whats the best Calling Plan?

[luis7807]

hello everyone.. this is my first post.....

was wondering something...

i currently have the BASIC calling plan with 450 minutes ($59.99) then i added unlimited texting and data for another $29.99.. for a grand total of `$90

i just checked verizons site and found a plan with 900 minutes and unlimited text and data for the same price..... but it says i need to UPGRADE my phone...?? any idea what thats about?

what plan do you guys/gals have?

 

[colnago]

You should post this in the "Verizon" forums, but the 450min. plan is only $39/mo...you may need to re-negotiate.

 

[luis7807]

ok no problem... in hindsight i should have posted that i am a droid user and wanted to know how to best outfit my phone.. thanks anyway!

 

[colnago]

If you're going to use Google Voice to avoid using "plan minutes", you need to step up to a "Friends and Family" plan. Other than that, it will depend on your phone usage.

Unless you have a discount via your work, etc., data is at its lowest at $30/mo AFAIK.

 

[Bigger than you]

I have select 450 plan and its unlimited txt and pic mess. 59.99 - my 20% discount around $47.

Then 29.99 data - discount=23.99

 

[colnago]

Ah, I didn't factor in "unlimited texting".

 

[JB007]

Verizon has a DATA ONLY plan $49.99. That is all you will ever need. Because
you can have Unlimited Text and Unlimited Calling in the US using Google Voice. That is what I do no problems ever.

 

[colnago]

Verizon has a DATA ONLY plan $49.99. That is all you will ever need. Because
you can have Unlimited Text and Unlimited Calling in the US using Google Voice. That is what I do no problems ever.

So how do people call you on your Droid if it has no DID?

 

[JB007]

Google Voice has a number where people can call u and you can even choose the area code, GV also transcribes voicemails to text all for free!!!!

 

[colnago]

Google Voice has a number where people can call u and you can even choose the area code, GV also transcribes voicemails to text all for free!!!!

Understood, as I have a GVoice account (but received it after returning Droid), but it was also my understanding that the GVoice service just "connected" the call between your called party and your "designated call back number"...and GVoice number would not actually "facilitate" the call for its duration.

I'm not saying you're wrong, I'm just looking for clarification. It would be great if the GVoice service actually supported "calls", and not just act as a switchboard...e.g you're in your car, and someone calls your GVoice number, on the cell phone which doesn't have a "cell number", and the call is sustained via data connection and GVoice client.

 

[gregroberti]

Verizon has a DATA ONLY plan $49.99. That is all you will ever need. Because
you can have Unlimited Text and Unlimited Calling in the US using Google Voice. That is what I do no problems ever.

You're joking... right?! I asked my sales rep about this and was told there is no way to avoid a voice plan. Please provide more information such as your location and if you had to haggle with them at all. Do you know someone who works for Verizon?? Any info would be greatly appreciated!!

Also if you don't have a calling plan, how does your phone let you know when you get an incoming call or text? Does the google voice application take over and let you know there's an incoming call/text?

 

[JB007]

GVoice account to clarify is a voice over the internet protocol so it works just like any VOIP recieving calls nromally and making calls normally with no problem. GV will be using the Verizon's 3G internet connection which bypasses Verizon's calling network. I don't have any secret person working at Verizon, its an unadvertised plan. 49.99 unlimited data for any smartphones, they wil tell you at first that you have to get a voice plan, the rep i spoke to didnt even know about it, but upon further research they found it and that is all you need since GV comes with free texting too. Also GV yes duz support calls it will ring on your phone as normal same with texts you will them normally that is how good GV is. My location is the metropolitan area, but i went directly to Verizon not an authorized dealer the actual official Verizon wireless. The GV takes over every call and text yes. hope this helps

 

[funkdoctor]

GVoice account to clarify is a voice over the internet protocol so it works just like any VOIP recieving calls nromally and making calls normally with no problem.

You must be leaving some part out. The Google Voice app for Android does not have VOIP yet. So you have to be using a app such as Sipdroid or something similar to route your calls...

