I am with Mobilicity in Ontario which gives me unlimited local calling, text, and data when I am in one of their "unlimited zones" (major cities) but heading an hour or so out of the city I'm roaming. This doesn't pose to much of a problem for me as I live downtown and rarely leave Toronto, but I do have family and friends I visit from time to time that don't live within the "unlimited zone" which makes my phone useless to me.
From what I understand about GV and GrooveIP, it allows you to make free calls and text to anywhere in the US and Canada for free over 3G data and wifi, which is exactly what I need for when I'm not in the city. At first I thought I could use a US proxy to get a GV number then set up GrooveIP so when I am out of the unlimted zone I can still communicate over wifi using my GV number. The problem I realized is that no one I know in Canada is going to want to pay international call and text rates to reach me at a US GV number.
Is there some other free service available in Canada that allows me to send and receive texts and calls for free over wifi?
You can use grooveip in canada! I use it. Just get someone in states to make youan email and stuff. Then use it to login in canada. Ive been using it in canada for awhile now
Sent from my Nexus S using xda premium
jark99 said:
You can use grooveip in canada! I use it. Just get someone in states to make youan email and stuff. Then use it to login in canada. Ive been using it in canada for awhile now
Sent from my Nexus S using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're right! It does work. I can even make long distance calls for free now too. Are you able to receive calls through grooveip without a google voice number? When making a call do you know what your caller id looks like to the other person? I assumed that Grooveip also supported sms but I see now that it doesn't. Is there an app with the same functionality as grooveip but for sending and recieving texts over wifi
red_skittles said:
You're right! It does work. I can even make long distance calls for free now too. Are you able to receive calls through grooveip without a google voice number? When making a call do you know what your caller id looks like to the other person? I assumed that Grooveip also supported sms but I see now that it doesn't. Is there an app with the same functionality as grooveip but for sending and recieving texts over wifi
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you call people it shows the US number i believe. Also i have never tried receiving calls because the ppl who would call you in canada would get charged for calling to the states as grooveip uses a US number.
For texting look up a few apps...i think textplus was one...but cant recall
Sent from my Nexus S using xda premium
so let me get this straight if i buy grooveip
i can use my gvoice in canada and not get charged long distance?
im not sure how grooveip works sorry
how do you even get a google voice number in canada anyways?
belovedson said:
so let me get this straight if i buy grooveip
i can use my gvoice in canada and not get charged long distance?
im not sure how grooveip works sorry
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to have someone in US register you an email in the states. Then use that email to use groove ip!
Sent from my Nexus S using xda premium
Use Fongo, which was previously Dell Voice, can let you make free Canada and US calls over wifi! The quality is even better than google voice, imo.
Related
I want to switch to AT&T for the One X soon and am looking for ways to reduce my bill. I don't want to pay $20/mo for texting so using Google Voice is a good idea for that. I initially wanted to port my number to GV so that I wouldn't have to give people a new number, but after some testing I feel like the voice lag in calls through GV is a little too significant to use it for all my calls, so now I'm considering porting my number to AT&T like normal and using my separate GV number for texts.
I'd like to know what you guys do and how it works out for you.
Thanks.
Just keep in mind that GV texting doesn't support short codes, nor MMS (although Google said it is coming).
I'd switch to google voice full time if it had two features that it's currently missing. 1. Obviously mms. 2. Threaded group SMS (which I found out the One X doesnt support either)! I really miss group SMS coming from the iPhone as that's how I communicated with a bunch of my friends and colleagues.
Telling people to just email me is definitely worth the $20 savings...
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
Google plus messenger?
Cryosx said:
Google plus messenger?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not even sure what this means.
I am in the same boat and I had tried to use Google Voice. Does not work simply because the lack of a dedicated SMS agent.
I use text plus. Didn't want to pay 20 dollars
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
NextNexus said:
Not even sure what this means.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google+ messenger. The stand alone messaging client for Google+.
I've been debating getting a new number through Google Voice and switching to that. Cutting the unlimited texting from my plan would sure be nice. I don't make more than 10-20 minutes in calls most months, so the latency issue is not major for me. I suspect it's related to the inherent latency on the 3G/HSPA network. I think this is one of the areas where LTE is supposed to be a major improvement over HSPA+. Has anybody tried GV over 3G and wifi/LTE. If so, was it any better?
lilhyper said:
I am in the same boat and I had tried to use Google Voice. Does not work simply because the lack of a dedicated SMS agent.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you explain what you mean by an "SMS agent"?
mesasone said:
Google+ messenger. The stand alone messaging client for Google+.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea but isn't that like using Facebook messenger or whatsapp? It's not an SMS replacement unless everyone you text actually has it installed.
