Google Voice a Threat?

[augiecrazy8]

I don't have a 100% understanding of the Google Voice platform. But I understand that Apple & AT&T did not accept the iPhone Google Voice app because they're basically afraid it will replace the phone service provided by AT&T.

My question is, won't Google Voice need some kind of network to work on? I mean, you can't buy an iPhone from eBay and then use Google Voice? Right? I'm assuming you'll at least need an internet connection, which also requires a package from some kind of provider (unless you plan on being in a Wifi zone every second of your life). Can anyone shed some light on this situation?

Thanks

 

[dkaufman1]

Google has said they will play nice with networks. For example calls on a US G1 using Google Voice count against your minutes. Though since all calls are routed through single outbound number, getting a myfaves package and setting that number could reduce that quite a bit.

 

[mjschmidt]

It is also possible to use GV to get free text messaging by routing the txt messages though your GV number. Although it might still cost the recipient money to message you back as I understand it.

Google Voice Is Cool, But Do You Need It? - Google Voice - Lifehacker

GV Integrates Google Voice into Android - Android - Lifehacker

 

[punkzanyj]

Google has said they will play nice with networks. For example calls on a US G1 using Google Voice count against your minutes. Though since all calls are routed through single outbound number, getting a myfaves package and setting that number could reduce that quite a bit.

that's what I've done, and am trying to get people to switch to the gv number.

 

[dkaufman1]

that's what I've done, and am trying to get people to switch to the gv number.

How is that working?
And do texts work as described above or do they count?

 

[Mormegil]

I can tell you what I'm doing.

I have the bare minimum - Individual 300 voice (no MyFaves), and unlimited web/email with NO text messaging.

With Google Voice, I can send and receive texts using the Google Voice client with no apparent charge (I haven't received a bill yet, but nothing shows up on the T-Mobile My Account App).

As I can send texts using Google Voice from my laptop/desktop, I'm pretty sure I won't have to pay for those.

I can also receive texts through Google Voice (to my Google Voice Number).


As far as voice calls go, though they are being routed through Google Voice (so recipients get my GV number for caller ID), I'm being charged for minutes like normal.


When you call or send a Text, you have the option to send through your number (not for me), or use Google Voice.


Additionally, I set up all call forwarding (no answer, unavailable, etc.) to call my Google Voice number instead, so I get all voice mails from GV.

 

[punkzanyj]

How is that working?
And do texts work as described above or do they count?

Gvoice has to be tinkered with. If you've got your mobile number attached to the account and listed as "mobile" it will automatically forward GV texts to your phone. I have my mobile number listed as "home" and have the text forwarding disabled (just in case) and now it doesn't do this. But since I have the GV app, I still get the text messages, they just arrive via the GV app instead.

Receiving SMS via GV app should not cost money or affect my 400 text message bundle. In the details for GV under "Manage applications" it does not list "send SMS messages under "Services That Cost You Money" and I'm inclined to believe an official google product app wouldn't get by without mentioning that.

I did a test Sunday, made a call using the GV app and received a call to the GV#. I'm waiting for my bill to see how those are noted on my bill. These were the only calls made Sunday, so it should be easy to spot them. Hopefully they both show up as the GV# (which was added to my MyFaves a few days prior). If so, then I'm no longer limited by my 300 minute plan, and I've got a second phone line on my cell that I intend to use as more public number to use for business, freelancing, etc. I don't get anywhere close to using my 300 minutes per month, so I'm more interested in being able to use my GV number and keep my cell # more private.

 

[Erikk38]

I did a test Sunday, made a call using the GV app and received a call to the GV#. I'm waiting for my bill to see how those are noted on my bill. These were the only calls made Sunday, so it should be easy to spot them. Hopefully they both show up as the GV# (which was added to my MyFaves a few days prior).

Hey, thanks for the very clear info. Can you tell us the results of this test? I am a hair away from getting a myTouch, switching to T-Mobile (from AT&T), and implementing a GV setup like the one you described. If this works, it's a done deal.

Much appreciated.