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Google voice free calls?

Hey gang,
Does anyone know if google voice works over 3g? Or does it only work over wifi...I am using this app that gets google voice to call me so I don't use my minutes...however I think its still using my time when I do it over 3g?
THANKS!

rayman121985 said:
Hey gang,
Does anyone know if google voice works over 3g? Or does it only work over wifi...I am using this app that gets google voice to call me so I don't use my minutes...however I think its still using my time when I do it over 3g?
THANKS!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It uses your minutes regardless. GV is not VoIP.
You could use Fring/Sipdroid/etc. with a Gizmo5 account if you have one (unlikely) or a VoIP service that offers a free phone number.

rayman121985 said:
Hey gang,
Does anyone know if google voice works over 3g? Or does it only work over wifi...I am using this app that gets google voice to call me so I don't use my minutes...however I think its still using my time when I do it over 3g?
THANKS!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google Voice is VoIP. Just go to settings and pick the setting that will let you choose whether to use Google Voice or the phone. Google Voice is great when you are using a phone without a sim-card and just wi-fi but it works over edge and 3G also.

Silverskull said:
It uses your minutes regardless. GV is not VoIP.
You could use Fring/Sipdroid/etc. with a Gizmo5 account if you have one (unlikely) or a VoIP service that offers a free phone number.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MUCH BETTER. No wrong info please.

UberMario said:
MUCH BETTER. No wrong info please.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually Silverskull's answer was perfect, your info is wrong
gVoice is not VOIP and uses your carrier minutes. The call is initiated using a data connection.
If you need instructions on how to use free VOIP, see http://lifehacker.com/5349506/make-free-voip-calls-from-google-voice
There are rumors that google will enable pure VOIP this year....lets see.

UberMario said:
Google Voice is VoIP. Just go to settings and pick the setting that will let you choose whether to use Google Voice or the phone. Google Voice is great when you are using a phone without a sim-card and just wi-fi but it works over edge and 3G also.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It uses your outgoing minutes. Or if you use a thirdparty app, incoming minutes.
Before correcting, please do research.
http://voip.about.com/od/unifiedcommunications/f/HowGoogleVoiceWorks.htm

So if it uses your minutes what the benefits of google voice having it call you back to dial a number? Can you explain please?

1. Free calls across north america (US, Canada)
2. Single incoming number for all your house, mobile and any other numbers.
3. Call screening
4. Seemless call transfer between all your numbers without disconnection.
5. Visual voicemail and voicemail to text.
6. Free international SMS.
7. Invite only cool bragging rights.

GV
I've been using GV for over 4 months and since i've used it I totaled maybe 100 minutes from my carrier. I'm not a heavy caller but at east 20 minutes a day. Why don't you give it a try then do a minute check balance daily?

Silverskull said:
It uses your minutes regardless. GV is not VoIP.
You could use Fring/Sipdroid/etc. with a Gizmo5 account if you have one (unlikely) or a VoIP service that offers a free phone number.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This method is used perfectly when you're overseas and want to call the US/Canada for free. You have Google Voice call your Gizmo5 number to connect your call and use the Gizmo5 app to speak via computer. And Yes I have a gizmo5 account and Yes it is up for auction.... =)

As one who uses GV with my Droid, I can assure you that it does not provide VOIP calling.
What is cool is that the GV app for Android provides free Visual Voicemail-type features and free SMS functionality, all over your data connection with no additional fees.
Now, to get free calling with GV and your data connection, do the following:
1) Sign up for a SipGate One account ( Google for sipgate ). This is a VOIP account that has free incoming calls and a free phone number.
2) Sign up for a SIPSorcery account ( Google for sipsorcery ). Requires silverlight to operate the site.
3) Add your SipGate account to SIPSorcery.
4) Get one of the dial plans from a Google Code project ( Google for google-voice-sipsorcery-dialplans ) . Instructions are also available there to show you how to add it to your SIPSorcery account.
5) Set up the SIP software of your choice (could be an ATA with a real phone, SIP software for your PC, or SIPDroid for Android phones), and use your SIPSorcery credentials to connect to the SIPSorcery service. Do not use your SIPGate credentials here.
6) Add your SIPGate phone number to your Google Voice account and go through the authorization process (it will call your SIPGate number).
7) Decide whether or not you want to have all incoming GV calls ring your SIP number or not. Configure GV to that effect.
Notes -- When you place an outgoing call with SIPDroid or other SIP software, it connects to SIPSorcery, which will then initiate a GV callback to your SIPGate number (so that you get the calls for free as incoming calls), and bridges the calls together. This is mostly seamless, however it does create as much as a 10 or 15 second delay before the call is placed. Additionally, on occasion it will fail to bridge the connection (the recipient's phone will ring, but you won't be connected to them).
Note 2 - This will appear as a call from your GV phone number, not your cell phone number.
Note 3 - I have found that there is a significant "dual ringing" problem when you receive a call on SIPDroid and over your cell carrier's voice plan at the same time. As such, and since some areas where I spend a lot of time have spotty data coverage, I do not usually have SIPDroid connected on my phone. It does work very well on my PC, however, and I plan to set up an ATA with a phone at home too.
One final thought -- We will all cheer when Google enables VOIP services for us, but they won't be free (they'll just be cheap, like $0.02/minute or something).

