Google voice in Canada is possible. If you are wondering how to get the service in Canada, AND how to make Free unlimited outgoing and incoming calls from Google voice. Then, look no further! I have been holding off on this article because I wanted to try a couple of methods first and see which one is the fastest one… and make sure that you don’t get any extra carrier charges. The way I explain it is the simplest way so far, and has been followed successfully by many (see comments below) if you have other ideas or are having trouble using Google Voice in Canada, then please post a comment. Warming: There are quite a few steps, but the outcome is worth it!
First step is you needed to get a Google voice account. Click here for Google to send you an invite and you will have to wait roughly about 2 weeks , or if you are a student go here and it will take 24 hours.
First Step: Log in with your Google account, there is no need for an invite.
First time you try to login to Google voice, there will be an error message saying that it’s available in your country. To bypass that you will need to install hotspotshield , this is so you can get a US IP address. (Don’t worry you can uninstall the program later.) Please check that you have a US IP by clicking here.
Great now you are able to log in, but you still need to do the account set up. This is sort of tricky, but the best way I found is going to freephoneline; they will be able to provide you an Alberta number. Google Voice allows for Alberta numbers is some kind of glitch.
The set up is pretty straight forward on Free Phone line, but here is a Quick Guide:
Once you set up the account, log in to your account and go to the forward tab. From there choose Follow me and forward to a Canadian Cell or home number (Your personal number where you want it to ring). Also remember to download their program for authentication purposes of Free Phone Line and Google Voice. Again, you can uninstall the program later.
Now when that is finished, go to Google Voice and setting up the account is pretty straight forward. There will be steps for authentication; you don’t need to worry about the last one to set up for voicemail. Since you are doing by pass you will not be able to set it up. You will be able to click cancel and the last step to finish the set up (don’t worry about the provider just click cancel).
Make sure the 403 number you got is setup in Google voice as the number that rings. And now you are able to receive calls from the US, as long you set up your free US Google voice number under settings.
Now you’re probably wondering how to make unlimited calls to the US and Canada for FREE with the Google voice service. Easy, nothing special simply log in to google voice with your mobile device here. The other alternatives are that you download the Google Voice App. OR you can make call straight from the computer, by logging to Google voice. Also make sure you have unlimited incoming from your service provider, to be able make calls all over Canada and US for free. Once logged in click on CALL and dial the number, once you press the call number, Google voice will call your cell phone and connect you through.
UPDATE:
Google Voice has started to charge for calling Canadian numbers 0.01 cent per minute, since it came out of Beta. Now no worries you can still use your Alberta number (403) and not be charged for long distance when calling a U.S Number. The only difference now is that when calling a Canadian number you will be charged 0.01 cent (better than robbers .35 or more). U.S number are still free, I have tried it out and it will not charge you because Google Voice thinks that it is a U.S number.
I am still trying to figure out a free way to call all over Canada and will update as soon I have a solution.
The only ones I can come up with at this moment but not the best solution are:
First: Use the freephoneline.ca software from your computer and make long distance calls all over Canada.
Second: Install Skype mobile into your phone and pay unlimited calling to Canada and US for 3.99 per month. The only problem with this is that (A) works better with Wi-Fi (B)3G is kind of spotty and it depends where you living or what phone you have.(C) That you have to pay for it.
I will try to figure it out to make it completely free!!!
UPDATE:
Apparently it was a mistake by Google that it was going to start to charging calls to Canada..
Here is what they had to say:
Official answer from GV employee, Lauren
Hello everyone,
We apologize for the confusion – showing $.01 as the rate for calls to Canada is INCORRECT. You will currently NOT be charged, even though the rate table displays a mistaken rate. Again, we apologize for the inconvenience, and will have a fix soon.
Here is the link
If you have any questions or get stuck on any these steps please leave a comment and I will get back to you in 24 hours.
