[Q] The Plus, T-Molbile, Voice Calling...hmmm - Samsung Galaxy Tab Plus

So here's the plan....in my head at least...and I will greatly appreciate some feedback on...ummm..I guess the validity of it working:
Picked up a Plus with a new number for the data plan....gonna sign up with google voice for another number...pay the fee for keeping the number forever...searched the forums and found out that an app called groove ip to use google voice on the tablet($3.99 I believe)...and viola...keeping the tablet unrooted and my primary phone for calls and texts as I can easily carry it in my pockets.
Sadly, I can not try this out till my Plus arrives in the mail on Dec 20th. Only drawback right now....losing my number I've had since 2001.
What do you guys think?

Had same setup with Dell streak 7, with groove up and sipdroid. These apps wouldnt stay connected all the time, and call quality was good at times but mostly subpar. 7.0 plus is best out right now until 7.7 is released.

I am also thinking the lack of MMS with Google voice is gonna bother me too...I honestly use my phone for voice calling for like 30 minutes a month...mainly email and text messaging is what I use for my contact. I just wish it wasn't locked down with out the phone function.
Thanks for the input

I am using this setup but instead of two numbers, I use my google voice number as my groove IP number. One number for voice/texts.

Has anybody tried porting over their old mobile number to google? I have to pay a $50 ETF and the $20 google fee, but I am thinking that will be the way to go. I guess what I am wondering how seamless that transition would be...would it be something worth doing? How long would I be in the dark until it worked is another question I have because in reading the FAQ at Google it said at least three days sometimes.
What are you guys doing about MMS messages...as it is something I recieve quite a bit. Does it alert the you, or the person that sent it, that it was not able to go through?
How would you guys compare the experience overall with having just a regular android phone like a HTC Sensation. Although I hardly ever use the voice function, I hate that the one time I would need it, that I would be without it.
Thanks again for the help and answers.