Thank you for your thoughts my friend!

Thank you for this information it has been very informative =)

mobile data vs wifi for google voice calls?

i had my thunderbolt set to wifi which i hardly ever do, left my house, and made a phone call using google voice while going for a walk. after i hung up, i noticed i had never turned mobile data back on. so, how did google voice handle my call half a mile from home without the verizon network? did it somehow switch seamlessly from wifi to mobile data without me agreeing to turn mobile data on?, just curious.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App

wrb123 said:
i had my thunderbolt set to wifi which i hardly ever do, left my house, and made a phone call using google voice while going for a walk. after i hung up, i noticed i had never turned mobile data back on. so, how did google voice handle my call half a mile from home without the verizon network? did it somehow switch seamlessly from wifi to mobile data without me agreeing to turn mobile data on?, just curious.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google voice isnt VOIP... its using your cell signal, not your data. It does use a few packets to initiate the call over a data network, but after that, its using your minutes and your cell connection. The only real benefit for your average user is free text messaging (no mms) and visual voicemail for free. Its the same as using your cellphone otherwise, with far worse call quality.

if it's using cell connection, why would call quality be any different? I have only recently started using voice to dial out on calls and haven't really noticed a difference.

johnchad14 said:
if it's using cell connection, why would call quality be any different? I have only recently started using voice to dial out on calls and haven't really noticed a difference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no difference. Whether you are on WiFi or not, it still uses regular Verizon cell network as though you dialed the call normally. It still uses your minutes and doesn't use data.
Sent from my ThunderBolt using Tapatalk

johnchad14 said:
if it's using cell connection, why would call quality be any different?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because you're going through more hops, which means more transcoding and latency.

hmm seems like the quality is fine to me... its not like im calling into a recording studio to lay down the vocals for my next track anyway.
the real question is more about how google voice can just turn my mobile data on without asking me when i turned it off, whereas something like google maps has to prompt me every time to turn gps on. it would be nice if google maps could just remember my preference "yes, its okay to enable gps when i launch maps/navigation or click to show my location" rather than being sent to the location settings from maps every time
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App

I'd heard about lower quality on voice calls but just haven't experienced it. Is the call still connecting through a third party between callers these days? My understanding was callers are connected by the service but once connection is established they are directly connected. Would be curious to know the technical details
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA Premium App

You mean you are getting free text messages with GV? It doesnt count towards your text mesaging plan

Most of you are misunderstanding the GV service. Quality is the same, because you your "voice" is not being re-encoded, altered, or even rerouted in any way. All the Google voice service does is accept/make calls then hand them off. Just like calling a secretary and them transferring you to another office. Your GV number is the secretary, when someone calls it it informs all your phones that someone wants to talk to you and when you pick one up it "transfers" the call to you on that phone. Just as if they directly called you. Absolutely no difference. This is not voip, like skype, vonage, etc.

trikotret said:
You mean you are getting free text messages with GV? It doesnt count towards your text mesaging plan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yep, but google voice can't handle picture messaging. i just told everyone, hey... can't get picture messages anymore. post stuff on facebook or email it to me. awesome to be able to save $10 or so a month doing this on verizon. on sprint they don't let you decline text messaging on a smartphone plan that im aware of, so it doesn't matter on sprint. very happy with verizon on this issue!
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App

TsaiKimon said:
Most of you are misunderstanding the GV service. Quality is the same, because you your "voice" is not being re-encoded, altered, or even rerouted in any way. All the Google voice service does is accept/make calls then hand them off. Just like calling a secretary and them transferring you to another office. Your GV number is the secretary, when someone calls it it informs all your phones that someone wants to talk to you and when you pick one up it "transfers" the call to you on that phone. Just as if they directly called you. Absolutely no difference. This is not voip, like skype, vonage, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for the explanation - good to know.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App