86 Comments
So to sum up to achieve unlimted incoming and outgoing calls, once would need the following:
For unlimited incoming to work:
- A plan from the cell company that includes unlimited incoming calls (use your voice plan)
For unlimited outgoing to work:
- a google voice account (uses your data plan)
And the part about hotspot shield and the freephoneline account is only needed to activate a google voice account from Canada using an alberta number and you need to configure your followme setting to your cell phone number to pass the google voice authorization.
Would this be right?
Would there be anyway to receive also the incoming calls over voip for those of us who dont have an unlimited incoming feature?
Hello Adepaolis,
You are right about the first part; you do need a cell phone plan with unlimited incoming Calling.
As for the second part, the service Google Voice those not uses data directly, meaning even if you dint have a data plan it would work. Keep in mind that the Google voice app that is installed in your phone those need date. The only reason why you would need a data plan is to log in to the Mobile version of Google Voice. It was originally meant for the Iphone user since apple banned the official app, Google made the mobile version.
On the third point, you are correct.
In response to your last question and correct me if I am wrong. I think you are asking if you don’t have an unlimited incoming plan could you use a VoIP service to receive calls. I am not completely too sure about that, let me do some research into and see what kind of solution I can come up with. The only one i could think of out of the top of my head. Is that if you have a data plan (500mb should be enough) you can have a Voip app on your phone that would connect the call and not use your minutes.
Let me do some research and I am pretty sure their way around it. Do you want to know only about mobile or landlines?
Sorry to correct you, Google Voice isn’t VOIP at all. There are several ways you can make Google Voice calls, including the afore mentioned GV website method. However, the calls are not VOIP any more than any other call from your phone. This is why a GV call uses up airtime minutes, not data plan megabytes. My company Malthusian Solutions Unlimited (http://malthusian.it) uses a similar system to set up similar services for small business owners, so I know the processes intimately.
What happens when you place a call via the website:
* Google’s server (a virtual PBX) calls the your GV registered phone number (instead of your phone connecting to your carrier’s switching station).
* you pick up the phone.
* Google’s server detects you answering your phone and opens a second telephone connection to the number you specified and immediately connects you to it.
* You hear the ringing, other person picking up, etc. and interact just like a normal call.
* Google Voice keeps ‘listening in’ to detect keypresses for special features like call recording (funnily enough, my voice occasionally hits exactly the same tone as the keypress for this and starts Google recording!)
Helpful tip: If your phone is not web-enabled, you can also place a call by calling _your own GV number_, pressing 2 and entering the number you want to GV to call. See non-Google Voice app calling methods at http://www.google.com/support/voice/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=115079
How I got GV working in Canada on my US based phone: http://nirdvana.com/2010/05/17/making-google-voice-work-in-canada/
Hello Tyler,
You are right Google voice is not VoIP, I was trying to answered “adepaolis” question in regards that if you can forward the Google Voice number to a VoIP number for Example: Skype (Note: Skype will not let you use a Google Voice number as a forward) or Gizmo5 (which was acquired by Google).
Thank you for the helpful tip on calling your own GV number and then pressing 2 for Google voice to call. The only problem with that solution is that as Canadians, we will be paying for long distance minutes. That’s the reason I did not write about calling the Google Voice number, it would defeat the purpose of unlimited calling through all of Canada and U.S.
Oops! I guess my tip isn’t so hot after all
Hello Tyler,
Well it is hot! Once Google Voice is in Canada we will have the advantage of knowing how to use it. On the other hand it helps out too for those (like you) that moved from the U.S to Canada to get to know how to get Google Voice in Canada working!
Hello DeMex,
am not sure if u can help me use google voice, any time I log in I get the message in not avilable in my country. so I was told to download hotspotshield which aI did but still yet when I log in I cant get to where I can make a phone call. I have also download Freephone number which is 403. so how can you helpe me prevent this message and be able to use google voice thanks.
Terrific work! This is the type of information that should be shared around the web. Shame on the search engines for not positioning this post higher!