 

[colnago]

GVoice account to clarify is a voice over the internet protocol so it works just like any VOIP recieving calls nromally and making calls normally with no problem. GV will be using the Verizon's 3G internet connection which bypasses Verizon's calling network. I don't have any secret person working at Verizon, its an unadvertised plan. 49.99 unlimited data for any smartphones, they wil tell you at first that you have to get a voice plan, the rep i spoke to didnt even know about it, but upon further research they found it and that is all you need since GV comes with free texting too. Also GV yes duz support calls it will ring on your phone as normal same with texts you will them normally that is how good GV is. My location is the metropolitan area, but i went directly to Verizon not an authorized dealer the actual official Verizon wireless. The GV takes over every call and text yes. hope this helps

I understand VoIP, as I'm a Cisco VoIP engineer, but in all the documents/videos I've seen/read, the GV has "VoIP-like features" but is not a full "VoIP solution". In every case that "I've seen", the GV client hands off the call to the cell phone:

Making calls : Calls - Google Voice Help

Calls: Making calls

Print

Because Google Voice doesn’t replace your existing phone lines, you can continue making calls directly from your existing phone services. But, you may also want to place calls that display your Google number on caller ID. There are several ways to do this


...however if you can receive the calls via the web interface, then great. Its stated that you can make calls by 1st dialing in to voice mail, then choosing option to "make a call", and also initiate a call via web interface, but in each case, GV requires a "call back number".

I'm just not seeing where it would maintain the session if it received one. If I had the phone I'd just do it myself, but if you can let me know which interface you use to receive a call on the cell, without voice service, let me know. I had resigned myself to trying to get Vonage working via SIP client.

edit - I was logged in to my GVoice web account, turned off "Forwarding" and called GV number from land line. I did not see the call coming thru via web. The call widget only allows "Forward all to VM" or "ring alternate #".

 

[JB007]

I understand VoIP, as I'm a Cisco VoIP engineer, but in all the documents/videos I've seen/read, the GV has "VoIP-like features" but is not a full "VoIP solution". In every case that "I've seen", the GV client hands off the call to the cell phone:
Yes normally that is th way it usually works by handing off the call or bouncing the call off another existing number. However with android and the google voice application it duz it all as if you were making the call of the web wo having to do that, like skype it is its own protocol, remember that GV on the web is different. When it is combined with google android on a google android phone using GV you get VOIP i know i have been using it and it is still in beta, maybe all features arent available to those that are not in the beta, but i am not gaining anyting in trying to convince, im just saying Data only 49.99 will equal unlimited text and voice using GV. send me a private message so i can call u using all i have described....since your like thomas that needs to see the wounds...

 

[funkdoctor]

Yes normally that is th way it usually works by handing off the call or bouncing the call off another existing number. However with android and the google voice application it duz it all as if you were making the call of the web wo having to do that, like skype it is its own protocol, remember that GV on the web is different. When it is combined with google android on a google android phone using GV you get VOIP i know i have been using it and it is still in beta, maybe all features arent available to those that are not in the beta, but i am not gaining anyting in trying to convince, im just saying Data only 49.99 will equal unlimited text and voice using GV. send me a private message so i can call u using all i have described....since your like thomas that needs to see the wounds...[/quote]

Well I have the standard Google Voice app from the market (not some special beta copy) and can confirm that this is not possible with the app from the market. The quickest way to test it, turn off your mobile network, turn on wi-fi, and try to make a phone call. The Google Voice app will tell you to turn on your mobile network. I also doubt the fact that you are a part of any Google Voice beta testing due to your horrible spelling - but if you are please post up a version number for the rest of us. That would be the easiest way to prove its authenticity.

 

[JB007]

Google Voice Build Number 0.2.7 on the Android Motorola Droid.
However, check speller, you need to have GV already and be able to login via the internet.

https://www.google.com/accounts/Ser...e=https://www.google.com/voice/account/signin

There is no special beta just request via this link and through the magic of an email response you get to use it.

 

[funkdoctor]

Google Voice Build Number 0.2.7 on the Android Motorola Droid.
However, check speller, you need to have GV already and be able to login via the internet.

I have had Google Voice since they started giving out invites. The Google Voice App on the Android Market does not allow VOIP calling. You implied that you had a special beta version of the app. I have build 0.2.7 as well, and you cannot make VOIP calls. Your version of Google Voice, as well as everyone elses makes a phone call using your mobile network just like everyone else. You can get free text messaging though.