TsaiKimon said:
Most of you are misunderstanding the GV service.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Especially you.
When a secretary transfers a call, it's to another DN on the same PBX, the connection is simply rerouted within the same system. If they "hand you off to another office," then they are adding a hop, and possibly transcoding, unless the PBXs are in a common VoIP domain, or in very specific cases, are coordinated to do anti-tromboning (e.g. all calls enter the main office, which then trunks them to remote sites - if a call is then transferred back to the main site or to another office, anti-tromboning may be used).
With GV, when you call out, your phone calls a special number belonging to GV (you can see this if you have detailed billing). From that point, the number you dialed is in turn connected. GV can't reach into the carrier's system and reroute the call there. So, it's another hop of latency and transcoding. It wouldn't surprise me if Google had SIP trunks, since they tend to be cheaper at scale.
It's similar in reverse, someone calls your GV number, they're connected to a Google site, which in turn forwards the call to your cell number (or whatever number you define). Again, another hop.

the call quality is fine
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App

My call quality actually went down after starting to use GV on my Thunderbolt. I have a severe 2-3 second lag with almost all my calls I start. I have no problem when receiving a call, there's no lag. Anyone else in the same boat?
Sent from my Thunderbolt.

yes to lag when starting calls, but that is due to the connection method certainly. Has to connect to voice, then voice connects both parties.
But haven't noticed any call quality degradation from switching (yet?)

[Q] Reliable VoIP over 4G/LTE

Hello all. I created this thread to get ideas and solutions to a big problem that I am having.
I need to have RELIABLE VoIP over 4G/LTE. By reliable, I mean I will ALWAYS receive my call, and I don't have any difficulties MAKING my calls (like the registration dropping without notice). As I also need SMS across the same number that I am using, the only solution I have found is Google Voice, so that has to be integrated as well.
I think I have tried just about every solution out there to utilize SIP with GV. Either my settings suck on every app I've tried, the app drains power like no tomorrow, or the connection says it's there, but I don't receive my calls. There are only two methods I have found that work great with GV.
1) GrooveIP works great, but only when I first turn it on and sign in, and don't turn off the screen. Once the phone tries to sleep once, my reliability goes way down. In addition, GroovIP doesn't work so well when on the move. Says it is logged in, but doesn't actually work until logged out and back in again.
2) The GV app. This work perfectly, every time, and probably because by its nature it doesn't use SIP at all. The CAVEAT here is, it only intercepts an outgoing "mobile" call. If all you have is a data plan, it won't work.
I want (2) from above to work. I can get a reliable SIP connection from my paid SIP provider, Anveo. What I need is a way to get Android to think my SIP connection IS my mobile connection, so that the GV app will intercept it and call my incoming SIP trunk so that I can make the call.
Any solutions to this that anyone knows of?

bump!

You can use CSipSimple + PBXes.org as a 3rd option. Read this thread for some good information!
The reason for the poorer performance when the screen is off is because Android lowers the wifi power level when in sleep mode to prolong battery, which makes for worse SIP performance. This is also discussed in the thread I linked.

I would like to note here, I do not use WiFi. My setup is strictly high-speed 4G+LTE on AT&T. My ping times are typically very low and data is at least 3 Mbps. That should be plenty to get WiFi like quality, and the phone does not power down the cellular radio (at least, I've never heard of it).
Unfortunately, as far as I can make it work, CSIPsimple can not substitute as a "mobile' network, and therefore make use of the GVoice bridging.

Same situation here with GrooveIP. I am on Prism phone with T-Mobile (don't actually ever get 4G (even though both, the phone and the plan are advertized as 4G, and people right next to me do get 4G from T-mobile), but get stable 3G.
I also noticed it has something to do with Wi-Fi. I think GrooveIP actually prefers Wifi over data connection, because it would be happily green, until I walk into a wifi area and then it goes red and back to green. I didn't know that WiFi gets powered down during sleep. Since it does, then there is no reason keeping in on. Thank you for the tip!
I will have it strictly on data tomorrow (WiFi off), and see if GrooveIP ever disconnects.
Another weird thing about GrooveIP is that when you use it to call you t-mobile message box, the t-mobile system is not able to read your numerical commands, as if it was missing a random number. Say your pin is 1234, then it will "hear" 123, or 234, or 134 and so on.
But, as far as my own search, this is the only app that allows both incoming and outgoing calls and doesn't trigger minutes count as GV does.