Google voice dosent allow for alberta numbers anymore
The author doesn’t mention it, but it has to a be a SOUTHERN Alberta area code: 403, not 780 (northern AB). Which did you try?
I have a similar set up, tho my phone plan is thru the US carrier Verizon with international minutes and data (happens to be cheaper than the equivalent Canadian plan from Telus, which is amazing to me).
You can read about how I set up mine at http://nirdvana.com/2010/05/17/making-google-voice-work-in-canada/
Tyler:
What type of phone/plan do you have with Verizon that is cheaper than the equivalent Telus plan?
I was initially looking into US based carriers with some North America plans, but at the time did not find much.
I would definitely like to look back into it if it seems worthwhile, figured you might have some retention plan and got in on some good North America plan deal.
Cheers,
Michael
Allo Michael! My plan is very difficult to find on the Verizon website. It’s the International NATIONWIDE + CANADA plan: http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/store/controller?item=planFirst&action=viewPlanList&typeId=8&subTypeId=48&catId=930
I got the Motorola Droid for $179, and I pay $79.99/mo for 900 anytime minutes + unlimited nights and weekends.
I also pay $64.99 for the Global internet access add on: http://b2b.vzw.com/international/Global_Email/plans_coverage.html
The total is $144.98, but I get a 15% discount that brings it down to $123.23 + taxes, etc for a monthly bill of $131.39.
The closest Telus offers is the Talk North America plans; the flat 1000min plan costs $200: http://www.telus.com/catalog/en/ab/plan/talk_north_america.html
The cheapest international data plan is $45 for 500MB: http://www.telus.com/catalog/en/ab/plan/cost_assure_na_mobilehighspeed.html
The total for Telus is $245, plus whatever you pay for your phone. Even without the Verizon discount I have, it’s still a better deal what with the US$ being roughly par.
Hello G.
Sorry about that I did forget to mention that important detail.
Thank you, Tyler.
Ok I got it all setup according to you instructions but when I go to launch the link on my iPhone I get this popup:
You will need to add this phone to your Google Voice acct.using a desktop computer etc. etc. etc
If I try to add my cell I get the standard error about can’t forward to international numbers.
Am I missing a step or did they figure out a way to close the loophole for us Canadians?
Thanks in advance!
Hello Glenn:
Google Voice iPhone Canada Users
Nope, you did not miss a step. I am sorry, I wasn’t aware that iPhone users would have a problem with the mobile site. But this how to do a Google Voice Jailbreak is so easy that a caveman can do it. (No offense. PS: I will most likely get sued for using that phrase.)
When the screen comes and says; we cannot set up you number at this time yadi, blah…. just tap to get out of it and it will show you the screen with the dial pad number. Go to the bottom of the page there is a hyperlink that say’s Old version. Click on that button, the page should refresh and at the bottom you should have a field to type out the number, click call and Google voice will call you back. Just make sure that under the setting menu you have set up a Google Voice number, in order for Google to call you back to connect the call.
I hope that was helpful and do tell if that worked for you.
Thanks!
That seems to work fine.
I have to wait to test it as the new Alberta exchange (587) hasn’t been added FreePhoneline so my 403 Calgary number can’t forward to my cell. One rep said it should work in 24 hours, another rep said it could take up to 30 days for the exchange to be active.
Oh well, once they do their part I’m good to go. Just have to add unlimited incoming!
Hello Glenn,
I am glad I could help. Once you get everything set up and figured out tell me how everything went!
De Mex!
What a great resource!
Hi, just discovered about google voice. I’ll be living in the states and my husband in canada. From what I understand I’ll be able to set in up in the us, and he’ll have to do some playing around. What I don’t understand is, when you’re in the states, don’t you still pay roaming charges, when you dial that alberta number???? Thanks
(Edited by DeMex) Also when you’re calling from BC to the alberta number, aren’t you paying long distance too?