Related

Making calls over IP via Gmail

What is the voice calling capability found in Gmail (on the desktop) called officially? I've been trying to search for solutions for this, but I don't even know what to call it- Google has SO many voice services now (chat, talk, voice, etc) that all sound like the same thing, yet aren't!
Here's what I'm looking to do:
I used the phone call function in Gmail to call abroad a few weeks ago via my laptop. I put about $10 into my balance there because it was cheaper per minute to call outside the US than Skype was. Worked perfectly.
Now, I'm trying to see if I can replace my netbook with a Tablet, so I'm trying to make those same calls from Android. I'll be honest, I'm wishing I had picked Skype to put the $10 credit on! Skype seems pretty straight forward- install it on the android device, make calls. But I've already spent the $10 on Google, so I'd like to find a way to make this work!
I tried going to Gmail from the browser and seeing if there was a link to install an app or something to make calls (like there is on the desktop side of things), but there is nothing there (ok, I didn't really expect it to work like that, but worth a try).
Is this part of a google chat application or something? Or is there no way to use that calling credit on an Android device??
I don't know for sure, but here are two options:
* Change the user agent in your Android browser to "Desktop" and use that interface. Though I am not sure if there will be issues with that.
* Use Google Voice. Which I am pretty sure is part of the same service they are using for Gmail calling. I use this for everything so I can read and send texts from my computer.
Tubes6al4v said:
I don't know for sure, but here are two options:
* Change the user agent in your Android browser to "Desktop" and use that interface. Though I am not sure if there will be issues with that.
* Use Google Voice. Which I am pretty sure is part of the same service they are using for Gmail calling. I use this for everything so I can read and send texts from my computer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, I tried the first one, but it requires a browser plugin to work (which is windows/mac only, so I can't get past that point).
Google Voice sounds like it could be it... but as far as I know, GV on Android doesn't actually let you place calls over IP yet, does it?
I thought it requires you to have a phone number it can call and then connect you via regular cellular minutes to the other party?
The device I'm using for this is a Tablet PC, so there isn't even a cellular radio or phone call system present. I'm trying to determine if I can replace a netbook for all the functions I use it for. This is something I know I can do on the netbook over wifi using the dialer in gmail, so I'd like to know I can do it on the Tablet as well. Does GVoice do that?
It's a paid app, but download GrooVe IP. It's the same thing that you did on your laptop, but with Android.
It is a third party app. But you get free, reliable calling anywhere in the US and get to use Google Voice's cheap international calling plans. [Edit: Over wifi, of course]
Dishe said:
So, I tried the first one, but it requires a browser plugin to work (which is windows/mac only, so I can't get past that point).
Google Voice sounds like it could be it... but as far as I know, GV on Android doesn't actually let you place calls over IP yet, does it?
I thought it requires you to have a phone number it can call and then connect you via regular cellular minutes to the other party?
The device I'm using for this is a Tablet PC, so there isn't even a cellular radio or phone call system present. I'm trying to determine if I can replace a netbook for all the functions I use it for. This is something I know I can do on the netbook over wifi using the dialer in gmail, so I'd like to know I can do it on the Tablet as well. Does GVoice do that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the new google talk for android 2.3.4 allows for vid chat (so probably just voice as well), over wifi or 3g. there are ways to get it on 2.3.3 devices, for some devices, maybe not all, don't know. but, i chatted with my buddy from my phone to his pc, so it's definitely a voip service
im doing google voice from my gingerbread phone (EVO 4G) as my primary line... i dont pay a monthly cell phone service... i get picture mail, txt messages, internet, and unlimited cell service.
Pbxes+Google Voice= Unlimited
I have no delay on my phone, it sounds better than sprint when i had it...
the only catch is; u have to have Wifi around... basically everywhere i go its wifi avaliable....
jojo757 said:
im doing google voice from my gingerbread phone (EVO 4G) as my primary line... i dont pay a monthly cell phone service... i get picture mail, txt messages, internet, and unlimited cell service.