OK, today, I changed some more options in GrooveIP, those having to do with GrooveIP staying on, including having my wifi off all day.
Results are negative, still goes red from time to time, but much less often.
Further options include activating the auto renew option (timed resign-on every hour or so).
I believe this should be possible to do.

bluespire said:
What I need is a way to get Android to think my SIP connection IS my mobile connection, so that the GV app will intercept it and call my incoming SIP trunk so that I can make the call.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not 100% sure what you meant by GV app intercepting SIP connection.

acegolfer said:
Not 100% sure what you meant by GV app intercepting SIP connection.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The GV app can intercept a call, and then alters the call log DB and some other things. It sends, via data, a request to GV to have GV bridge the call, thereby using the celluar network to make the call. As I understand, GV calls the number I want using my GV #, then GV calls my cell, bridging the call. Unfortunately, GV will ONLY intercept a call made using the "mobile" connection, and won't intercept my SIP (or "internet") calls.

bluespire said:
As I understand, GV calls the number I want using my GV #, then GV calls my cell, bridging the call.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand bridging is how Google voice website works. Google will call you and then connect to the recipient. But I doubt that's how the android gv app works.
Even with GV app, the phone is initiating the call. All android gv app does is to spoof the caller id (CID) as gv number. So the recipient sees your GV number not the mobile number.
I'm still confused what you are trying to do. Because in the OP, you wrote
"I need to have RELIABLE VoIP over 4G/LTE"
"I can get a reliable SIP connection from my paid SIP provider, Anveo." These 2 are contradictory.
Are you trying to display your GV number as CID when making internet calls? If so, you have 3 options.
1. Ask whether Anveo (whoever your VSP) can spoof your CID. Some allow this.
2. Use pbxes and spoof CID as GV number.
3. Use pbxes with gtalk trunk.
Hope this helps.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

acegolfer said:
I understand bridging is how Google voice website works. Google will call you and then connect to the recipient. But I doubt that's how the android gv app works.
Even with GV app, the phone is initiating the call. All android gv app does is to spoof the caller id (CID) as gv number. So the recipient sees your GV number not the mobile number.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you are correct in that my phone makes the call. However, when I look at my bill, I am calling a few specific numbers. Which means GV is still bridging the call. What the APP does is tell GV to expect my call, and then route me to my actual caller. The GV app then spoofs/alters my call log.
I'm still confused what you are trying to do. Because in the OP, you wrote
"I need to have RELIABLE VoIP over 4G/LTE"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I meant this is my goal.
"I can get a reliable SIP connection from my paid SIP provider, Anveo." These 2 are contradictory.
Are you trying to display your GV number as CID when making internet calls? If so, you have 3 options.
1. Ask whether Anveo (whoever your VSP) can spoof your CID. Some allow this.
2. Use pbxes and spoof CID as GV number.
3. Use pbxes with gtalk trunk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For 1) I'll have to check into this.
For 2) Am I using pbxes for only this purpose? Or am I routing my call via them? So far, I have ONLY been able to get reliable SIP via Anveo. I've tried a number of carriers.
For 3) I tried this. I used SIP Sorcery to bridge IPKall with GVoice. Strangely, the only time I got it to work was in India. Since I got back to the states it hasn't worked, and nothing I do seems to get it to work right. I consider myself very capable at troubleshooting these problems. Therefore, I consider it unreliable. Also, GVoice only allows 1 codec, which from my reading is NOT the best for 4G use.

bluespire said:
For 2) Am I using pbxes for only this purpose? Or am I routing my call via them? So far, I have ONLY been able to get reliable SIP via Anveo. I've tried a number of carriers.
For 3) I tried this. I used SIP Sorcery to bridge IPKall with GVoice. Strangely, the only time I got it to work was in India. Since I got back to the states it hasn't worked, and nothing I do seems to get it to work right. I consider myself very capable at troubleshooting these problems. Therefore, I consider it unreliable. Also, GVoice only allows 1 codec, which from my reading is NOT the best for 4G use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2. Pbxes is not a VoIP provider. It's a system to manage your VoIP accounts. You can link your reliable anveo within pbxes and have pbxes initiate the call with your gv number showing as cid. You don't need to route the incoming calls.
3. I have used sipsorcery in the past, which is known for its flaky behavior. I agree its completely unreliable. But pbxes with gtalk trunk has been rock solid for me.
If you go to nexus 4 forum, I posted a method to make free VoIP calls using ilbc codec, which is the best codec for mobile data connection. My call quality is often better than tmobile's gsm calls.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

acegolfer said:
2. Pbxes is not a VoIP provider. It's a system to manage your VoIP accounts. You can link your reliable anveo within pbxes and have pbxes initiate the call with your gv number showing as cid. You don't need to route the incoming calls.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought PBXes has a 1000 minute limit or something like that. Would I have all the same features as Sip Sorcery?
3. I have used sipsorcery in the past, which is known for its flaky behavior. I agree its completely unreliable. But pbxes with gtalk trunk has been rock solid for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good to know I am not the only one.
If you go to nexus 4 forum, I posted a method to make free VoIP calls using ilbc codec, which is the best codec for mobile data connection. My call quality is often better than tmobile's gsm calls.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you post the link, please?