Huggies: roaming charges are accrued when you use your phone outside your carrier’s area – eg, your phone and carrier are US based and you take your phone with you to Canada and make a call while in Canada using a network your carrier doesn’t have an agreement with. If you’re using a Google Voice number and app/webpage, you don’t pay long distance charges to Canada for those calls made via GV. If you don’t use GV and just dial directly from your phone without using the app or webtool then you will get long distance charges.
Hello Hugies (Cute Nickname) and welcome back Tyler:
Yes, Tyler is semi correct on the information. First let start with your question, “When you dial an Alberta number do you pay roaming charges?” Answer; is yes and no. Yes, if you if you don’t have a plan that includes long distance minutes. (Roaming charges only happen when there is no coverage from your provider. Let say you are with AT&T and you have no service then on the phone it would switch over to the T-mobile Network. That is when you get a roaming charge).
Second part: No, because you’re not actually dialling the Alberta number directly. Meaning that you will be using the Google Voice service to dial anywhere in the U.S and Canada. Now the only reason why you set up an Alberta number is so that Google voice will dial your Alberta (freephoneline.ca) number and then forward to your cell phone. The only real number you need to keep handy is your U.S Number. If you and your husband have both set up a Google voice account plus a Google voice number. Then you can both call each other as if it a local call. As long you have Unlimited incoming and 500 MB of data on your phone it should be Okay. But if you don’t want data on your phone, you can always use the desktop version.
Well Hugies I hope that Help Clear out your issue. If you have more questions, concerns or you just want to say good job, let me know!
Also Please read the Update I have made to the article
Hi there! Great post.
I have a google voice invite that has been sitting in my inbox for some time, because I have been waiting for the official Canadian launch. I thinking about trying the Alberta option.
I wanna have my google voice as the only number I give out forever!
I’m in BC, would I pay for long distance to make local calls in Vancouver?
Hello there Rod:
Here is the first problem you can have Google Voice number that you give out forever, but right now Google Voice is currently only giving out U.S numbers. Now that being said when it those come to Canada you can change the number to a Canadian number for $10. The only other thing is that Google voice might even let you pick a Canadian Number and a U.S number without having to pay $10 to change the number. But that is yet to be confirmed.
As for the second question, Could you please rephrase it? I’m a little in confused if you are in BC, those that mean you are out somewhere up north? Not near the lower main land.
Also Please read the Update I have made to the article
I just set up a GV account using this tutorial, thanks for writing it so clearly. In my case I had to reboot my computer after installing hotspot shield before it could fool Google btw – might just be a cookie thing though, I’m not sure.
Kind of bummed though – I figured out this __KICK ASS__ phone number, registered it, and then realized that it wasn’t actually useful to me since it would cost an ungodly amount of money for anyone near me to make the long distance call to California!
Well, the GV account itself is still useful though if I get unlimited incoming right? Then I would effectively have unlimited outgoing as well, since GV calls me… or… something. Now I’m confused after all
Actually now that I think about it, learning about Hotspot Shield and FreePhoneLine.ca alone was pretty good for one day
Hello Nawoa:
Sorry to hear about the number you picked wasn’t actually helpful. You could always change the number for $10, but then again you are paying $10, LOL. Your family in the U.S may want to talk to their mobile to see if they can have an unlimited plan nationwide or Favourite 5.
Yes, you do get unlimited free incoming. As for the unlimited outgoing, when i wrote the article it was free to call to Canada. But as soon it came out of Beta it now cost 0.01 cent to call to Canada. As long you are calling U.S number from the Google Voice app or site it should be free.
Please read the Update I have made to the article
Yes, anyone calling an AB from outside that area code will pay LD charges.
Hello Tyler:
Yes, you are right Google Voice those charge to make calls to Canada numbers. Now that being said the trick still works, you can make unlimited calling Outgoing/Incoming to the U.S with the Alberta number it will not charge you. I have already verify this.
