Google Voice

[saptech]

I've read that Google Voice is extending the free domestic time if using the web through 2012.

If I use Google voice on my android phone does it still counts as carrier minutes (anytime minutes), but if I use it on a computer is it free, using my phone?

Thnx.

 

[lexluthor]

Yes to all of that.

If you want to use GV without carrier minutes on your android, you can get GrooveIP and then you can make GV calls via VoIP (carrier data or wifi).

 

[saptech]

Thanks for the reply. I'm new at this, but trying to understand using Google Voice website. So if I use the website to dial a number and then use my cell phone to talk, this call should not use my 'anytime minutes'?

 

[Deleted User]

Thanks for the reply. I'm new at this, but trying to understand using Google Voice website. So if I use the website to dial a number and then use my cell phone to talk, this call should not use my 'anytime minutes'?

No, that is not correct. If you use the GV website to initiate a call on your cell, it uses your minutes. Without a 3rd party app, only calling from within Gmail, using your computer's mic / speakers is free.

 

[beefyy]

Or if you have a "friends and family" plan, you can add your gv number to that list and calls initiated from the computer will show up as an incoming call from your gv number.

 

[Mr. Lucky]

If you use the GV website to initiate a call on your cell, it uses your minutes. Without a 3rd party app, only calling from within Gmail, using your computer's mic / speakers is free.

Correct, and THAT is what got extended as a free service through 2012. Google Voice itself is already making money through its foreign long distance service, so the free domestic service (using Google Voice + VoIP) will likely stay free... or people will leave in droves.

 

[saptech]

I'm understanding now, but one more question...

If you use your phone web browser to connect the call with GV website, then would it use the minutes or use data. Depending on what kind of calling plan you have, and or data plan, I assume.

 

[Deleted User]

I'm understanding now, but one more question...

If you use your phone web browser to connect the call with GV website, then would it use the minutes or use data. Depending on what kind of calling plan you have, and or data plan, I assume.

Most likely yes, it will use your minutes. When you use the Google Voice website to initiate a call, what happens is Google will call your cell phone. The number you will see is your own Google Voice number calling you, then it connects to the phone number you said to call.

So, unless your Google Voice number is part of a "friends and family" type plan, it will use your minutes.

 

[saptech]

Thanks. I fully understand.

 

[saptech]

Ok, now I have another question about using GV text. I've read people say to do this under GV settings. To make sure you're not getting charged for texting through my provider.

make sure under you mobile phone settings in google voice you uncheck the forward to phone setting.

What I see under Settings are:
Foward Calls to:
Google Chat and
Foward Calls to:
Mobile (which does have a checkmark) and it show my cell phone number.

Am I suppose to uncheck it or leave it checked? I have 'pay as you go' for texting.

Thnx.

 

[aysiu]

The forwarding calls thing is fine. It's the forwarding texts that you should turn off.

Under Phones you want to uncheck Receive text messages on this phone.

 

[saptech]

Thanks aysiu. On my GV page, there is no third option, only the two I listed earlier. But under the Foward Calls to Mobile, the Receive Messages on this phone is 'unchecked', so I'm assuming it will not be charged for texting.

Thnx.

 

[saptech]

Since it's free to use GV to send text messages, and I have 'Pay As You Go' with VZ for texting, is it possible to have VZ turn off texting and will GV texting still work?

I get spam/junk text messages at time and it can add up to $1 or more per month, VZ charges 20 cent per msg, sent/received.

Any suggestions/ideas.

Thnx.

 

[Deleted User]

Since it's free to use GV to send text messages, and I have 'Pay As You Go' with VZ for texting, is it possible to have VZ turn off texting and will GV texting still work?

I get spam/junk text messages at time and it can add up to $1 or more per month, VZ charges 20 cent per msg, sent/received.

Any suggestions/ideas.

Thnx.

I don't think that will help in your case. If you have a separate GV number than your cell phone number, you can use the GV app the send / receive text messages using data.

However, if you are already getting texts to your cell phone number, I don't see an automatic way to switch those to go to your GV number instead. So I don't think GV will save you the $ a month. You will have to try and stop each "service" or whatever that is sending you spam/junk texts.

 

[saptech]

regression, it's not so much as switching to GV text, but having Verizon turn off texting to my cell phone. (no texting thru VZ text service) If it is possible VZ can turn it off, would it have any effect on GV texting?

I guess I'm asking if VZ can stop all texting on their end, would it have any effects with GV texting, which go thru data plan!

Thnx.

 

[Deleted User]

regression, it's not so much as switching to GV text, but having Verizon turn off texting to my cell phone. (no texting thru VZ text service) If it is possible VZ can turn it off, would it have any effect on GV texting?

I guess I'm asking if VZ can stop all texting on their end, would it have any effects with GV texting!

Thnx.

It shouldn't. As long as your GV number is different than your cell phone number, then you can disable texting to / from your cell phone number without affecting GV. You will still be able to send / receive texts to your GV number, as by default, it uses data (via the GV Android app) to send / receive text messages.

 

[saptech]

Thanks again. My GV number is different. Now when you say I can disable VZ texting from my cell phone, does that mean I can set it up or I need to contact VZ?

Sorry, sorta new at this, my old phone I was with US Cellular, unlimited talk & text for $55 per month but no data plan.

Thnx.

 

[Deleted User]

Thanks again. My GV number is different. Now when you say I can disable VZ texting from my cell phone, does that mean I can set it up or I need to contact VZ?

Sorry, sorta new at this, my old phone I was with US Cellular, unlimited talk & text for $55 per month but no data plan.

Thnx.

You would have to contact Verizon. I am not 100% sure you can do that (completely disable text messaging). I thought you had already researched to see if that is possible or not... Give Verizon a call and see what they can do. Good luck.

 

[saptech]

Will do, thanks.