So, I have been a frequent user of the google voice app, I was toying around with the settings and noticed that there is an option to use the messaging app.
By using the messaging app does it count against the messaging plan?
I am not having voice send me SMS notifications (The option available on the website).
Google Voice messages do not count against the phone's AT&T SMS messaging count.
Google Voice introduces a whole new number with unlimited voice calling minutes (with no long-distance charges) from anywhere in the US to anywhere in the US or Canada, (plus unlimited text messages to/from both those places, as well); along with its own voicemail (which you may or may not want to actually use if you prefer to have all voicemail land in one place... specifically the phone's AT&T voicemail; or you could use it instead of AT&T-provided voicemail; or both... your call).
Google Voice is true VoIP, so any phone calls, SMS messages, etc., all happen using the phone's AT&T data (3G/4G) plan, not the phone's normal AT&T telephony (voice calls, text messaging) plan. Regarding texts, though -- and this is partly why I think some people with certain Samsung phones get confused -- you can set things on the phone so that incoming texts to the Google Voice number either make their own noise on the phone, and may be seen/replied-to only in the Google Voice app, or you can have them integrate with your normal text messages as far as how they appear on the phone. In neither case do they count against the phone's AT&T messaging limit.
Parenthetically, if text messages -- and by that, I mean the normal SMS/MMS to your AT&T phone number, and not Google Voice SMS -- is a concern, I've found that the AT&T unlimited texts with combination unlimited voice calls to cell phones (regardless of provider) is pretty useful. I forget what it costs for individuals, but on a family plan it's only $30 for all phones on the plan; and the first thing I noticed after three phone bills is that our number of regular voice calling minutes, through the AT&T (not the Google Voice) phone number, is seriously reduced because my wife, at least, pretty much mostly only calls other cell phones. I make a lot of business calls to business landline numbers, so I still use a lot of minutes; but with her minutes so seriously reduced because she calls (and receives calls from) so many cell phones, and because we've got the unlimited voice call minutes to other cells with combination unlimited texts plan, I'm toying with reducing the number of regular calling minutes on the family plan. But I want to have a few more months of bills to see if we ever get close to our current voice minutes before I do that. Still, the unlimited-texts-with-unlimited-voice-minutes-to-other-cells-(regardless-of-carrier) plan is way cool... for whatever that's worth.
The bottom line, though, regarding your question, is that nothing you do on Google Voice counts against either AT&T voice calling minutes, or AT&T text (SMS or MMS) messaging; however, both voice calling and texting via Google Voice uses the AT&T 3G/4G data plan. Fortunately, voice calls via Google Voice are fairly low bandwidth; and text messages, at a maximum of only 140 bytes per message, barely use any of your data plan at all, to speak of. Just, if you use Google Voice for voice calls, pay attention to how much bandwidth a typical 10 minute call makes, and then adjust your overall use accordingly. The 64-thousand-dollar-question has always been whether a typical month's worth of voice calls via Google Voice would actually be cheaper, in real dollars paid to AT&T for 3G/4G data, than would that same month's worth of calls had they been made via regular AT&T Wireless voice calling.
Another FYI: Google Voice, for most users, is SMS-only (no MMS); though, that said, it appears that Google's slowly rolling MMS out to all Google Voice users.
SEE: http : // bit . ly / x9BH3m (remove spaces to make the link work)
Hope that helps!
___________________________________
Gregg L. DesElms
Napa, California USA
gregg at greggdeselms dot com
DesElms said:
SEE: http : // bit . ly / x9BH3m (remove spaces to make the link work)
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Thanks for that bit of info! I somehow missed that in my various news feeds.
FlyingIsFun1217
Related
I wanted to get some opinions on this. I am getting sick of paying out the ass for talk, text, and data with VZW. I am looking to switch after my contract to a prepaid service. But, I am currently thinking about dropping the minutes and texting parts of my plan to use Talkatone with Google Voice so that I only need data, which I have unlimited.
I am wondering if anybody has any experience with this or thoughts on it.