Please read the Update I have made to the article
Crud. Looks like with it being out of beta, it’s also now charging $0.01/min for Canada calling
hello Tyler
Yes, you are right. Please read the Update I have made to the Article
Apparently this was an error on Google’s part – check out the rates page, Canada calling is still free! Yay!
I’m a Canadian using Google Voice (well, not really using it) for the last year, I got in on the invitations and happen to travel to the US a bit, so I was able to activate using a US IP address. The missing link was the Alberta area code and the FreePhoneLine.ca (thanks!)
I got all the bits and pieces setup but I’m not sure if I missed something – but every time I try to make a call on GV from my mobile, I get prompted to call a 916 number, whereas when I initiate the call from my computer, it says it will call my phone and connect the call for me…? Ideas?
Mhhh, I am not completely too sure what the problem may be, but I will try to help you trouble shoot it. Let start with the basics: (And I know this may sound insulting but I am trying my best since, I wasn’t there for the set up.)
A.) Did you activate the Freephoneline.ca with the E-mail sent to you?
If yes: Please try to make a quick call to your cell phone or home to make sure is working.
If no: Then please activate.
B.) When doing the set up for Google voice did you activate the system by Google sending a E-mail or text?
If Yes: Then try again to see if it works.
If No: Meaning you have already gone through all the set up, please E-mail me directly at hello@sxymobile.com and I will try to trouble shoot it for you.
I have the same problem on my iphone – when I dial from the m.google.com/voice on my phone, it prompts me to call a southern california number. However, I clicked “older version” at the bottom of the m.google.com/voice website and tried calling through there and my google voice # called me and connected me to my call as the instructions here said it would. Hope that helps!
Thanks Chanel, I actually emailed DeMex and he suggested the same thing — I guess I’ll just have to use the old interface until that changes!
it was very interesting to read.
I want to quote your post in my blog. It can?
And you et an account on Twitter?
I just registered for Freephonline in Calgary, and I am looking to replace a US based Skype-in number with that one. I have had GV up and forwarding to this for the past year with no issues.
Does anyone know how the long distance limitation of FPL affects the forwarding? My cell number is not listed as local calls for FPL, so I dont want to incur LD charges every time a GV call forwards from FPL to my cellphone.
If this turns out to be an issue I am just going to continue using the US based Skype In and I now have a Canadian based Skype2Go number to put on the Fav 5 list… which provides for unlimited outbound calling.
I tried your method and it now says that a 403 area code number is not available at all. Please let me know how to proceed.
Thanks for the info. Works like a charm. Used the 403 Area code, and actually had a friend in living in California register GV on my account.
One extra tip – I am using a Nexus One cell phone – installed an app called GV Call Free. Using the internet from my phone, It will take the number I am dialing and send it to Google voice, and trigger Google voice to call me. Then Google Voice will call the number and complete the call. (Essentially it does what going to m.google.com/voice does, but takes out the added step of opening a web browser and entering in the number – it automatically does it when you dial someone from your contacts).
Thanks again!
nice post. thanks.
I’ve recently started a blog, the information you provide on this site has helped me tremendously. Thank you for all of your time & work.
greetings.
In your tutorial you say to skip the last part, setting up voice mail. Is there any way to get the voice mail feature to work? One of the appealing parts of GV is the voicemail to email function.
Hello Slushy,
Well there is two way for it to work. That is to set up your voice mail to send you an E-mail with the voice mail left (Voice to Text). You can set it up under the setting menu.
The second way it to call your GV Number and listen to the voice mail, same way you listen to your cell phone voice mail
This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I enjoy seeing websites that understand the value of providing a prime resource for free. I truly loved reading your post. Thanks!
Hello,
Can I change the Alberta number to an Ontario number after that?
No. In fact, I believe they’ve even closed the 403 loophole now, from what I’ve read…
Just doublechecked, and 403 is still good
If you set up FreePhoneline.ca you can set it to forward to an ON number, so that when someone calls your GV# it SHOULD ring thru to whatever # you forward to in your FreePhoneLine.ca…
When I tried to activate my account from FreePhoneLine, “call failed”
Any work around?
