone number for Google Voice. That's what we use basically as a home phone, since we have no landline. So it's not forwarded to a cell phone or anything.But the connection isn't always the most reliable. I end up dropping calls sometimes.I've never forwarded my GV number to my cell phone because my cel only allows me 1200 talk minutes a month, and I was under the impression that if I take a call on my cell that was forwarded to it through GV that that would still count against the 1200 on my cel plan. Is that correct?Or is there a way to use the GV number through my cel without having minutes count against my cel plan?

You can get an app that let's you call over Wi-Fi and not use cell minutes. GrooveIP.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

I have a dedicated phone number for Google Voice. That's what we use basically as a home phone, since we have no landline. So it's not forwarded to a cell phone or anything.

If you don't have a landline and you don't forward it to a cell phone, how do you use it? Just on your computer?

I've never forwarded my GV number to my cell phone because my cel only allows me 1200 talk minutes a month, and I was under the impression that if I take a call on my cell that was forwarded to it through GV that that would still count against the 1200 on my cel plan. Is that correct?Or is there a way to use the GV number through my cel without having minutes count against my cel plan?

I haven't tried it myself, but I think you can use data instead of minutes if you combine Google Voice with a third-party app like GrooVe Ip or Talkatone.

 

[BeTheMatch]

I have a dedicated phone number for Google Voice. That's what we use basically as a home phone, since we have no landline. So it's not forwarded to a cell phone or anything.

If you don't have a landline and you don't forward it to a cell phone, how do you use it? Just on your computer?

I've never forwarded my GV number to my cell phone because my cel only allows me 1200 talk minutes a month, and I was under the impression that if I take a call on my cell that was forwarded to it through GV that that would still count against the 1200 on my cel plan. Is that correct?Or is there a way to use the GV number through my cel without having minutes count against my cel plan?

I haven't tried it myself, but I think you can use data instead of minutes if you combine Google Voice with a third-party app like GrooVe Ip or Talkatone.

To use it with a regular home phone, I just bought this OBI100 deal on Amazon that you route a phone through and plug into your router/modem. It was like $30 or something. So I can use the computer, but I just always use a regular handset now.

 

[BeTheMatch]

I just want to make sure I'm understanding this right.I have a dedicated phone number for Google Voice. That's what we use basically as a home phone, since we have no landline. So it's not forwarded to a cell phone or anything.But the connection isn't always the most reliable. I end up dropping calls sometimes.I've never forwarded my GV number to my cell phone because my cel only allows me 1200 talk minutes a month, and I was under the impression that if I take a call on my cell that was forwarded to it through GV that that would still count against the 1200 on my cel plan. Is that correct?Or is there a way to use the GV number through my cel without having minutes count against my cel plan?

You can get an app that let's you call over Wi-Fi and not use cell minutes. GrooveIP.

OK. Is that app something that works with Google voice, or is it something completely separate that you just use wi-fi for to make calls?

 

[(HULK)]

I just want to make sure I'm understanding this right.I have a dedicated phone number for Google Voice. That's what we use basically as a home phone, since we have no landline. So it's not forwarded to a cell phone or anything.But the connection isn't always the most reliable. I end up dropping calls sometimes.I've never forwarded my GV number to my cell phone because my cel only allows me 1200 talk minutes a month, and I was under the impression that if I take a call on my cell that was forwarded to it through GV that that would still count against the 1200 on my cel plan. Is that correct?Or is there a way to use the GV number through my cel without having minutes count against my cel plan?

You can get an app that let's you call over Wi-Fi and not use cell minutes. GrooveIP.

OK. Is that app something that works with Google voice, or is it something completely separate that you just use wi-fi for to make calls?

Not sure but I think you need both. Jaysus is using it, he'd know for certain.

 

[Jaysus]

I just want to make sure I'm understanding this right.I have a dedicated phone number for Google Voice. That's what we use basically as a home phone, since we have no landline. So it's not forwarded to a cell phone or anything.But the connection isn't always the most reliable. I end up dropping calls sometimes.I've never forwarded my GV number to my cell phone because my cel only allows me 1200 talk minutes a month, and I was under the impression that if I take a call on my cell that was forwarded to it through GV that that would still count against the 1200 on my cel plan. Is that correct?Or is there a way to use the GV number through my cel without having minutes count against my cel plan?