Pbxes+Google Voice= Unlimited
I have no delay on my phone, it sounds better than sprint when i had it...
the only catch is; u have to have Wifi around... basically everywhere i go its wifi avaliable....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this only Google Voice for Gingerbread that supports that? Or is this a new feature in GV in general? Last I checked they didn't support it...
+1 for GrooveIP. Its much easier than the alternatives imo.
WiredPirate said:
+1 for GrooveIP. Its much easier than the alternatives imo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But if Google Voice has a native app that does this for free, I'm totally game! Nice to know there are choices, tho!
Dishe said:
But if Google Voice has a native app that does this for free, I'm totally game! Nice to know there are choices, tho!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, Google Voice does not do what GrooveIP does. When you have no cell coverage or lose cell coverage GV will drop your call or not place it, defeating the point. Even though you are on wifi you cannot place a call with GV w/o cell coverage. With GrooveIP you dont have to have cell coverage, you dont even need a sim.
I'm trying out this Groove IP right now. I must say I'm impressed by the call quality and the seemless functionality of the program. Not a huge fan of the constant notification, but I can live with it. OP it sounds like you should use this program, it's 3.99 in the market but boy is it worth it!
jojo757 said:
im doing google voice from my gingerbread phone (EVO 4G) as my primary line... i dont pay a monthly cell phone service... i get picture mail, txt messages, internet, and unlimited cell service.
Pbxes+Google Voice= Unlimited
I have no delay on my phone, it sounds better than sprint when i had it...
the only catch is; u have to have Wifi around... basically everywhere i go its wifi avaliable....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I setup pbxes + google voice and it seems to work most of the time. I'm interested to know how you are getting picture mail though - I thought googlevoice only supported txt messages.
k4p741nkrunch said:
I'm trying out this Groove IP right now. I must say I'm impressed by the call quality and the seemless functionality of the program. Not a huge fan of the constant notification, but I can live with it. OP it sounds like you should use this program, it's 3.99 in the market but boy is it worth it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can turn off the notification in the settings :]
And OP, Android 2.3+ has built in support for SIP addresses. You register with a provider online, and they'll route your calls. It's a bit more complicated to set up, and typically costs (But sites like PBXes will give them out for free if you use them at least once a month). You typically get a US number and can set that up with Google Voice. Apps like csipsimple and sipdroid are alternatives for supporting SIP if you don't have Android 2.3+
I suggested GrooVe IP because it's a 1 step setup (Login with your Google account and you're done), and is identical quality to the calling through Gmail because there's no middleman. It's certainly possible to set it up for free using SIP instead, and there are some great guides on google.
I am getting picture mail because: I had a Google voice number before I got me Sprint number. Then I migrated my Sprint # to my Google voice acct.
Since then my Sprint service was disconnected because I recently lost my job, so I decided since I was out of contract anyway i'll say forget Sprint and use my Google voice acct. But back to how I got picture mail, when they disconnected my Sprint acct they didn't disconnect the Sprint number because it migrated over to my Google voice.
So when I call my Sprint number it forwards it to my GV number... But to get picture mail (keep in mind my Sprint acct has been disconnected for like a month) u have to have mobile network always on, and have wifi connected at the same time, if someone sends me a picture mail it'll come thru but I can't download the picture (not by Sprint network), but since I have wifi on it'll download the picture for me (Sprint can't officially cancel the number because u migrated over to GV, so now its your number for good. The only catch u can't respond to the picture mail and u can only respond thru the Google voice app.
Back in April sipdroid gave people a way to merge pbxes & Google voice... So since I upgraded to gingerbread, I no longer use sipdroid and I use the built-in internet call feature in gingerbread...
So I have service like everyone else with no problem, just no 3g or 4G service, all wifi on my phone.... Plus I can use my Bluetooth with my phone with no problem...
Hopefully talk understood that, if not PM me and i'll try to break it down...
Sent From Evo