I picked the 403 number but when i forwarded it to my cell number which is in grande prairie area, nothing happens and it goes to voicemail straightaway. I guess this area is not allowed to forward calls to. Can anyone confirm please. If i am right then it means that by this trick you cant call all canadian numbers for free, there are some exceptions like my number.
hello,
hi I relized u ingrande prairie! I am also in grande prairie but I cant even change my IP adrees to the US so I cant even log in to google voice at all. so if u change ur address can u please let me know how u did that..thanks
Using GV on an iPhone in Calgary, Alberta with Rogers sucks ass. You’d think that your calls would be free for incoming/outgoing but they aren’t. Rogers charges you a call forwarding fee instead of the long distance fee to the US number you are dailing. I ended up with a couple hundred dollar call forwarding fee for using GV.
Users beware. GV is not available in Canada and these hacks will only end with you paying crazy fees from your cell phone provider.
Are you positive you had it set up correctly? I know using my G1 with Telus had no problems. The only thing that was forwarded was unanswered calls to GV vmail, but I didn’t get any charges for that.
Perhaps it’s the way the iPhone GV app is written? I don’t have an iPhone, so not much help there – sorry.
Or perhaps Rogers is just screwing you to the wall because they’re greedy pigdogs.
Woah woah wait a second .. this could be a showstopper for me and I just got setup. Anyone else experience this?
Right now this is my config:
Google voice whatever phone # – rings -> 403 freephoneline – forwarded to -> rogers cellphone
To canadian rogers users:
Is there any situation where I could be charged crazy fees??
Hello EveryOne,
May any one help me change my IP address from Canada to US so I can use Google Voice. thanks
Hello Everyone,
May some one help me change my IP address from Canada to the US
Thanks.
Hello, please see in the article, where it says to get a US IP you will need to install this: http://www.hotspotshield.com
Hello, pwn,
thanks for you helpe I have download hotspotshield and also got a 403 number from freepone . but yet I cant still access google mail am still getting the mesage saying google voice is not avilablein my country yet, so how do I go about this.
Hello
Hmm, please try going to the website below with hotspotshield ON to verify that it thinks you are from the USA. After that, you should not get that error message from google. Let me know if that helped!
http://www.whatismyipaddress.com/
Hello,
thanks once again, I verify my IP address with the web site u gace me and it says USA. so I try logging in and it finally works so I have download it and been able to log in with my account now. But it was asking for a 1 to 4 steps where I should choose a number so i was wondering if I can put in the number that I got from freephone line which was the 403 alberta number will that work or what do i have to do to continue to finally get to reacive phone calls on my phone and make calls.
thank you very much for your kindnes.
Robert,
See my comment below in reply to Sergey. If i am not mistaken he had the same question. Let me know if it worked!
Cheers.
My LD POTS is cheaper than this. No thanks, Google.
Hi guys.
I have installed hotspotshields and received new alberta free phone number.
Now, do I have to wait for Google Invitation?
Tried to go to Google Voice they accept my email message and that is all, nothing else.
What do I do next?
Thank you.
Hey,
There is no need to wait for a Google invitation. Can you access your Google voice account?
If so, then next steps would be to forward freephoneline to your personal number where you want it to ring, and then do the Google voice setup like stated above in the article. Hope that helps!
Yes I go to my google account and it asks me I want to upgrade and get Google number.
Next I see is this.
“Step 1 of 4: Choose your number
Please enter a phrase or area code.
First, we need you to pick a new Google number. When anyone calls this number, it will ring all of your phones. Just want voicemail for your cell?
Area code, city or zip code
and/orWord, phrase, number
Search available numbers”
I should put there my 403 number, right?
I did and it says, something like no available numbers in your area so far.
Something like that.
What I do wrong?