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=35701104
Not easy to do while on the phone.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

acegolfer said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=35701104
Not easy to do while on the phone.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now, when you say "reliable", what caveats are there to that? For instance, have you noticed problems with the phone picking up the call? Ever bad audio, or one-way audio, etc. See here's the thing, I can cope with many problems, but I have to pass the WAD (wife acceptance factor). On top of that, I WANT it to be reliable enough to set up her phone with it. Since both will be on a well-covered AT&T LTE network with low population, the network should not be an issue. I get 4G at my house, but it's good signal. I get up the hill and I'm golden.

bluespire said:
Now, when you say "reliable", what caveats are there to that? For instance, have you noticed problems with the phone picking up the call? Ever bad audio, or one-way audio, etc. See here's the thing, I can cope with many problems, but I have to pass the WAD (wife acceptance factor). On top of that, I WANT it to be reliable enough to set up her phone with it. Since both will be on a well-covered AT&T LTE network with low population, the network should not be an issue. I get 4G at my house, but it's good signal. I get up the hill and I'm golden.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I passed WAF. Good luck!
Most of your issues are answered on that thread.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

Vonage on Samsung Blaze over T-mobile data

Hey everyone,
Was wondering if others had this problem. I have the $30 unlimited data plan with T-mobile. It gives only 100 voice minutes, so I thought I could use a VOIP as a solution. Vonage sounds great.
However, I can only use it over the data plan and not over Wi-fi. The cellular data is ok for browsing but the lag is annoying.
Wi-fi sounds like it should be better but I can't use wi-fi to call with Vonage. It just keeps clocking and then errors out. But as soon as I switch over the cellular data, it's fine.
Anyone else with this problem?

swhang said:
Hey everyone,
Was wondering if others had this problem. I have the $30 unlimited data plan with T-mobile. It gives only 100 voice minutes, so I thought I could use a VOIP as a solution. Vonage sounds great.
However, I can only use it over the data plan and not over Wi-fi. The cellular data is ok for browsing but the lag is annoying.
Wi-fi sounds like it should be better but I can't use wi-fi to call with Vonage. It just keeps clocking and then errors out. But as soon as I switch over the cellular data, it's fine.
Anyone else with this problem?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you checked into maybe using google talk as an alternative? You can register and get your own number for free and use voip for texts/voice. I used it a long time ago on my myTouch 4g and it was nice. I set it up as a work number for a few months before I got another line. It worked great.

dispozable said:
Have you checked into maybe using google talk as an alternative? You can register and get your own number for free and use voip for texts/voice. I used it a long time ago on my myTouch 4g and it was nice. I set it up as a work number for a few months before I got another line. It worked great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unless anyone else had better results google voice doesnt play nice with tmobile prepaid or family shared plans. The google # will work but the forwarding feature doesnt work for the voicemail part of the app.

dispozable said:
Have you checked into maybe using google talk as an alternative? You can register and get your own number for free and use voip for texts/voice. I used it a long time ago on my myTouch 4g and it was nice. I set it up as a work number for a few months before I got another line. It worked great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought about it, but I would have to change numbers. And also, the app that interacts with Google voice isn't free.
Vonage is free and when you call using that #, it uses the number that your phone is registered under. With incoming calls, I just have to use voice minutes, but that's ok b/c I can just reject and call them back using Vonage.
So has anyone gotten Vonage to work with Wi-fi?

swhang said:
I thought about it, but I would have to change numbers. And also, the app that interacts with Google voice isn't free.
Vonage is free and when you call using that #, it uses the number that your phone is registered under. With incoming calls, I just have to use voice minutes, but that's ok b/c I can just reject and call them back using Vonage.
So has anyone gotten Vonage to work with Wi-fi?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
-Well, first off, I don't use Vonage or any VOIP. But try SmartDial. I read its description on Google Play but doesn't say anything about Wifi...go check it out. :silly:
-Try KakaoTalk if you want. It's like Vonage and Google Voice.
Sorry if this didn't really help haha
EDIT: Kakao is more...social media, with unlimited voice and texting. And Viber is another app you can choose from...even though you'll probably have to switch numbers. See if Vonage can forward calls to a new number

[Q] Google Voice on Kit Kat 4.4

Hi everyone. I am planning on getting the Nexus 5 and I am planning to get the $30 a month plan from T-Mobile which allows for 100 minutes of talk, unlimited texts, and 5 GB of 4G Data. I was planning on using the Google Talk app with Groove IP or talkatone to call because I already have my Google Voice number and I just want to use my data to call people (In other words, I want to use VOIP so I can call with Google Voice over my data). With the integration of Google voice and hangouts will I still be able to do that? Please someone reply because I am ordering the Nexus 5 in a few days (I am waiting for reviews first).