Pretty much. I'm not really sure how that works out as a replacement for a texting brand. Maybe they will elaborate.
I use Google Voice and save my money, not work the 20 bucks for MMS and short code. I fill in the blanks of those with twitter/facebook etc etc.
I have unlimited via a family unlimited plan.
EDIT: Can you use GV without a SIM? Like I have an account set up but I can't send SMS or Make calls on the One X at all. Am I doing something wrong or does it just not work that way?
I chose the unlimited text because that gives you unlimited mobile to mobile calls, any carrier.. That allowed me to drop down from unlimited minutes to 450 minutes with rollover. I'll never talk 450 minutes to a landline during peak i dont think. I dont know anybody with a landline, all mobile. That dropped the Minutes from $69 to $39. I', going to give it a try...We'll see
nugzo said:
I chose the unlimited text because that gives you unlimited mobile to mobile calls, any carrier.. That allowed me to drop down from unlimited minutes to 450 minutes with rollover. I'll never talk 450 minutes to a landline during peak i dont think. I dont know anybody with a landline, all mobile. That dropped the Minutes from $69 to $39. I', going to give it a try...We'll see
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I'm used to having unlimited mobile to mobile on Sprint, but I think I can get by without it and still only 450 minutes. A lot of calls happen on nights and weekends, and then I can take advantage of the rollover (not sure how long those minutes last before expiring).
voluptuary said:
I have unlimited via a family unlimited plan.
EDIT: Can you use GV without a SIM? Like I have an account set up but I can't send SMS or Make calls on the One X at all. Am I doing something wrong or does it just not work that way?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should be able to SMS through GV by just being on WiFi I think, but you won't be able to make calls without the SIM since it goes over the cell network and uses minutes like normal. However, if you use something like GrooVe IP, you should be able to make calls with just WiFi.
Unlimited text family plan for $20 FTW!
I'm going to be getting a new number with the T-Mobile $30/mo plan (please if someone can clarify the easiest way to get into this plan without getting a phone at Walmart and all I'd be grateful), and I'm interested in Google Voice. I think the features are cool, but I'm worried about how it would work with other people. Can it be set up so that -as far as everyone else is concerned- I have a 'normal' phone number, nothing weird like that they call me on one and I call from another one, etc?
Thanks
adriangb said:
I'm interested in Google Voice. I think the features are cool, but I'm worried about how it would work with other people. Can it be set up so that -as far as everyone else is concerned- I have a 'normal' phone number, nothing weird like that they call me on one and I call from another one, etc?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, absolutely. You may have to install the GV software from Google Play. Once configured people will only see your GV number (if that is what you want) and it will handle your texts also. Don't forget to switch your phone to your GV voice mail in case someone calls it directly.
---
Spes in virtute est. (via XDA app)
So how do I get started? I went to GV and selected new number, but how do I make that 100% my phone number? Do I just download the Google voice app? Will I still be able to place calls without data?
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2
adriangb said:
So how do I get started? I went to GV and selected new number, but how do I make that 100% my phone number? Do I just download the Google voice app? Will I still be able to place calls without data?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes.
First,make sure you run through the GV settings online on your PC.
Next, download and configure the app for your device. Set it make all calls through GV. Will not use data as far as I know but you will see some funky numbers on your phone bill. GV uses other numbers to make the calls - totally transparent to usage except for the bill. Since most plans today include US wide calling this will not matter.
Not nearly as complicated as it sounds.
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Everyone has a photographic memory. Some just don't have space left on their sd card ... (via Tapatalk)
Thanks a lot. Would you happen to know what the deal is with that T-Mobile plan? Maybe I should ask in the nexus 4 forums...
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2
adriangb said:
Thanks a lot. Would you happen to know what the deal is with that T-Mobile plan? Maybe I should ask in the nexus 4 forums...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No idea, sorry. I refuse to update my TMO plan. I have an old Fave5 plan and all the calls I make are to 1 number (my own GV number) and all the calls I get are from the same number (my own GV number) so I use zero minutes a month..
