using data plan to make calls
- Thread starter RonC
- Start date
Depending on what phone you have, yes. Google voice makes an app for Iphone, or else you could just go to m.google.com/voice for the web based phone site. I believe there is also an android based version as well.
You get a Google number to keep, then you can keep it up running in the background so you can get push notifications for texts and can receive calls like a normal phone. However I hear that the newer update stops that. I cannot attest to that fact. The Google app does suck the battery life at a decent rate. So if you’re just looking to make calls with it, the app is pretty sweet!
So instead of using your mobile phone minutes, you are using the data you stream via 3g
Skype also has a similar app if you’re interested.
Please someone jump in if anthing i said is false.
You get a Google number to keep, then you can keep it up running in the background so you can get push notifications for texts and can receive calls like a normal phone. However I hear that the newer update stops that. I cannot attest to that fact. The Google app does suck the battery life at a decent rate. So if you’re just looking to make calls with it, the app is pretty sweet!
So instead of using your mobile phone minutes, you are using the data you stream via 3g
Skype also has a similar app if you’re interested.
Please someone jump in if anthing i said is false.
cartisdm
Young & Eager
What Mickey said pretty much sums it up. You can text and call using the Google Voice app and it will go over 3g (or wifi if available). Google Voice will assign you a new "number" but you can do a lot more than just use it for calls. With this number you can have call routing set up so certain people are directed to your cell phone during certain times of the day. You can have it perform Voice-to-Text voicemails (best feature!), you can access all your calls through a browser, etc.
It's very similar to Skype but with a few extra twists. I don't use the calling feature except for when traveling outside of the country. The Voicemail is AMAZING. I don't have to go through the stupid voice prompt to check/delete emails plus I can just read them. Also my callers don't need to listen to the voicemail lady after my personal message.
Try it out, you'll like it
It's very similar to Skype but with a few extra twists. I don't use the calling feature except for when traveling outside of the country. The Voicemail is AMAZING. I don't have to go through the stupid voice prompt to check/delete emails plus I can just read them. Also my callers don't need to listen to the voicemail lady after my personal message.
Try it out, you'll like it
Just to be clear, the Google Voice app still makes its calls over your voice plan, at least on the iPhone. It's not VOIP.
Also keep in mind that unless you're on Sprint, you don't really have unlimited data. You have 2GB, which goes by quick if you're using data-intensive applications.
Also keep in mind that unless you're on Sprint, you don't really have unlimited data. You have 2GB, which goes by quick if you're using data-intensive applications.
cartisdm
Young & Eager
Hmm...you sure? I haven't used the app for calls in a long time but I could dial out using just the wifi so I wouldn't be charged minutes while in Mexico. (Android)
cartisdm
Young & Eager
Ah, that's quite possible. I'm also running a rooted Droid so it may also be worth nothing that official updates could have been released from VZW to not allow VOIP calls :dunno:
Pretty sure Skitalets is right; I forgot that I have a rooted apple device as well.
But heres a link for an app and directions on how to do VOIP on an iPhone
http://cybernetnews.com/google-voice-voip-calls-iphone/
Cannot guarantee it works, but like i said, unless you want to jailbreak your iphone, this is probably the next best thing
But heres a link for an app and directions on how to do VOIP on an iPhone
http://cybernetnews.com/google-voice-voip-calls-iphone/
Cannot guarantee it works, but like i said, unless you want to jailbreak your iphone, this is probably the next best thing
Yes that is correct, Google Talk does go out via your cell minutes... not VoIP. If it was VoIP you could turn your radio off, and connect via WiFi and your phone would work...
Try it...You wont be able to get a call out....last I heard...Only T-mobile was offering VoIP on certain Blackberrys. I hope since AT&T bought them it will soon carry over to AT&T users...I have AT&T through my work, and very crappy coverage at my house...I would love to use VoIP with WiFi....
Try it...You wont be able to get a call out....last I heard...Only T-mobile was offering VoIP on certain Blackberrys. I hope since AT&T bought them it will soon carry over to AT&T users...I have AT&T through my work, and very crappy coverage at my house...I would love to use VoIP with WiFi....
This could work....
If you're on verizon and have an android device they have wifi calling which you enable in your settings. If you are connected to a wifi network you will call using it instead of your voice plan which could or could not be a benefit to you.
kockroach
BoM August 2010/2011
Ron, originally this was the case. I originally started with Google Voice while on a G1 with T-Mobile. There had been an app that would allow incoming/outgoing calls to appear that they were all through the same number. Google made changes, so that all that you could do now is to have all incoming calls come through the one number, but all outgoing calls go through a variety of phone numbers. Makes it impossible to put all of them in a "favorites" setup.