[Q] T-Mobile and Voicemail

This is a question for anyone on T-Mobile... is there any way to get around the ridiculous charge for listening to your voicemail? Unfortunately HulloMail isn't available for WP7 and probably won't be for a while but something like that would be ideal.
I'm pretty sure they charge for voicemail on all their plans which is ridiculous indeed. My girlfriend had it free a few weeks ago because she had a quite old plan still going on but she recently upgraded and now has to pay for voicemail too.
Well, despite the fact that there is no HulloMail app for WP7 I set up an account anyway and it seems to work fine. The only difference is that because there is no dedicated app I don't get notifications when I receive voicemail. However, as you can set HulloMail to automatically sync with your inbox this isn't much of an issue; when I receive voicemail I get sent an email allowing me to either call back (using my minutes allowance) or listen to the message in a browser. Hopefully, they will make an app at some point but until then this is still better than paying extra on top of my monthly bill every time I miss a call.
google voice ?
just use google voice ? its fairly easy to setup, automagic archives, works nice.
ohgood said:
just use google voice ? its fairly easy to setup, automagic archives, works nice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ain't Google Voice US only ? Ya might wanna check the little flags next to their profiles.... they be tea lovers !

Nexus s & Google Voice & SIP

Hello People!
I've been trying to research whether or not it is possible to set up a SIP account so that I can call my Google Voice number and then using the voice prompt menu in Google Voice gain access to toll free telephone calls.
I want to do this via the Nexus S. Has anyone done this? If so did you make step by step instructions? I'd like to do the same.
Thank you very much!!!!
It is indeed possible, through a combination of Google Voice, SipGate, and SipSorcery. It is not very stable in my experience, however, and it also drains your battery rather quickly because you need to be constantly connected (PBXes does help, but adds one more possible point of failure). I honestly wouldn't recommend it, but I can help you set it up if you really want to try it.
@Some_Person, Thanks for the offer for assistance. I just came across this instruction manual:
http://www.labnol.org/software/get-usa-local-phone-number/18407/
Now when I want to try I can't do it over 3G. Apparently SIP on Nexus S only allows for Wifi....
I'll let you know what happens when I test tomorrow and I certainly will take you up on your offer if this don't work.
Thanks again and I appreciate your response!
... don't you guys think that your operator has been already considered situation like this ? using 2G/3G/4G network to do "online - voice chat" or IP phone call , which will make them loose a lot of money ...
-------------------
to Suomalainen , you are unable to do this in 3G , i think that's probably banned by your operator ... because i have seem experience ...
@Some_Person
I got a IPKall number. I now need a SIP provider that will allow me to place free outgoing & receive free incoming calls.
I guess once I have this then I need to re-edit IPKall with new settings.
BUT can Google Voice be used/edited so that incoming calls are routed to my IPKall number which then are routed to my SIP software?
Alot of the stuff I'm finding on the web simply doesn't work.
Thanks!
@qtwrk- What would you rather have? Money made from the voice side of the business OR money from the data side of the business. With all the apps out there people are burning more data using these apps and this is where the revenue stream is for operators. The voice side of the network is a " just nice to have" for most of them....
but ...
data cost and voice cost are very different
i haven't used any IP call software , so i don't really know (i would image IP call software like skype is very similar), but i do have some online voice chat software (because some of my friend who i want call can just sit before a computer and then we can talk , exactly like phone...) , 1 hour , taking 1 hour only needs 3 - 5 mb
by my current operator
500 mb = 8 euros/moth
talking 60 minutes = establishment 0.15 euros , 0.08 euros per minute
0.15 + 0.08*60 = 4.95 euros , plus 18% of Value added tax
5.84 euros ...
so , 8 euros can allow you talk about 1 hour and 20 minutes , or by using Internet , chatting about 100 hours .
if i were your operator , i would definitely have these applications prohibited
I don't want to take up anymore space with this issue. This thread was suppose to be for getting help setting up SIP on my Nexus S. Please start new thread to voice your opinion.
Thanks!
Suomalainen said:
Hello People!
I've been trying to research whether or not it is possible to set up a SIP account so that I can call my Google Voice number and then using the voice prompt menu in Google Voice gain access to toll free telephone calls.
I want to do this via the Nexus S. Has anyone done this? If so did you make step by step instructions? I'd like to do the same.
Thank you very much!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you looked at GrooVe IP? Dunno if it'll fit all your SIP needs but it integrates well with Google Voice outside of the US.
@Slonn- Now this looks like something real interesting. Let me give it a shot and report back how it went. Thanks! Much appreciated!!!
Suomalainen said:
I don't want to take up anymore space with this issue. This thread was suppose to be for getting help setting up SIP on my Nexus S. Please start new thread to voice your opinion.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oops
, okay , sorry about changing subject , good luck to you to find what you looking for
I've not tried it myself, but my co-workers GrooveIP+G Voice is the solution you are looking for. It's on sale in the Amazon App Store for $1.99 BTW.
Some complaints I've heard are that service latency is often an issue when on 2g/3g. Should be a good solution on Wifi at the house though I would imagine.
@The Gurgler - This is perfect. Got it installed and it works. This is indeed exactly what I was looking for!!!!
Thanks very much for pointing this app out to me.!!!!
P.S.-Let's just hope google voice to USA remains free next year....
Can i use GrooveIP since i am situated outside of USA ?
@Ibn Saeed - If you read the info about this app via the app market it clearly states that prior to purchasing GrooveIP the user needs to ensure they have a GV # and a gmail account. What this means is that you cannot move forward until you have obtained these two items FIRST. Then when these two pieces are collected you still need to install the plugin for GV into gmail so you got the U.S . dial pad appearing under chat on the left side of gmail window. The instructions say you even need to test it prior to app install and/or download.
Once you have satisfactorily obtained a GV # and a gmail account and did the GV plugin install then you can purchase the GrooveIP app. After that installation is a piece of cake.
I had in the beginning static and echos but then I adjusted the Echo Cancellation and Echo tail settings and things have been working thus far.
Also, you need a good friend to help you test the bluetooth. It works for me but you need to be wary of Mr. Bluetooth's feelings. Sometimes as call is ringing I need to turn it off then back on in order to work.
Also, dial pad is quite similar to the normal dial pad. I could see how one could mistakenly use one over the other.
I also noticed one call in the call log that was recorded as 00:00 long but I spoke for 15 minutes!
I use this over 3G 1MB plan and am amazed how well this works.
Pay attention to Google rate plans. It might be worthwhile having $20 in their account for those calls you might want to use their service when making.