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Everyone has a photographic memory. Some just don't have space left on their sd card ... (via Tapatalk)
Sounds like a good setup. I'm a data guy though, so this $30/mo plan is made for me, unlimited data (5gB @ '4G', then 2G), unlimited SMS, 100 minutes. Seems hard to acquire, unfortunately.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2
I just bought a SIM card from their website (99 cents), cut it to micro-sim size using a $1 sticker as a guide, put it in the phone and it worked.
If you're confident with measuring things, you can get instructions to cut the SIM card without a guide. Otherwise, there's the sticker templates and also metal stamp cutters.
Wasn't hard at all - the SIM work-around is just if you have a micro-SD device.
I thought that it had to be activated with a phone bought on Wall Mart
PS: my GSII is a normal sim //oldschool
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2
It's either from WAL*MART or activated on a new account on-line - it's a little buried in the site, but should be around the monthly 4G stuff. They just can't give you it in stores.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
I live in Canada and going to Cuba. Is there an appz like Skype that I can use to call home free. They want like $3.50 a minute to call home.
wyrman said:
I live in Canada and going to Cuba. Is there an appz like Skype that I can use to call home free. They want like $3.50 a minute to call home.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Skype? Viber?
If they use Skype too then it's free.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
Jiibus said:
If they use Skype too then it's free.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I take it you have to have your data on as well?
wyrman said:
I take it you have to have your data on as well?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sure, how else then?..
wireless or mobile network
wyrman said:
I live in Canada and going to Cuba. Is there an appz like Skype that I can use to call home free. They want like $3.50 a minute to call home.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try Magicjack or Talkatone. I have not used it but read it once on some forum. Search Play store by Free Calling Apps.
Sent from my GT-I9070 using xda app-developers app
redndian said:
Try Magicjack or Talkatone. I have not used it but read it once on some forum. Search Play store by Free Calling Apps.
Sent from my GT-I9070 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks
Just checked out the prices for data in Cuba. Pretty steep.
wyrman said:
Just checked out the prices for data in Cuba. Pretty steep.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google Voice. I use it for calls to Ireland & Germany. It is .03 to .04 cents a minute & you can prepay amounts into your Google Voice account ahead of time in $10.00 increments. Sound quality is great, it will use your phone number for caller ID & you can get text messages to the number. Check it out.
GSLEON3 said:
Google Voice. I use it for calls to Ireland & Germany. It is .03 to .04 cents a minute & you can prepay amounts into your Google Voice account ahead of time in $10.00 increments. Sound quality is great, it will use your phone number for caller ID & you can get text messages to the number. Check it out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a downloadable appz?
Why not just use Wifi with Skype, Viber, or even Facebook Messenger? As far as using your actual phone minutes rather than data, I guess Google Voice would be a good solution.
GSLEON3 said:
Google Voice. I use it for calls to Ireland & Germany. It is .03 to .04 cents a minute & you can prepay amounts into your Google Voice account ahead of time in $10.00 increments. Sound quality is great, it will use your phone number for caller ID & you can get text messages to the number. Check it out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
but for what? using google voice you should pay for mobile data + google voice
using Viber makes it cheaper. I used it many times, perfect.
As long as it hasn't changed since October 2012 just forget it. Cubacel is way too slow for any data connection and in three hotels I've been to (Varadero, Havanna and Pinar) they almost laughed at me asking for WiFi. 1h was 6 Dollars with super slow speed and crappy computers.
Just forget about internet and enjoy your stay.
BiznessMan said:
Why not just use Wifi with Skype, Viber, or even Facebook Messenger? As far as using your actual phone minutes rather than data, I guess Google Voice would be a good solution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Trying to get Wifi in Cuba could be a chore.
you can call landlines and mobiles through magicjack for free
and they can call you back
M.Noury said:
you can call landlines and mobiles through magicjack for free
and they can call you back
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And I don't need data or Wifi?
DanVanDamn said:
As long as it hasn't changed since October 2012 just forget it. Cubacel is way too slow for any data connection and in three hotels I've been to (Varadero, Havanna and Pinar) they almost laughed at me asking for WiFi. 1h was Dollar with super slow speed and crappy computers.
Just forget about internet and enjoy your stay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol..it is a whole different world in south america
Although Cuba is Central America, it definitely is.
We had this guide Leonardo, educated English teacher, who is playing around with his Blackberry he got as a gift. Only SMS and calls.
But...the whole country is way too interesting for playing around with your smartphone. You'd better take some extra SD-cards for your camera with you.
Hey guys, asking pretty much what's in heading. Can I use a phone simply on wifi , without a Sim and make phone calls?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Take your sim out and try it.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
No
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
You can use Google voice with groove IP.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.snrblabs.grooveip
I recommend the paid version.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
there are many apps that use wifi...