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CarRamrod234 said:
I wanted to get some opinions on this. I am getting sick of paying out the ass for talk, text, and data with VZW. I am looking to switch after my contract to a prepaid service. But, I am currently thinking about dropping the minutes and texting parts of my plan to use Talkatone with Google Voice so that I only need data, which I have unlimited.
I am wondering if anybody has any experience with this or thoughts on it.
Sent from my ThunderBolt using Tapatalk 2
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With unlimited Google voice in conjunction with an app like sipdroid is the answer to your prayers. I use Google voice as my primary voicemail service & text. Highly recommend just for the ability to check your voicemail with the push of a button.
True that...but just remember gvoice will never let you delete your number unless you feed it a new one. You basically can't quit.
I've been thinking about it too and using it conjunction with ting. How easy is it to port your number back out if you aren't happy with the setup?
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You need to use a new number / GVoice number with any of these options right? Can't keep your VZW number right? Also, is it possible to have only data with a provider and not talk/text?
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Voice let's you choose a number that is your acct number & that number is linked to whichever phone you want it associated with. Specifically, Voice allows you to add and delete cell phone numbers that you indicate should be associated w/your Voice account telephone number. So, I choose Voice acct telephone #617 555-1234; then I link/associate that latter number w/my Vzn cell #617 555-4321. If I change my cell number or just don't want the 4321 number linked to my Voice acct, I just go into Voice and delete the 4321 number.
Oh ok. So if they are linked can people get through to you by calling/texting your vzw number? I mean this in the situation where I would be using Gvoice and Talkatone and not vzw for anything but data.
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Google Voice is pretty amazing. Just remember you'll need a data connection to make calls. Not too much of a problem on Verizon, but you never know where you'll be when you need to make a call.
Yeah well where I live, Pittsburgh area, I'm pretty sure all cell service sucks due to the old/terrible infrastructure and terrain.
Can you have a VZW plan with data only and no voice?
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I've been doing exactly this with a basic 450 min voice, no text and unlimited data plan and using Google Voice with Groove IP to get unlimited calls and SMS over data. It used to work great until the frequent Verizon data disconnects that render it useless. Haven't determined if it's a handset or network issue but hoping it's the former and will be fixed once I upgrade to a new Galaxy Note II handset. Paying $60 total with work discount. BTW, works great over WIFI on home broadband. I was contemplating going all data by dropping voice minutes, if it's even possible, from plan but decided to hang on to it as backup such as driving through areas with no or only 1x data like to Vegas.
I use voice to avoid texting fees on Verizon largely, but don't bother with sipdroid etc as I don't use many minutes.
Pros
$10 saved from dumping text fees
easier access to text and voicemail (I can check via any browser)
Improved voicemail which integrates into android entirely
Neutral
Number change/call forwarding. Plus for me as I can filter calls better and even redirect forwarding to work/home. Getting the new number out can be a pain depending on your situation. If someone dials my old number it still gets to me, but wouldn't use your sipdroid free time.
Data. Probably slight batt drain compared to SMS, but worth getting away from archaic text services to me
Cons
No MMS and it does not even let you know if someone unsuccessfully tries to send you a MMS (I just tell people to email me but people always forget)
No short code texts (so uh, less spam, but I can't get notifications from UPS,Amazon,Pharmacy either)
Voice integration in android leaves some to be desired. Apps that interact with SMS often don't recognize Voice SMS.
mi7chy said:
I've been doing exactly this with a basic 450 min voice, no text and unlimited data plan and using Google Voice with Groove IP to get unlimited calls and SMS over data. It used to work great until the frequent Verizon data disconnects that render it useless. Haven't determined if it's a handset or network issue but hoping it's the former and will be fixed once I upgrade to a new Galaxy Note II handset. Paying $60 total with work discount. BTW, works great over WIFI on home broadband. I was contemplating going all data by dropping voice minutes, if it's even possible, from plan but decided to hang on to it as backup such as driving through areas with no or only 1x data like to Vegas.
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Will this work for you if Verizon takes away your unlimited data?
I'm thinking about getting a Google Nexus with the T-Mobile plan that only has 100 voice minutes and 5GB of pretty fast data for $30 per month.