maxell505 said:
Hi everyone. I am planning on getting the Nexus 5 and I am planning to get the $30 a month plan from T-Mobile which allows for 100 minutes of talk, unlimited texts, and 5 GB of 4G Data. I was planning on using the Google Talk app with Groove IP or talkatone to call because I already have my Google Voice number and I just want to use my data to call people (In other words, I want to use VOIP so I can call with Google Voice over my data). With the integration of Google voice and hangouts will I still be able to do that? Please someone reply because I am ordering the Nexus 5 in a few days (I am waiting for reviews first).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On the same boat, I'm sure you will for now, keep in mind Google has announced they are killing 3rd party access to GV next year so u will have that VoIP capability for so long. I'm on ST now but do plan on porting over to TMO next month and do plan on milking VoIP Talkatone for as long as I can till they completely kill it. Google I believe may fully offer a full VoIP solution which would in fact be great to have.
I don't know about Groove but Talkatone has announced they r working on a new product that mirrors it's current capabilities (sans GV), looking forward to what they r cooking up.

miamidesigner said:
On the same boat, I'm sure you will for now, keep in mind Google has announced they are killing 3rd party access to GV next year so u will have that VoIP capability for so long. I'm on ST now but do plan on porting over to TMO next month and do plan on milking VoIP Talkatone for as long as I can till they completely kill it. Google I believe may fully offer a full VoIP solution which would in fact be great to have.
I don't know about Groove but Talkatone has announced they r working on a new product that mirrors it's current capabilities (sans GV), looking forward to what they r cooking up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So if Google offers full VOIP, then there is no need for third party apps right? And you are saying that Talkatone is working on something just like Google Voice?? But the only thing is, with talkatone, you will most likely get another number, and then you have to go through the process of switching numbers like telling everybody about your new number and making sure htye change it and........its just a big hassle. I hope Google extends the deadline or I might have to switch to the $45 plan from straight talk. How is the HSPA+ on their network? Is it close to 4G. I am fine if it is not as fast as 4G but I want it more faster than 3G for sure and I know it is that. I am still debating on using Google Voice still or just switching to Straight Talk.

The Walmart plan does not allow for call forwarding or conditional forwarding so you will never be able to setup Google voice to be your voice mail system... Just a heads up..
Sent from another Nexus..
7 LTE...

maxell505 said:
So if Google offers full VOIP, then there is no need for third party apps right? And you are saying that Talkatone is working on something just like Google Voice?? But the only thing is, with talkatone, you will most likely get another number, and then you have to go through the process of switching numbers like telling everybody about your new number and making sure htye change it and........its just a big hassle. I hope Google extends the deadline or I might have to switch to the $45 plan from straight talk. How is the HSPA+ on their network? Is it close to 4G. I am fine if it is not as fast as 4G but I want it more faster than 3G for sure and I know it is that. I am still debating on using Google Voice still or just switching to Straight Talk.
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Correct, no more 3rd party apps needed. No idea on how/what Talkatone would offer but my guess is yes a new # would be needed. Gotta wait and see.
On ST I actually have LTE, pre LTE days my internet was horrible, since they launched LTE everything has been really smooth, haven't experienced any throttling yet *knock on wood*. Honestly I'm happy with ST but wouldn't mind saving the extra 15 bucks a month and getting 2x the limit. My only worry is service, here in Miami I have heard a lot of dead spots for TMO, whereas ATT I was with them for like 15 yrs and never have a problem. I'm still gonna try TMO, benefits of having my main number on GV I could cancel and just get any new carrier # whenever I want.

miamidesigner said:
Correct, no more 3rd party apps needed. No idea on how/what Talkatone would offer but my guess is yes a new # would be needed. Gotta wait and see.
On ST I actually have LTE, pre LTE days my internet was horrible, since they launched LTE everything has been really smooth, haven't experienced any throttling yet *knock on wood*. Honestly I'm happy with ST but wouldn't mind saving the extra 15 bucks a month and getting 2x the limit. My only worry is service, here in Miami I have heard a lot of dead spots for TMO, whereas ATT I was with them for like 15 yrs and never have a problem. I'm still gonna try TMO, benefits of having my main number on GV I could cancel and just get any new carrier # whenever I want.
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Oh ok I didn't know ST ever switched. I heard that ST throttles after 2.5 GB of data which really, isn't all that bad. I think I am going to stick with TMO for right now or atleast until Google stops their third-party app service.