[Q] HTC One M8 VZW + Google Voice?

Quick version: Is it possible; if so, how?
Longer version: I see that I can port my number to Google Voice, but since I just signed a contract with Verizon 2 months ago, won't this A) royally tick them off or more likely B) trigger an ETF like I signed up with another provider? Porting my number to Verizon is how I left my last carrier. Though, Google isn't a carrier.
Like my last carrier, the Google Voice app cannot configure voicemail automatically. It has to be done via the number porting thing.
I suppose the best thing is to go ask Verizon, but I won't have time to do that until Monday afternoon, and I'm here now, among people who know Verizon better than I do, so I figured I'd cast a line here and hope somebody knows what's what.
Dark Reality said:
Quick version: Is it possible; if so, how?
Longer version: I see that I can port my number to Google Voice, but since I just signed a contract with Verizon 2 months ago, won't this A) royally tick them off or more likely B) trigger an ETF like I signed up with another provider? Porting my number to Verizon is how I left my last carrier. Though, Google isn't a carrier.
Like my last carrier, the Google Voice app cannot configure voicemail automatically. It has to be done via the number porting thing.
I suppose the best thing is to go ask Verizon, but I won't have time to do that until Monday afternoon, and I'm here now, among people who know Verizon better than I do, so I figured I'd cast a line here and hope somebody knows what's what.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can but yes it will close your verizon account and they will bill you the etf. The google voice is a good choice though its $20 to port your number but you will never lose your number then and google wont charge anything more than the $20 port fee. You can then receive free calls and texts over wifi. And when you get new service with a new number you can forward your calls and texts from your google voice number to your new number or just use the google voice app to receive your calls and texts from your google voice number. This is good quality calls too and both calls and texts over wifi. Getting texts over wifi is a big deal as most texting apps you cannot receive texts over wifi so if you have no cell signal but have wifi you can still make and receive calls and texts. I use it myself.
Yes, it's possible. I'm in the process of writing a tutorial to do it. Check back in the new threads to see it soon!
You don't have to port your number to use Google Voice for voicemail - just go through the automatic setup steps and when you get to the step that it says it can't automatically configure, go to Voicemail->Service->Google Voice (from My Carrier) and you're set. I'm currently on a CM rom so the exact settings options might be named slightly differently.
I seem to remember there being an extra step somewhere the first time you ever set it up but I don't remember since I did it many years ago. Bottom line is that using Google Voice for voicemail is very possible and doesn't require any porting of numbers.
There is a number u have to dial to get your voicemail set up as google. Its in the directions in the voice app.

[Q] Porting T-Mobile Number to Google Voice?