Skype is one...
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
I also use groove IP with a Google voice number when I travel to another country.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Vontage
I use the Vontage app. It doesn't use any of your minutes (I'm on the 100 minute 5GB T-Mobile plan) and its free. Additionally, it uses your mobile number on the caller ID (out-going calls only). This means that when you call your mom, girlfriend, etc. they will answer because the number is recognized as being yours. Give it a shot.
ggillie said:
I use the Vontage app. It doesn't use any of your minutes (I'm on the 100 minute 5GB T-Mobile plan) and its free. Additionally, it uses your mobile number on the caller ID (out-going calls only). This means that when you call your mom, girlfriend, etc. they will answer because the number is recognized as being yours. Give it a shot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you mean Vonage?
I use text plus with a different number as a back up and talkatone with Google voice.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
FuMMoD said:
I use text plus with a different number as a back up and talkatone with Google voice.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you have 3 numbers? lol.. 1 for text plus, 1 for GV and your reg cell plan...
---------- Post added at 12:08 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:07 AM ----------
ggillie said:
I use the Vontage app. It doesn't use any of your minutes (I'm on the 100 minute 5GB T-Mobile plan) and its free. Additionally, it uses your mobile number on the caller ID (out-going calls only). This means that when you call your mom, girlfriend, etc. they will answer because the number is recognized as being yours. Give it a shot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Vonage works like skype?? you need to buy credits to beable to make calls unless its to another vonage user??
gd6noob said:
So you have 3 numbers? lol.. 1 for text plus, 1 for GV and your reg cell plan...
---------- Post added at 12:08 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:07 AM ----------
Vonage works like skype?? you need to buy credits to beable to make calls unless its to another vonage user??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You do not need to buy credits to make outgoing calls (at least with my setup). I still have carrier service so when I first setup my Vonage app, they verified my mobile number by first sending a text message with a verification code. After entering the code, I can call anyone in my contact list and my mobile number will display on their caller ID. No credits or charges.
I imagine that without carrier service, you may be limited to only calling other Vonage users (like skype), but you would have to see for yourself as I still have carrier service.
I tried Google Voice with Groove-IP, Talkatone, Sip-Clients, and other imaginable setup. Ultimately, my family despised my shoddy/echo-y calls. I ended up porting my number away from Google Voice after 6 months. Then again, this was two years ago and at that time I was using a HTC Sensation, so your experience may be better than mine (especially with a Nexus 5).
Good luck!
gd6noob said:
So you have 3 numbers? lol.. 1 for text plus, 1 for GV and your reg cell plan...
---------- Post added at 12:08 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:07 AM ----------
Vonage works like skype?? you need to buy credits to beable to make calls unless its to another vonage user??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah but I don't use all of them obviously. My regular plan is unlimited everything through t-mobile. If I need to give out my number and don't really want to I give them my Google voice number. That why I can block out spam calls and set a blacklist easily through Google voice. Same thing for sales on Craigslist and such, filtered through gv. Textplus is like a semi emergency number. There's Internet everywhere and using otg I can even plug in an ethernet cable into my phone and call if I have no service.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
I use GVPhone - it uses Google Voice and calls straight through Wi-Fi for free without being connected to cellular. I installed GVPhone and Google Voice.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
ggillie said:
You do not need to buy credits to make outgoing calls (at least with my setup). I still have carrier service so when I first setup my Vonage app, they verified my mobile number by first sending a text message with a verification code. After entering the code, I can call anyone in my contact list and my mobile number will display on their caller ID. No credits or charges.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Little confused... So it uses your mobile data to make calls using Vonage app and you can call mobiles and landlines for free, is this local or long distance also?
gd6noob said:
Little confused... So it uses your mobile data to make calls using Vonage app and you can call mobiles and landlines for free, is this local or long distance also?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct. I mainly use Vonage on WiFi as I have poor cell signal at my home. Domestic calls are free (local & long distance) but they have low rates on international calls if needed.
ggillie said:
Correct. I mainly use Vonage on WiFi as I have poor cell signal at my home. Domestic calls are free (local & long distance) but they have low rates on international calls if needed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And this free to call landlines and mobile phones??? hmm... is there a delay from when you speak and when the other person listens?
