Google Voice & Area Code

[Deleted User]

Does anyone know why Google Voice requires an area code to call? I understand that the number it dials from could be from anywhere, so it may need an area code to complete the call, but how about an option to dial a default area code when the person does not enter one?

Cheers, Carl.

 

[pwabbit]

That is something that would best be directed to Google since they are the experts.

 

[syntrix]

That is something that would best be directed to Google since they are the experts.

correct, and GV has always required 1+area code+phone number to dial.

Just recently, they must have updated the app or service, you ONLY need area code+phone number now.

 

[craighwk]

Does anyone know why Google Voice requires an area code to call? I understand that the number it dials from could be from anywhere, so it may need an area code to complete the call, but how about an option to dial a default area code when the person does not enter one?

Cheers, Carl.

Unfortunately using area codes has become somewhat mandatory, especially with cell phones. It has been this way for awhile and there are even some areas that demand you use an area code, even if you are calling another number in the same area code.

Phone numbers are no longer 7 digits. They are now 10. It's just the way it is. With that said, there is no option to set a default area code and it's very likely there never will be.

 

[johnnybirdman]

Does anyone know why Google Voice requires an area code to call? I understand that the number it dials from could be from anywhere, so it may need an area code to complete the call, but how about an option to dial a default area code when the person does not enter one?

Cheers, Carl.

Unless they add a feature that will ID your area code we are stuck with 7 digits b/c otherwise if you called 555-1212 it wouldn't know in what area code. Many phone exchanges are used in several area codes.
J.

 

[Deleted User]

Well - I was hoping to be told that there's a workaround everyone but me knew of , but apparently that's not the case. It seems pointless to require an area code in all cases, rather than assuming that the absence of an area code means it's the same code as the cell phone number you're dialing from.

However, you can't fight city hall, nor multi-gazillion behemoths named Google, so it sounds like I'll just have to accept that dialing requires either (1) all ten digits, or (2) going to contacts, then dialing.

Cheers, Carl.

 

[FrayAdjacent]

Probably requires it because it doesn't know where you're calling TO without one, but it doesn't know where you're calling FROM.

Setting a default area code would be nice, but all of your contacts should be saved with their area code anyway.

 

[Deleted User]

Setting a default area code would be nice, but all of your contacts should be saved with their area code anyway.

Yeah, but it's quicker for me to dial 7 digits I already have memorized (especially when driving - oops, did I just say that?) than to look at the phone, drill down through a lengthy contacts list until I find the right one, select it, then select mobile or home to actually dial it.

I'm beating a dead horse here. . .

 

[dragonTrainer]

There's an app called Number Fixer that will modify your contacts and add the area code for you.

 

[jamesdean]

correct, and GV has always required 1+area code+phone number to dial.

Just recently, they must have updated the app or service, you ONLY need area code+phone number now.

I've been using GV since it was Grand Central. It has never required 1+ area code and number.

 

[eddieonofre]

I think the easy way to fix this issue s if there is an dialer app that when you place a call without a area code number it automatically adds an area code, which you have assigned previously on the settings

 

[takeshi]

...or just dial the extra 3 digits. Been doing it for years since we started with multiple area codes. It's not a big deal. 10 digit dialing is the norm whether you're new to it or not.

 

[johnlgalt]

I've been using GV since it was Grand Central. It has never required 1+ area code and number.

Thanks for that comment - I just saw this thread, thanks to its resurrection, and same here - never ever had to use a 1.

I think the easy way to fix this issue s if there is an dialer app that when you place a call without a area code number it automatically adds an area code, which you have assigned previously on the settings

That would require processing. If you've memorized the phone number and it does not need an area code, then I would *hope* that you know the area code you're in to begin with.

...or just dial the extra 3 digits. Been doing it for years since we started with multiple area codes. It's not a big deal. 10 digit dialing is the norm whether you're new to it or not.

More appropriately, it has become the norm, particularly in larger, urban areas where exchanges in multiple area codes are all considered local calls.

Even down here where I live, there are a few exchanges now that were long distance before that are not now, all within the same area code. But, since I've been using a cellphone, I've always made it a habit to use area codes, so the transition was relatively easy to voice.

Oh, and voice dialing makes life so much easier - even when driving (aimed at the OP).