Hi guys, after the Hangouts Google Voice merge, I've been highly tempted to port my number over to Google Voice. The main thing that attracts my attention is how all my texts will be stored on the cloud so I won't have to constantly backup and restore when flashing different ROMs (approx. once a week). What do you guys think on this? I'm hesitating right now due to the $20 fee and that if I send an MMS picture, it shows up as a link on the other side. Also, I tried calling using my current GVoice number, and my mom said its not as clear. Do you guys think it'll be worth it?
ryukiri said:
Hi guys, after the Hangouts Google Voice merge, I've been highly tempted to port my number over to Google Voice. The main thing that attracts my attention is how all my texts will be stored on the cloud so I won't have to constantly backup and restore when flashing different ROMs (approx. once a week). What do you guys think on this? I'm hesitating right now due to the $20 fee and that if I send an MMS picture, it shows up as a link on the other side. Also, I tried calling using my current GVoice number, and my mom said its not as clear. Do you guys think it'll be worth it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as the call quality of using the Hangouts Dialer/your Google Voice number vs. regular calls- at least over WiFi I noticed a difference, but not so much that it interfered with the call or understanding the person on the other end, for me. Haven't tried it over normal LTE data at this point.
I've used Google Voice for a long time (since my Evo 4G days, even a little before that) and having all my texts backed up was one of the big draws. I don't use Google+ Hangouts, so I also can't speak to text backups there but if your experience is that your texts are there and waiting for you right now, I can't imagine that would change.
So, in my estimation, it kind of depends on what you want more: backups vs. call quality. I don't make a lot of calls, so I'm more on the side of texting and having a single number that I can then use for multiple lines, but that's just me. Hope some of this helped!
I find the call quality to be good, the big issue is you don't get HD Voice. So if your mom is on T-Mobile with an HD Voice capable phone you will get HD Voice when making a regular T-Mobile call with your Nexus 5, while the Hangouts calling is just a standard voice quality level. I had no issue using it over LTE, but I haven't tried 3G. I would think an Edge area would definitely give you a problem.
Keep in mind that you can always continue to use the call forwarding feature rather than the VOIP functionality. This won't solve the issue of no HD voice, but it will work in Edge areas without issue.
Joshmccullough said:
As far as the call quality of using the Hangouts Dialer/your Google Voice number vs. regular calls- at least over WiFi I noticed a difference, but not so much that it interfered with the call or understanding the person on the other end, for me. Haven't tried it over normal LTE data at this point.
I've used Google Voice for a long time (since my Evo 4G days, even a little before that) and having all my texts backed up was one of the big draws. I don't use Google+ Hangouts, so I also can't speak to text backups there but if your experience is that your texts are there and waiting for you right now, I can't imagine that would change.
So, in my estimation, it kind of depends on what you want more: backups vs. call quality. I don't make a lot of calls, so I'm more on the side of texting and having a single number that I can then use for multiple lines, but that's just me. Hope some of this helped!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
raptir said:
I find the call quality to be good, the big issue is you don't get HD Voice. So if your mom is on T-Mobile with an HD Voice capable phone you will get HD Voice when making a regular T-Mobile call with your Nexus 5, while the Hangouts calling is just a standard voice quality level. I had no issue using it over LTE, but I haven't tried 3G. I would think an Edge area would definitely give you a problem.
Keep in mind that you can always continue to use the call forwarding feature rather than the VOIP functionality. This won't solve the issue of no HD voice, but it will work in Edge areas without issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the replies! Is HD voice a big difference compared to normal? My mom had a Moto X FYI. Can you explain more on call forwarding? I don't know how it works or what it is. Does it forward a call from your GVoice number to your regular Sim card number? If that's the case, will there be a delay?
ryukiri said:
I'm hesitating right now due to the $20 fee ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can avoid $20 fee by porting to Ring.to then have Ring.to forward to Google Voice totally free of charge. :highfive:
ryukiri said:
Thanks for the replies! Is HD voice a big difference compared to normal? My mom had a Moto X FYI. Can you explain more on call forwarding? I don't know how it works or what it is. Does it forward a call from your GVoice number to your regular Sim card number? If that's the case, will there be a delay?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, you can set it up to forward calls to your SIM number instead of using VoIP. I imagine there is a slight delay for the call to forward but there's no delay while speaking. The call gets forwarded so it is actually handed off from Google Voice to your carrier, just like when your phone forwards to voicemail.
ryukiri said:
Hi guys, after the Hangouts Google Voice merge, I've been highly tempted to port my number over to Google Voice. The main thing that attracts my attention is how all my texts will be stored on the cloud so I won't have to constantly backup and restore when flashing different ROMs (approx. once a week). What do you guys think on this? I'm hesitating right now due to the $20 fee and that if I send an MMS picture, it shows up as a link on the other side. Also, I tried calling using my current GVoice number, and my mom said its not as clear. Do you guys think it'll be worth it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would like to add a few things.