You can get an app that let's you call over Wi-Fi and not use cell minutes. GrooveIP.

OK. Is that app something that works with Google voice, or is it something completely separate that you just use wi-fi for to make calls?

Not sure but I think you need both. Jaysus is using it, he'd know for certain.

GroveIP uses your google voice phone number to make calls over wifi (or data if you upgrade to the premium version of the app).

 

[BeTheMatch]

I just want to make sure I'm understanding this right.I have a dedicated phone number for Google Voice. That's what we use basically as a home phone, since we have no landline. So it's not forwarded to a cell phone or anything.But the connection isn't always the most reliable. I end up dropping calls sometimes.I've never forwarded my GV number to my cell phone because my cel only allows me 1200 talk minutes a month, and I was under the impression that if I take a call on my cell that was forwarded to it through GV that that would still count against the 1200 on my cel plan. Is that correct?Or is there a way to use the GV number through my cel without having minutes count against my cel plan?

You can get an app that let's you call over Wi-Fi and not use cell minutes. GrooveIP.

OK. Is that app something that works with Google voice, or is it something completely separate that you just use wi-fi for to make calls?

Not sure but I think you need both. Jaysus is using it, he'd know for certain.

GroveIP uses your google voice phone number to make calls over wifi (or data if you upgrade to the premium version of the app).

So, dumb question, but are the calls over data more or less (or the same) reliable than those made over wifi? Most of my calls are from home, where I work, and I've got wifi, but my concern is that it's the wifi connection that will make it not as reliable and I'll have the same dropped calls that I was getting using my regular phone.

 

[Jaysus]

I have not used it over data yet; wifi only for me.

 

[BeTheMatch]

I have not used it over data yet; wifi only for me.

OK, thanks. How's reliability been for you?

 

[Jaysus]

I have not used it over data yet; wifi only for me.

OK, thanks. How's reliability been for you?

the only issue I had is when I called my wife when she was using bluetooth in the car - she could not hear me. I am fairly certain that was her fault though.I've done a few conference calls for work, and made a bunch of calls with it - all of them were fine. After my first test call, I tweaked some in-app settings, and all has seemed to go quite well.

 

[Please See Mine]

I use GV as the main cell number I give out and it is linked to my real cell phone number. If I use groovephone (or similar), will it automatically switch to wi-fi (rather than my cell phone minutes) if I am connected? So that I could use my cell phone always, but not have to think about whether to connect the groovephone app?

 

[Brady Marino]

I'd love to use Google Voice, but they don't have numbers in my area code (517).

 

[Jaysus]

I'd love to use Google Voice, but they don't have numbers in my area code (517).

Do you currently have a 517 number? You may be able to port that number to GV.

 

[Brady Marino]

I'd love to use Google Voice, but they don't have numbers in my area code (517).

Do you currently have a 517 number? You may be able to port that number to GV.

No I don't unfortunately. I'll just keep checking every day, I've seen 517 numbers pop up, but not from my area.

 

[siffoin]

I just want to make sure I'm understanding this right.I have a dedicated phone number for Google Voice. That's what we use basically as a home phone, since we have no landline. So it's not forwarded to a cell phone or anything.But the connection isn't always the most reliable. I end up dropping calls sometimes.I've never forwarded my GV number to my cell phone because my cel only allows me 1200 talk minutes a month, and I was under the impression that if I take a call on my cell that was forwarded to it through GV that that would still count against the 1200 on my cel plan. Is that correct?Or is there a way to use the GV number through my cel without having minutes count against my cel plan?

You can get an app that let's you call over Wi-Fi and not use cell minutes. GrooveIP.

OK. Is that app something that works with Google voice, or is it something completely separate that you just use wi-fi for to make calls?

Not sure but I think you need both. Jaysus is using it, he'd know for certain.

GroveIP uses your google voice phone number to make calls over wifi (or data if you upgrade to the premium version of the app).