maconsultant said:
The Walmart plan does not allow for call forwarding or conditional forwarding so you will never be able to setup Google voice to be your voice mail system... Just a heads up..
Sent from another Nexus..
7 LTE...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google Voice has its own voicemail service that will notifiy you of a voicemail via the Google Voice app or through the GV web interface. When I was on Straight Talk I checked all my voicemails through the Google Voice app.
Sent from my SGH-I747

stelv said:
Google Voice has its own voicemail service that will notifiy you of a voicemail via the Google Voice app or through the GV web interface. When I was on Straight Talk I checked all my voicemails through the Google Voice app.
Sent from my SGH-I747
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But when you setup the google voice app it tries to set that option (conditional call forwarding to google voice's voicemail).. Which it cant as the Walmart plan does not support this feature, But yes you can do it through the app thats correct, but i rather full integration.. But if you don't have the finances or the credit to get a post paid account (THE ONLY PLANS THAT SUPPORTS THE FORWARDING FEATURE) and you need to opt for the Walmart plan i guess you have to do what you have to do.
Either way gets it done...

Yea it's all good to me either way. You will still get a GV Voicemail notification. There are some downsides to pre paid. I had straight talk for a year and then went to att. But kind of regret having a contract now. I am going to try aio wireless before too long here.
Sent from my SGH-I747

I am planning on using a tablet sim card and using it in addition to a Verizon dumb phone. T-Mobile has terrible coverage in my area, and I need to make calls.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk 4

stelv said:
Yea it's all good to me either way. You will still get a GV Voicemail notification. There are some downsides to pre paid. I had straight talk for a year and then went to att. But kind of regret having a contract now. I am going to try aio wireless before too long here.
Sent from my SGH-I747
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So if i just go to the ST website and get a sim card from there, can i transfer my google number to a straight talk number? Like is that possible to do?

maxell505 said:
So if i just go to the ST website and get a sim card from there, can i transfer my google number to a straight talk number? Like is that possible to do?
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You don't transfer your Google Voice number to Straight Talk. Straight Talk will give you a Straight Talk number. Then you download the Google Voice app. When you first open the Google Voice app on your android device it will take you through configuration. I set mine to " use Google voice to make all calls" and I don't even use my carriers number at all.
So you will have 2 phone numbers. You give out which ever one you want to. The GV number will work only if you have the Google Voice app installed. You can also send/receive text only texts and receive voicemail via the Google Voice app. Google Voice also works on a desktop computer through its web interface. You can also block numbers via Google Voice.

stelv said:
You don't transfer your Google Voice number to Straight Talk. Straight Talk will give you a Straight Talk number. Then you download the Google Voice app. When you first open the Google Voice app on your android device it will take you through configuration. I set mine to " use Google voice to make all calls" and I don't even use my carriers number at all.
So you will have 2 phone numbers. You give out which ever one you want to. The GV number will work only if you have the Google Voice app installed. You can also send/receive text only texts and receive voicemail via the Google Voice app. Google Voice also works on a desktop computer through its web interface. You can also block numbers via Google Voice.
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Ok, so after I do that, I can just install an app likek Groove IP or Talkatone and then just make and recieve calls too right? I am just going to give out my Google Voice number to everyone so when they call me, I will receive the call through Google voice on the native dialer app on Android or am I going to receive the call through an app like Groove IP or Talkatone

maxell505 said:
Ok, so after I do that, I can just install an app likek Groove IP or Talkatone and then just make and recieve calls too right? I am just going to give out my Google Voice number to everyone so when they call me, I will receive the call through Google voice on the native dialer app on Android or am I going to receive the call through an app like Groove IP or Talkatone
Click to expand...
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It gets kind of tricky when you want to use a VoIP like GrooveIP to make and receive calls over data/wifi instead of your carriers phone service. You can set your phone to natively use your Google Voice number to make/receive all calls, but it will use your plans minutes instead of data if you do not have GrooveIp or Talkatone setup correctly (it will come through your native android dialer and use your tmobile minutes by default).
I have attached a link for a guide that was originally written in the Galaxy Nexus forum. It has a guide to Google Voice + VoIP calling. I have used GrooveIP on my wifi only tablet to make calls over wifi, but have never tried bypassing carrier phone service on my cellphone using GrooveIP. It can be done though.
*Also be aware Google has said they will eventually disable access to Google Voice from third party apps so this may mess things up in the future. Have a backup plan ready just incase they do this. We may be only abel to ue the Hangouts app in the future. Also you cannot send or receive pic and vid messages via Google Voice, just text only messages.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1646755