First off, remember that if you opt in for the Hangouts and Google Voice integration, the text messages will be stored in the Hangouts application, and not Google Voice. It is a plus to have the messages backed up, but I wouldn't say that was the winner for me.
The winner for me is being able to send SMS messages from the Hangouts extension for Chrome Browser on my work PC, or any other PC/Laptop for that matter. Everything is consolidated now in one app. Whereas before I would use the Google Voice extension to text, Hangouts is just nicer to use. More functional. Better user interface.
I ported my number a while back from Sprint, and I'm a Tmo subscriber as well. A few words of caution: the biggest drawback is MMS, or lack thereof. For me, I don't really use it. I send all pics and MMS content through Hangouts already. What bugs me is when people send me MMS content to my Google Voice number, and I'm never aware of it, since I can't receive it. (I can get MMS from other Tmo subscribers though).
Since I travel a lot internationally, it's nice being able to use your same number for texting and calling over data. If you make your Google Voice number your primary number, that's another perk.
I use Skype as my main calling app. (I have a yearly subscription with them to make unlimited calls to landlines and mobile in the U.S.). When I need to, I make calls through Tmo. As stated before, don't expect to be able to make calls over data if you're on EDGE. Even 3G might be skeptical. If you've got 1Mbps down/up speeds, you'll be all right. Use speedtest to check out your data speeds where you plan on making calls over data.
Overall I would recommend it. I didn't mind the $20 bucks. If you're on a budget, look into alternative means of porting, as stated above. Any other questions, ask away.
jnbanda said:
I would like to add a few things.
First off, remember that if you opt in for the Hangouts and Google Voice integration, the text messages will be stored in the Hangouts application, and not Google Voice. It is a plus to have the messages backed up, but I wouldn't say that was the winner for me.
The winner for me is being able to send SMS messages from the Hangouts extension for Chrome Browser on my work PC, or any other PC/Laptop for that matter. Everything is consolidated now in one app. Whereas before I would use the Google Voice extension to text, Hangouts is just nicer to use. More functional. Better user interface.
I ported my number a while back from Sprint, and I'm a Tmo subscriber as well. A few words of caution: the biggest drawback is MMS, or lack thereof. For me, I don't really use it. I send all pics and MMS content through Hangouts already. What bugs me is when people send me MMS content to my Google Voice number, and I'm never aware of it, since I can't receive it. (I can get MMS from other Tmo subscribers though).
Since I travel a lot internationally, it's nice being able to use your same number for texting and calling over data. If you make your Google Voice number your primary number, that's another perk.
I use Skype as my main calling app. (I have a yearly subscription with them to make unlimited calls to landlines and mobile in the U.S.). When I need to, I make calls through Tmo. As stated before, don't expect to be able to make calls over data if you're on EDGE. Even 3G might be skeptical. If you've got 1Mbps down/up speeds, you'll be all right. Use speedtest to check out your data speeds where you plan on making calls over data.
Overall I would recommend it. I didn't mind the $20 bucks. If you're on a budget, look into alternative means of porting, as stated above. Any other questions, ask away.
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OK thanks! So one question regarding SMS, I already opted in for them to show up on hangouts. I'm pretty sure that even after I factory reset my phone, my texts will still be I'm hangouts after I log in and everything. Is that correct? My texts won't disappear after a full wipe or anything? (Texts are stored on the cloud rather than physically on the device right?)
Yeah I love that feature of being able to text from a computer also. Its very convenient.
Hopefully MMS gets fixed soon, I don't use it much but every once in a while, my friend sends me pictures.
ryukiri said:
OK thanks! So one question regarding SMS, I already opted in for them to show up on hangouts. I'm pretty sure that even after I factory reset my phone, my texts will still be I'm hangouts after I log in and everything. Is that correct? My texts won't disappear after a full wipe or anything? (Texts are stored on the cloud rather than physically on the device right?)
Yeah I love that feature of being able to text from a computer also. Its very convenient.
Hopefully MMS gets fixed soon, I don't use it much but every once in a while, my friend sends me pictures.
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I believe, but I am not sure, that SMS are only stored in cloud storage if they are from/to your Google Voice number. I think that texts that are sent to your carrier number are not backed up.
If you port your current telephone # to GV, T-Mobile will automatically cancel your current account. It does not automatically reassign a random number to your account once you port your mobile # out.
PaisanNYC said:
If you port your current telephone # to GV, T-Mobile will automatically cancel your current account. It does not automatically reassign a random number to your account once you port your mobile # out.
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Can we just go to a store and do it there? Like port the # to GV, and then have them assign another one to my phone?

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