 

[JB007]

Ok now we are getting somewhere. Yes that is the build now when you set up up from the Android Mobile Device or (you can go to settings later)...It can be set to make all calls using google voice which = unlimited outgoing calls. Then since you already have a GV number when people call you, your Mobile phone rings = unlimited incoming calls. Since an internet connection IS required to use GV by using Verizon's 3g data INTERNET connection over thier network and on your mobile device, you have VOIP. I hope this clears up all questions.

 

[funkdoctor]

Ok now we are getting somewhere. Yes that is the build now when you set up up from the Android Mobile Device or (you can go to settings later)...It can be set to make all calls using google voice which = unlimited outgoing calls. Then since you already have a GV number when people call you, your Mobile phone rings = unlimited incoming calls. Since an internet connection IS required to use GV by using Verizon's 3g data INTERNET connection over thier network and on your mobile device, you have VOIP. I hope this clears up all questions.

The Google Voice app does not have VOIP capabilities. The way you are explaining does not work, as I see all my Google Voice incoming and outgoing calls on my bills. I have been using GV since May of this year, so I know a thing or two. I also know that its known that GV does not provide VOIP capabilities. This why Google just purchased Gizmodo5, as they plan on implementing VOIP capabilities. The Google Voice app or web interface provides no VOIP calling. I knew this all along, just wanted to see what you would say.

 

[gregroberti]

I understand VoIP, as I'm a Cisco VoIP engineer, but in all the documents/videos I've seen/read, the GV has "VoIP-like features" but is not a full "VoIP solution". In every case that "I've seen", the GV client hands off the call to the cell phone:
Yes normally that is th way it usually works by handing off the call or bouncing the call off another existing number. However with android and the google voice application it duz it all as if you were making the call of the web wo having to do that, like skype it is its own protocol, remember that GV on the web is different. When it is combined with google android on a google android phone using GV you get VOIP i know i have been using it and it is still in beta, maybe all features arent available to those that are not in the beta, but i am not gaining anyting in trying to convince, im just saying Data only 49.99 will equal unlimited text and voice using GV. send me a private message so i can call u using all i have described....since your like thomas that needs to see the wounds...

I just really want this to be true since it can save me ~$50 every month. I might try and call Verizon to cancel my voice and then test it out for a week and see how it works, then check to make sure my phone bill isn't through the roof lol.

 

[funkdoctor]

I just really want this to be true since it can save me ~$50 every month. I might try and call Verizon to cancel my voice and then test it out for a week and see how it works, then check to make sure my phone bill isn't through the roof lol.

I would ask JB007 to prove he even has an Android phone running GV first (I have a feeling he has never actually used GV on an Android phone and this is why he doesn't know how it works). I promise you that this is not possible, and if you need more proof, just check out the Google Voice forums.

 

[JB007]

you just informed the thread who Google Voice just purchsed gizmodo5 but did you know they had already purchased
GrandCentral: The New Way to Use Your Phones
the internet calls where already there...all you need is an internet connection. what else needs to be said. my original response to the thread for cheapest calls was data only google voice. i will glady prove it just come up with a way and i will comply. threads are for sharing information that is why i responded, and that is why i will comply so that others can learn. I have learned many things reading forums myself

 

[funkdoctor]

you just informed the thread who Google Voice just purchsed gizmodo5 but did you know they had already purchased
GrandCentral: The New Way to Use Your Phones
the internet calls where already there...all you need is an internet connection. what else needs to be said. my original response to the thread for cheapest calls was data only google voice. i will glady prove it just come up with a way and i will comply. threads are for sharing information that is why i responded, and that is why i will comply so that others can learn. I have learned many things reading forums myself

Yup. Already knew that. Also know that Google Voice doesnt offer VOIP. I don't think you are really using the GV Android app. You would know all of this stuff already.

 

[gregroberti]

Yup. Already knew that. Also know that Google Voice doesnt offer VOIP. I don't think you are really using the GV Android app. You would know all of this stuff already.

Let's not hate, this is a place where we should all benefit from a collective knowledge. Would a scan of the phone bill be proof? It would obviously be wise to censor information such as name, address, billing info, etc.