And I already transfered
Hey, setup your Google number with whatever you want. This is NOT where you put the 403 number. The only step you won’t be able to complete is the voice mail setup (step 4), simply click cancel and also don’t worry about the provider. Then, make the 403 is setup as one of your phones on google voice. Then test it out! Since the 403 is forwarding to your cell you shall receive the call =) … to make calls from your cellphone to the US/CANADA either visit https://www.google.com/voice/m from your mobile, or use your computer. Or like it was suggested above use the google voice app.
Hope that helped!
I also tried to set up voice mail.
Was asked to pick Provider.
I choose AT&T.
After that I’ve got combination of numbers to dial on from my phone/.
Tried to dial but it didn’t work
Thank you all guys.
Finally I got Google Voice number.
thanks for posting this. it was a huge help in adding a major feature to my site.
So I’m confused… if I give out my google voice number to people and they call it, will it be as if they’re calling long distance to Alberta?
Well if you give out your Google Voice number to people, to them it will seem like calling a local number. In reality the process goes like this Google Voice number->Alberta number->Foward to Cell phone.
During the setup I generated a NYC GV #. I only picked it because it was easy to remember. Then I gave it out to a few people to test.
They got the Bell “We’re sorry this is a long distance phone call, please press 1 before the number”. Which is what I was afraid of (expected). They said ‘screw that I’m not calling it and get charged’. Which I imagine EVERYONE will think and do.
Kind of useless in Canada… Or am I wrong??
For some reason I can’t receive calls on my computer (on my Google Number) when I loged in to my gmail account.
If I don’t transfer a call to my cell from Google number the system says that I am not available and ask to leave a message.
I also uninstalled soft which showed me with US IP adress.
Now when I open gmail account Goofle Voice quite often doesn’t show up.
Does anybody have a good guess, when Goofle Voice comes to Canada?
Hello Sergey,
Make sure to change your language to to English-US that should fix the Problem of not showing up. As for why you are not getting calls to the Gmail Calls, I would have to have more info and do more invistigation.
First: FreePhoneLines.ca
I setup a 403 # with FreePhoneLines, I have set it up to forward calls into this FreePhoneLines # onward to my actual cellphone 587 #. I then downloaded and installed the FreePhoneLines and set it to ALWAYS forward to my cellphone #.
Google Voice
After using Hotspot Shield (huge thanks by the way!) I have Google Voice setup to call the FreePhoneLines 403 #. I downloaded the official Google Voice mobile app on the Android Market. I have it set to ask me if i want to make the call using Google Voice or normal under my carrier on my cellphone.
Question:
When i call out to Google Voice via the official Google Voice app on the cellphone, i notice that it appears to be calling a 780 #. I am guessing that this an actual long distance AND Canada to US phonecall, which i am paying for?
So if i want to circumvent this situation by only using my cellphone, i will need to download a Google Voice Caller App that sends the request over data (not using airtime minutes) to my Google Voice, requesting it to call me back and simultaneously making the actual call out to the original intended person i was calling?
Second Question:
When someone calls my Google Voice number, Google Voice then calls my FreePhoneLines 403#, which is then forwarded to my actual cellphone 587 #. Since i have set up my FreePhoneLines 403# as one of my unlimited nationwide calling, i will get unlimited minutes of talking for free? That is assuming i am not roaming…
First Question:
It is long distance and Yes you can Download Google Voice call back free on the Android market and it will call you back and connect the call. I use it all the time works wonder.
Second Question:
I am sorry could you rephrase the 2nd question.
DeMex,
Thanks for getting back to me, i appologize for the poorly written questions…
I have noticed when i call out on my cellphone via the Google Voice Callback FREE application, that the phone will show my actual Google Voice 563# is calling me back – NOT my FreePhoneLine 403#.
I have my Google Voice settings to set to “Forward Calls” onwards to my FreePhoneLine 403# as well as, on CallerID settings (both incoming and outgoing) it is set to “Show my Google Voice Number.”