I was using Fongo app (dell voice before) and its was free to call local numbers.. thought I could live with it and just data only plan... the delay was so bad I gave up.. haha
ggillie said:
Correct. I mainly use Vonage on WiFi as I have poor cell signal at my home. Domestic calls are free (local & long distance) but they have low rates on international calls if needed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only outgoing calls are free, correct?
Joshmccullough said:
Only outgoing calls are free, correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can only receive Vonage calls from other Vonage users who have dialed your username (not your mobile number) and those call are free.
I use Skype Out, works perfectly on wifi. Google voice is nice but it's blocked in China so that's a no go for me.
Fongo is another choice; you will get a real phone number, and make free land-line calls in Canada over WIFI.
or, for USA, try Pinger ?
ok, so im getting the 100 minute, unlimited data 30$ tmobile plan on my sprint nexus 5 cause sprint totally sucks.
i have a google voice number and i was just wondering, now that hangouts has calling integrated, can i just use google voice number to make and receive calls over data?
im reading conflicting things, like some people want call forwarding from tmobile (im thinking they want their cell number forwarded to google voice) which 1)isnt an option and 2) not really needed since people will be calling my seperate google voice number
also reading that tmobile blocks google voice on their prepaid plans for some folks
is anyone using the 30 month 100 minute unlimited tmobile data plan and making and receiving calls using a seperate google voice number?
Yes VoIP in Hangouts works just fine with the T-Mobile $30 plan. You can't forward from T-Mobile to GV but that doesn't matter if you use your GV number to take incoming calls.
dwreck420 said:
ok, so im getting the 100 minute, unlimited data 30$ tmobile plan on my sprint nexus 5 cause sprint totally sucks.
i have a google voice number and i was just wondering, now that hangouts has calling integrated, can i just use google voice number to make and receive calls over data?
im reading conflicting things, like some people want call forwarding from tmobile (im thinking they want their cell number forwarded to google voice) which 1)isnt an option and 2) not really needed since people will be calling my seperate google voice number
also reading that tmobile blocks google voice on their prepaid plans for some folks
is anyone using the 30 month 100 minute unlimited tmobile data plan and making and receiving calls using a seperate google voice number?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I just set up a GV number and I'm going to begin providing it to my family members and close friends to use as the number to reach me. Everyone else can leave a message for me to pick up in visual VM, and then I'll call them back if needed. The only negative is that T-Mobile's coverage really stinks outside of a few areas where it's screaming fast. Inside my house in Metro Detroit, my wife can get 30 Mbps on her Verizon GS4 while I get 5-8 on my LG G3. And it can be really spotty as you travel between cities & towns, so missing a few calls & texts when driving is going to be a real probability. But for $30/mo, I can probably live with it.
zhamilton05 said:
Yes, I just set up a GV number and I'm going to begin providing it to my family members and close friends to use as the number to reach me. Everyone else can leave a message for me to pick up in visual VM, and then I'll call them back if needed. The only negative is that T-Mobile's coverage really stinks outside of a few areas where it's screaming fast. Inside my house in Metro Detroit, my wife can get 30 Mbps on her Verizon GS4 while I get 5-8 on my LG G3. And it can be really spotty as you travel between cities & towns, so missing a few calls & texts when driving is going to be a real probability. But for $30/mo, I can probably live with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The coverage is what killed it for me. I'd been waiting for Hangouts and voice to merge but switched to straight talk last month. Happy to finally get coverage in the locations I'm in the most.
First, you sure can just use Google Voice number to make and receive calls over data. In fact, Hangouts only use data, not voice/talk minute at all.
Second, prepaid mobile phone plans do not have conditional forwarding which is required to forward incoming calls to mobile DID (Direct Inward Dialing -- telephone number) to Google Voice DID. Therefore, you are correct. It is not an option. Moreover, you are also correct as to there is no such need to forward calls from mobile DID to Google Voice DID due to people will be using separate Google Voice DID. I would suggest you port Sprint mobile DID to Ring.to and have Ring.to forward all incoming calls and texts to your Google Voice DID. Consequently, people have been using your current Sprint mobile DID will continue be able to contact you without changing your DID. You just get a new DID from T-Mobile when you sign up for $30 prepaid plan for 100 minutes talk, unlimited text and data with first 5 GB up to LTE speeds.
Third, I am using $30 prepaid plan for 100 minutes talk, unlimited text and data with first 5 GB up to LTE speeds and using Hangouts for outgoing calls. It just work flawlessly! I use Voxox for incoming calls and do not use mobile DID came with T-Mobile $30 plan at all.