stelv said:
It gets kind of tricky when you want to use a VoIP like GrooveIP to make and receive calls over data/wifi instead of your carriers phone service. You can set your phone to natively use your Google Voice number to make/receive all calls, but it will use your plans minutes instead of data if you do not have GrooveIp or Talkatone setup correctly (it will come through your native android dialer and use your tmobile minutes by default).
I have attached a link for a guide that was originally written in the Galaxy Nexus forum. It has a guide to Google Voice + VoIP calling. I have used GrooveIP on my wifi only tablet to make calls over wifi, but have never tried bypassing carrier phone service on my cellphone using GrooveIP. It can be done though.
*Also be aware Google has said they will eventually disable access to Google Voice from third party apps so this may mess things up in the future. Have a backup plan ready just incase they do this. Also you cannot send or receive pic and vid messages via Google Voice, just text only messages.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1646755
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok so I cannot send and recieve pic or vid messages but I can just use another app like GoSMS or some other apps that use your regular phone number(in my case, my google voice number) to send and recieve text messages right? I am thinking that i should not get a plan first when I get my nexus. Like set it up and everything by using wifi to send and receive calls and texts and then later on I will get a plan and just forward my number that i get once i get my plan to my google voice number.

maxell505 said:
ok so I cannot send and recieve pic or vid messages but I can just use another app like GoSMS or some other apps that use your regular phone number(in my case, my google voice number) to send and recieve text messages right? I am thinking that i should not get a plan first when I get my nexus. Like set it up and everything by using wifi to send and receive calls and texts and then later on I will get a plan and just forward my number that i get once i get my plan to my google voice number.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will have to use a carriers phone number to send pic and vid messages. Google Voice's servers cannot handle that type of data, so you cannot send/receive pic/vid messages with your GV number at all. A Google Voice number is only good for makings calls and TXT, not SMS or MMS.
If you are going to use your Nexus on wifi only with no plan, you can use GrooveIP to make/receive calls over wifi. You will need a strong data connection though. Its best to stand near the router. You will need a Google Voice number to use with GrooveIP over wifi. In summary you will need: Google Voice number + Google Voice app + GrooveIP or Talkatone + strong wifi signal
You can also use the Hangouts App to text and video call people over wifi. The people you are contacting will need a gmail account and have the hangouts app open and running on their phone or computer.

stelv said:
You will have to use a carriers phone number to send pic and vid messages. Google Voice's servers cannot handle that type of data, so you cannot send/receive pic/vid messages with your GV number at all. A Google Voice number is only good for makings calls and TXT, not SMS or MMS.
If you are going to use your Nexus on wifi only with no plan, you can use GrooveIP to make/receive calls over wifi. You will need a strong data connection though. Its best to stand near the router. You will need a Google Voice number to use with GrooveIP over wifi. In summary you will need: Google Voice number + Google Voice app + GrooveIP or Talkatone + strong wifi signal
You can also use the Hangouts App to text and video call people over wifi. The people you are contacting will need a gmail account and have the hangouts app open and running on their phone or computer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok thank you, that really helped. I will probably end up using talkatone just because it has good call quality even on 3G. At least that was was it said on that article you linked. Now on the talkatone website( http://www.talkatone.com/ ), It shows an iPhone that has talkatone and he sent a picture message to someone else and he also received a video message from someone else. Does this mean that you can send mms through talkatone only.

maxell505 said:
Ok thank you, that really helped. I will probably end up using talkatone just because it has good call quality even on 3G. At least that was was it said on that article you linked. Now on the talkatone website( http://www.talkatone.com/ ), It shows an iPhone that has talkatone and he sent a picture message to someone else and he also received a video message from someone else. Does this mean that you can send mms through talkatone only.
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Click to collapse
I don't know much about talkatone I have never used it. As far as I know the only carrier or data provider that has had success with pic messages via a Google Voice number is Sprint. Doesn't work anywhere else.
Other people using the talkatone app may be able to receive pic/vid messages through talkatone but not if you send via a GV number. Possibly if you are sending via some other type of method or account. Not totally sure.
edit deleted fb link it was an old link

stelv said:
I don't know much about talkatone I have never used it. As far as I know the only carrier or data provider that has had success with pic messages via a Google Voice number is Sprint. Doesn't work anywhere else.
Other people using the talkatone app may be able to receive pic/vid messages through talkatone but not if you send via a GV number. Possibly if you are sending via some other type of method or account. Not totally sure.
edit deleted fb link it was an old link
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Ok thank you. Can you please close this thread because I do not know how to do it.

Glad to help. I think a moderator has to close a thread. But it's OK if it stays open. Someone else may need this info in the future.
Sent from my Nexus 7