This makes sense that i should be seeing my Google Voice 563#” appear, but I am under the impression that my carrier (Telus) will view this as an Lond Distance/International call inbound and will be charged for the minutes… I was hoping that my phone would show the FreePhoneLine 403#, because then i thought Telus would view this as a call from one of my Unlimited Calling Numbers…. am i wrong or any thoughts on this?
Thanks in advance, you really are a huge help!
Hello Michael,
No you will not incur long distance charges. The person receiving the call will never have extra long distance charges. Only when you dial a long distance number is when aquir LD charges.
The reason that you see yout Google Voice number is because is the last number dialed.
No problem, I am glad I could help.
If you have any future articles that you be interested in do drop me a line at hello@sxymobile.com
DeMex,
Thanks again, much apprecaited!
So when i use the Google Voice Callback Free, it calls Google Voice to then call me back. And since i have it setup to forward calls to my FreePhoneLine #, Google Voice will patch through to the FreePhoneLine #, which is then forwarded to my actual cellphone #. Allwhile, my Google Voice # CallerID is being passed through my FreePhoneLine to my cellphone. Does Telus view this call inbound to my cellphone as my FreePhoneLine # (even though the Google Voice # ID is being passed) which i have setup as one of my favorites unlimited OR does Telus view this as my actual Google Voice # and am only being charged my airtime?
Thanks again, i sure hope this question helps out others as it will clear up much for me!
Cheers,
Michael
Anyone else finding that google voice no longer works with freephoneline.ca (403#)? To diagnose the problem, I’ve tried calling my freephoneline.ca # and there’s nothing wrong there because it definitely is forwarding to my own canadian cell #. My freephoneline.ca # (403) is registered with my google voice account but when I call my googlevoice # it doesn’t forward through to my 403#. Has google closed this little exploit?
I’ve tried this. I have a freephoneline number in the 403 area code, and I’m behind HotSpot Shield with a verified US IP. Google allows me to get a Google Voice Number, but when I search for the 403 area code, no numbers come up. It looks like this loophole has, VERY UNFORTUNATELY, been closed.
Any other people trying this?
JayinStoon,
You need to get a Google voice number first (this is not where you enter the 403) after you have a Google number, you setup the 403 as the phone that rings when people call the Google number… does that help?
same issue here, I’m not able to make a call anymore and I used the service before for a good couple of months from my win mobile 6.1 cell phone (bell) and also from my pc (with the 403#)…any ideas?
Peednas,
It still works, tested last night 9/3/2010 — have you made sure the 403 is setup as the phone that rings on Google voice, and gone through the verification process? Let me know, i’ll try to assist.
ARGH…..Okay, I think I must have misunderstood what to do. The VERY first step involves some kind of search process. It asks for a two part phone number – the first can be an area code or city, the second is the name or number…..what am I supposed to enter here? It’s VERY unclear. I do a search, it comes up empty, and I can’t press Next. Have I given enough explanation here? I’m at work and can’t get behind HotSpot right now, so I can’t log in to give a more detailed explanation. All I know is that Step one after I press Get a Google Voice Number is this search process and the Google Hlep is completely unclear about what it is I’m supposed ot put here. HELP!! You guys rock, btw…thanks so much!
Pwn,
Actually I’m pretty certain I have everything setup right. My 403 (freephoneline) number is set to forward to my cell phone…..the number registered with my google account is my 403 number. I’ve called my 403 number to make sure it is forwarding to my cell…..so the problem lies with my google account.
I’d actually been successfully using my google voice with my iPhone (gv mobile app) for a month or two until it stopped. It stopped after I upgraded my gv mobile app……but even when I try through the old web app I can’t get it to work. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks
Weird! I’ve tried calling my google voice number and it says “your call cannot be completed, please hang up and try your call again” instead of forwarding to my 403 number like it should be. Any help anyone?
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