Google Voice

[tenderone]

I am thinking about setting up a Google Voice number. I know that it is free, but would it affect your present landline or cellphone company (re: hidden fees, etc.)?

I was hoping I could select a 1800 # but they are not offering it at this time. Must you select your own area code or can you select one outside of your locale?

[ginene]

I have had it since it was called Grandcentral and there are no fees that will appear on your landline. If you don't have unlimited texting on your cell then you would get the normal fees from texting on your phone. I truly love it! I had it now since 2007

[ginene]

Also if you don't have long distance on your landline you can dial it through your google voice for free.

[tenderone]

Originally Posted by ginene

Also if you don't have long distance on your landline you can dial it through your google voice for free.

I do have long distance but that is nice nonetheless!

Did you select a number from your actual area code or...?

[WNYwahd]

You can choose a number from any area code that they have openings in currently... just keep in mind that if you ever need to call it yourself for some reason that if it is long distance you'll incur charges on your landline...

Otherwise they are quite handy to have

I have one that is local to me, one in WY where my father lives and one in NC where my mother lives... they can call anytime they want and it's never long distance

I've contemplated setting up local numbers to major cities so that if I post online adverts in major cities, I have a local number... but I really only want to juggle so many google accounts :P

[tenderone]

Originally Posted by WNYwahd

You can choose a number from any area code that they have openings in currently... just keep in mind that if you ever need to call it yourself for some reason that if it is long distance you'll incur charges on your landline...

Otherwise they are quite handy to have

I have one that is local to me, one in WY where my father lives and one in NC where my mother lives... they can call anytime they want and it's never long distance

I've contemplated setting up local numbers to major cities so that if I post online adverts in major cities, I have a local number... but I really only want to juggle so many google accounts :P

Great idea!

Now, how in the world does one call through Google?

[Piccolo]

Sign in to your Gmail and on the left-hand side it says, "Call phone." The dialpad comes up. I have had it since 2010 and it was one of the best decisions ever.

[ginene]

You dont have to log in the computer to call. You can also just dial the google voice number, wait for your message to come on, then press star then put in your four digit pin then press 2 to dial the number and on the caller id your google voice number will show up. You can also block people from calling you back by sending them straight to voicemail when they call or play "this number is not in service" if you have a spammer or telemarketer or anyone that you don't want to call again. You can also set times when you want to receive calls. It is really great! You can also text from the computer even if you don't have a cell phone linked to it.

[ginene]

Yes I selected from my area code.

Originally Posted by tenderone

I do have long distance but that is nice nonetheless!

Did you select a number from your actual area code or...?

[inkkognito]

I too have had Google Voice since it was Grand Central. I use it to make calls to Canada, as well as to receive calls. I give it out instead of my home phone (GV number is forwarded to home), which allows me to simply block telemarketers or companies that abuse my number. I also use it send and receive free texts, and I have it set to send me voice mail messages in an email transcript. I highly, highly recommend it.