So, dumb question, but are the calls over data more or less (or the same) reliable than those made over wifi? Most of my calls are from home, where I work, and I've got wifi, but my concern is that it's the wifi connection that will make it not as reliable and I'll have the same dropped calls that I was getting using my regular phone.

I've done a number of tests using Talkatone app on a wifi (only) Ipad vs Iphone 4s. Found the Talkatone call quality and reliability was better. Initially there is a slight lag on talkatone, but that goes away quickly. Person on the other end said sound was perfect.

 

[Bucks]

I'd love to use Google Voice, but they don't have numbers in my area code (517).

Do you currently have a 517 number? You may be able to port that number to GV.

No I don't unfortunately. I'll just keep checking every day, I've seen 517 numbers pop up, but not from my area.

Are you interested in a 517.366.xxxx number? I see a way to order 3 currently available numbers in this rate center through vitelity, my VOIP provider. It will take a little effort and $. $1 to order then $1.49/month to leave it parked with Vitelity, then $20 to port it to Google.Only issue is Vitelity is a prepaid provider and they require you to initially fund your account with a minimum of $35. You could later close your account and request a refund of your balance or use up your balance with one of their other services like their virtual fax service. Or setup an Android phone as a GV forwarding phone over SIP using a free SIP Phone app called cSipSimple. Using a full featured SIP phone seems to generally work better than Groove IP.

 

[Brady Marino]

I would be interested since 366 is a local prefix. How does it compare to Google Voice? Can I use it to dial my cell phone?

 

[Bucks]

I would be interested since 366 is a local prefix. How does it compare to Google Voice? Can I use it to dial my cell phone?

What I suggested is an alternate way to get a 366 number as your Google Voice number since Google doesn't have any of their own inventory of those numbers to offer you.Once you have an active Google Voice number that you give out then you setup what phones you want the incoming calls to your Google Voice number to auto-forward. One number would be your cell phone number. Another could be your home phone or office number. Above some are suggesting to also setup your cell phone with a 3rd party app called Groove IP which allows you to receive incoming GV calls on your android phone via WIFI or your cell data plan without using any of your cell phone plan minutes. Using the cSIPsimple android app is an alternative to using Groove IP to receive calls over wifi or mobile data network.

 

[Quez]

So it appears Google is slowly pushing Voice into Hangouts. I have started using Google Hangouts instead of the GV texting app. You can add photos now to sms, which was the one downside of GV.

 

[Maelstrom]

So it appears Google is slowly pushing Voice into Hangouts. I have started using Google Hangouts instead of the GV texting app. You can add photos now to sms, which was the one downside of GV.

Can you use Hangouts and push the SMS out through Voice? I use Voice for texting because I don't have a text plan (never needed it when I had Voice).

 

[Quez]

Yes, Hangouts will still use your GV number associated with your phone.

I think eventually they are going to add the ability to answer calls with Hangouts, and you may already be able to do this on a desktop. Google around about GV and Hangouts.

 

[Mr. Retukes]

For the past year I've been using Google Voice + Groove IP + FreedomPop to get 100% free cell phone service. But Google is eliminating their support for Groove IP next month, so the free ride for me is about to end.

 

[culdeus]

Google API will no longer support OBHAI starting in May. This sucks. Those little systems were great.

 

[Jaysus]

For the past year I've been using Google Voice + Groove IP + FreedomPop to get 100% free cell phone service. But Google is eliminating their support for Groove IP next month, so the free ride for me is about to end.

GrooVe IP just announced that he has a new free service lined up.

My fingers are crossed that full wifi calling comes to Hangouts like it currently exists in iOS.

 

[Quez]

For the past year I've been using Google Voice + Groove IP + FreedomPop to get 100% free cell phone service. But Google is eliminating their support for Groove IP next month, so the free ride for me is about to end.

GrooVe IP just announced that he has a new free service lined up.My fingers are crossed that full wifi calling comes to Hangouts like it currently exists in iOS.

I think this is where it is definitely headed. I wonder if the carriers even care anymore to block WiFi calling like they did with GV? Seeing as they have you by the balls with data plans, I think they could care less about WiFi calling. I assume you would need hangouts and a GV#, but I have no idea.

