Google Voice: My ticket to a $50 UNLIMITED Verizon plan?

[paladaxar]

So, all this talk about the up and coming Sholes/Droid on Verizon got me thinking...

Someone recently posted that the VZ data plan will be $30 on top of whatever voice plan you get. Then, it's $45 if you want to include exchange, and $50 for the "data only" plan.

Well...I just happen to use this wonderful little dealio called Google Voice which, as (most of) you know, uses "data only".

Does anyone think that with GV we can get away with paying only $50/mo to have UNLIMITED calling, texting and browsing? That would be...well...almost too good to be true.

Anyone have any thoughts/debunks to add to this?

 

[JoeC]

Google Voice still uses voice minutes, not data. The only way around that is to use a free VOIP provider to forward GV calls through, such as Gizmo, and use SIPDroid.

Ultimately it is not that convenient.

 

[Carl C]

How does GV use minutes?? Do you have to call a certain number every time you wanna make a call {so it can come out of your minutes} or what?

 

[pcwizpcwiz2]

GV does the magic for you behind the scenes but yes does dial a different number first. You might be able to exploit it by setting it to a MyFave or whatever Verizon calls it. Then you can set your incoming calls to GV to show your GV number and announce the caller once you answer.

 

[JoeC]

There are three ways to use the service for calling: call your GV number and use certain keys to call a number via your GV number; or use the GV mobile client to have your phone use GV (in essence, GV calls a number with tones to accomplish the same as above); or have your phone called by initiating a call via the GV website. In each case, the voice call is made from your handset to the third party.

 

[paladaxar]

Still uses voice minutes...bummer! I thought GV was a voip. But as you guys explained, it's still making a call to a third party.

So, that means that my "Unlimited" plan will cost me $89.99/mo ($59.99 for the cheapest voice plan that includes "friends and family" and $30 for the data plan). Still not too bad. Unlimited minutes, texting, data and GPS on VZ's amazing network for $90 (before employee discounts ).

I'm sold

Thanks for the clarification everyone!

 

[Carl C]

I like the idea of GV , It would be nice to experience it myself but It's not currently Available in the UK

 

[Robfactory]

There's a beta software called tubaloo for android that uses VOiP.
it sounds like you're talking through a can. It has a bit of a delay, but it's voip.
Wait for that to hit the main release. Though I think the carriers will block it.