To avoid ever going over the free minutes, I'd want to use a VOIP app like Skype or Talkatone everywhere, including in the car over bluetooth.
Are there any VOIP apps that include or integrate with voice commands in general and voice dialing over Bluetooth?
The next choice plan would be to go to Straighttalk for $45 that gets you unlimited voice, but a slower network (but better coverage if you choose AT&T SIM) and throttling to even slower speeds after 2GB data.
If using VOIP apps could be made convenient in the car, then I'd rather go that way and save the $15 per month.
web1b said:
I'm thinking about getting a Google Nexus with the T-Mobile plan that only has 100 voice minutes and 5GB of pretty fast data for $30 per month.
To avoid ever going over the free minutes, I'd want to use a VOIP app like Skype or Talkatone everywhere, including in the car over bluetooth.
Are there any VOIP apps that include or integrate with voice commands in general and voice dialing over Bluetooth?
The next choice plan would be to go to Straighttalk for $45 that gets you unlimited voice, but a slower network (but better coverage if you choose AT&T SIM) and throttling to even slower speeds after 2GB data.
If using VOIP apps could be made convenient in the car, then I'd rather go that way and save the $15 per month.
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You can consider using GrooveIP. It lets you make calls with your Google Voice account via VOIP. One of the options it has in its settings is the ability to make all outbound calls with GrooveIP automatically by integrating in with the native dialer. What this means is that you should be able to use Google's Voice Search to allow you to dial-by-voice as if you were using the native phone, but GrooveIP should snag the outgoing call and use VOIP instead.
I haven't tested this exact scenario (using voice dialing), but I have tested something similar on my tablet, which doesn't have phone hardware built in. I create direct dial shortcuts on my home screen, and rather than failing when the tablet detects no real phone hardware, GrooveIP kicks in and makes the call via wifi.
I am going to Egypt on Thursday for one week to visit my family. I will have access to wifi while at our apartment there. I have the app talkatone which allows me to use my google voice number for phone calls, voicemail and texting thru the internet. I assume if I setup full call forwarding to my google voice number this will allow anyone who calls my verizon number to connect to my talkatone app if I have internet and I dont have to worry about the high call charges on verizon. But how do I make it so that if someone sends a text mesasge to my verizon phone number while I am in egypt that it will auto foward to my google voice number without first being received on my verizon number? Each incoming text message from verizon will cost me 5 cents while I am there. I'd like to make it so the texts are auto forwarded to my google voice number before the text even reaches my phone, so I do not have to eat the 5 cent per text charge. Is this possible?
sfetaz said:
I am going to Egypt on Thursday for one week to visit my family. I will have access to wifi while at our apartment there. I have the app talkatone which allows me to use my google voice number for phone calls, voicemail and texting thru the internet. I assume if I setup full call forwarding to my google voice number this will allow anyone who calls my verizon number to connect to my talkatone app if I have internet and I dont have to worry about the high call charges on verizon. But how do I make it so that if someone sends a text mesasge to my verizon phone number while I am in egypt that it will auto foward to my google voice number without first being received on my verizon number? Each incoming text message from verizon will cost me 5 cents while I am there. I'd like to make it so the texts are auto forwarded to my google voice number before the text even reaches my phone, so I do not have to eat the 5 cent per text charge. Is this possible?
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For text messaging no, give your buds your GV number while you're there.
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?
It's working for me. Just make sure you check the option in hangouts settings to receive calls on the device, as well. Now trying to forward phone calls made to my T-Mobile number to my GV Voice Mail doesn't work since it's prepaid. At least, last time I tried it didn't.
As long as you have good service it works fine. Tried it over edge and kept falling to place calls. Where as edge works fine to place calls over normal cell network not using data.
Google confirmed calls to and from your Google voice number that you answer through the hangouts app are 100% data usage.
For any of you who have merged hangouts with Google Voice, is sending SMS *incredibly* slow?
Even when the keyboard doesn't freeze, a fast text message takes about 5-10 seconds to send.
App loading and navigation is also laggy. I wonder if it has to do with the mmssms database merged and having to load it.
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.
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?
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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!
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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.
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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 ...
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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?
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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?
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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?