 

[Quez]

The latest update of Hangouts added a nifty little toggle to easily switch between hangouts and SMS.

 

[No. 16]

The latest update of Hangouts added a nifty little toggle to easily switch between hangouts and SMS.

Nice. Might switch back to hangouts instead of using handcent.

 

[Quez]

There was a Hangout update that allows for voip with google voice. Although, I'm not 100% sure if a call placed on it always goes over internet, or if it will use the carrier.

 

[grateful zed]

i havent had a phone bill in 5 years thanks to google voice. i linked it up with my tracphone before i ditched it and wala.

 

[Jaysus]

There was a Hangout update that allows for voip with google voice. Although, I'm not 100% sure if a call placed on it always goes over internet, or if it will use the carrier.

I have done a fair amount of testing with this so far: all Hangouts calls (in and out) are VOIP. You need to install the Hangouts Dialer app to activate VOIP calling.

**A Google Voice number is not required to make outgoing Hangouts calls.**

However, if you do have a GV number, Hangouts will use that number to make (and receive) calls should you direct it to. There is also a merger between Hangouts and Voice android apps that you can opt into should you choose to do so. The merger allows you to send SMS and receive Voicmail in the hangouts app.

 

[Quez]

I finally got all updated and integrated. It is nice being able to do SMS in the hangouts app with the GV number. I never use the cairrier number.

 

[Long Ball Larry]

Really need GV to support fax. Would LOVE to ditch my fax land line. This would essentially put the eFaxes of the world out of business, but WDIC?

There should be a way to send a fax with a cell phone. Seriously. Load a PDF on your phone, have it dial the fax line and transmit it. Why hasn't this been invented yet?

There are ways to send and receive faxes using a browser (presumably including a mobile browser) and an internet connection. I think the complaint above is that Google Voice won't do it, so you need some other service like efax or whatever.

I get that. Just a side rant. Right now my GV rant is that you can't send or receive pictures or videos via MMS. Just text messaging.

It seems like now if someone texts you a picture, it will automatically go into your gmail? I had this happen a couple times last week.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

It seems like now if someone texts you a picture, it will automatically go into your gmail? I had this happen a couple times last week.

That happened to me a few months ago, but then it went back to not happening, so I went back to not knowing that somebody tried to send it.

After switching over to Hangouts it's not an issue because I just receive the pic as a text.

 

[culdeus]

I have a google voice number, not sure if anyone else has this issue.

My number is 123-456-7890

I get lots of calls from 123-456-xxxx that are sheer spam.  Talking 4 or 5 a day.  It's annoying and started about 3 weeks back.  It's always different numbers and they use the same front 6 digits as my own number.

First off, how is this happening and how do you prevent these from getting through?  

 

[Quez]

I have a google voice number, not sure if anyone else has this issue.

My number is 123-456-7890

I get lots of calls from 123-456-xxxx that are sheer spam.  Talking 4 or 5 a day.  It's annoying and started about 3 weeks back.  It's always different numbers and they use the same front 6 digits as my own number.

First off, how is this happening and how do you prevent these from getting through?  

Been using GV for a while & haven't experienced it.  This almost sounds like someone is trying to figure out who has the other ###-###-____ numbers.  Not sure what the purpose or of an endeavor like that would be useful for.  Some kind of reverse data collection or something?  I have heard of companies collecting data on non customers, and figuring out things about them, so who knows.

 

[Jaysus]

I get the same thing, however, on a lower volume. 

 

[culdeus]

The last one stayed on long enough to give a VM, it's just sheer spam crap:

Hundred $99 Credit towards your next trip for further details press one now to be placed on a do not call list press 2 now.

 

[snogger]

Interesting on the "spam calls".. I've had a google number now for many years and use it exclusively as the number to give to friends, family and even on my business cards.

I have to search to figure out what my "real" cell number is now days as I rarely need to use it and do not get any "Spam Calls" .  

 

[(HULK)]

I have an app called "Sync.me" that syncs contacts and also blocks spam callers.  Check it out.