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.
Important: Google Voice is not “officially” available in Canada. This shows you how to register and use a Google Voice number by using a “glitch” in Google Voice service by signing up with a free 403(alberta) number. This will Enable you to make unlimited calls to US and Canada for FREE when you use the mobile site from your cell phone, or Google voice App to initiate calls. This means, you should have an unlimited incoming plan to take FULL advantage of this. Please re-read that and understand it to avoid any long-distance charges. Read comments below, or ask if you are not sure. Now, let’s dig into the fun part!
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 in Canada, there will be an error message saying that it’s not available in your country. To bypass that you will need to install hotspotshield so you can get a US IP address (Don’t worry, it’s free and 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!
Second step: Get a free 403 number
Head over to freephoneline; they will be able to provide you a free 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.
Third step: Google voice setup
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 voice mail. You will be able to click “cancel” at 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 that you set up your free US Google voice number under settings.
Fourth step: Testing your Google voice number
Dial your GV number and see if you receive the call on your Canadian mobile! If so, congratulations 
!! If not, then troubleshoot the GV settings. Most people forget to set the 403 number as the one that rings, or forget to setup their GV US number. Read comments for troubleshooting guide, or ask a question if you get stuck.
Final step: FREE calls to the US and Canada
Now you’re probably wondering gee, that’s all great but HOW do I make unlimited calls to the US and Canada for FREE with the Google voice service? Easy! Nothing too special, simply log in to Google voice with your mobile device here to initiate a call. The other alternatives are that you download the Google Voice Callback Free App (Android Phones Only). 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. OR you can make call straight from the computer, by logging in to Google voice. This is where you need to make sure you have unlimited incoming from your service provider, to be able make calls all over Canada and US for free.
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.
Related posts:
220 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.
Thanks for the info guys. I do have a question: is it possible to set up my Google Voice account with my parents home phone # in Arizona when I live in Waterloo, ON?
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.
Bro in Toronto 45 bucks gets you unlimited with Mobilicity.
I think its cool soemone else did this. You can use 800 numbers too as you ring to number
Hello G.
Sorry about that I did forget to mention that important detail.
Thank you, Tyler.
G:
As Tyler Style comments, it needs to be a Southern Alberta (i.e. Calgary) number. I tried Edmonton at first and no luck. I just did it today, Nov 5th.
I set up GV today and it accepted the 403 area code. May 26,2011.
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??
Yeah, the only advantage is for you to make unlimited long distance calls and texts within US and Canada for free. People on the other end can’t call or text you without incurring long distance charges. But if you think about it, there’s really no other reason for using GV since they could easily just call or text your actual cell number!
If you want free voice mail, FPL actually has a pretty decent voice mail system. You just need to have people dial your FPL number. Depending on how you set it up, it’ll ring the FPL softphone on your PC or it’ll ring your cell that you set for forwarding if the FPL softphone is not running. You can also set it up so that it can bypass the FPL softphone at all times and ring your cell phone. You can access your voice mail from your cell by dialing the local access number for your area.
You should emphasize that the FPL number is your “landline” while giving out your actual cell number so people can still text you. They have the choice to call either the “landline” or the cell depending on urgency, and if they need to leave a message, they can just leave it on the FPL “landline”.
So in summary, GV is good for making unlimited calls and texts anywhere in North America while FPL is good for the people trying to contact you since the number will be local for them and they can leave a voice mail if there’s no answer.
(Note that I’m assuming the people calling you are in the same area code as your FPL number, but it could also be free if they’re part of some sort of MY5 or MY10 plan or something)
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!
It works! I just reied it today and works, just like before…nothing to change since I’ve been using this for the past months and was sure that it worked for me. It works from the pc as well from my cell phone!
It works! I just tried it today and works, just like before…nothing to change since I’ve been using this for the past months and was sure that it worked for me. It works from the pc as well from my cell phone!
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?
I’m not sure what else to say man, it works fine for me, and also Verol commented that it works. Maybe mess with the google account some more? Maybe try0 saving the 403 number as ur phone again, that might do the trick…. let us know if you get it to work. Best of luck man!
worked for me, thanks!
Can anyone tell me if it is possible to set up my Google Voice account (Waterloo, ON) using my parent’s phone # in Arizona?
Yes, you can. I set up mine using a phone in AZ
Just be sure to schedule it so it never rings, if it’s not your phone.
Thank you very much =)
Hey Pwn,
I re-registered my same 403 # and looks likes its working again
Thanks!
Glad that did the trick man! Enjoy
Hi can Someone make a google voice account (username preffrBly theblackhawk449) and send I to me please?
I reay need this badly!!!
Hi there!
I am attempting to set up a Google Voice account per your tutorial. However, when I attempt to verify the new Google number I have set up using Freephoneline, I am unable to do so. I punch in the two-digit code, but a recorded message then informs me that it is having trouble processing my request.
@Roland drake
You’re prolly trying to punch the 2 digit code in on the freephoneline software…….that doesn’t seem to work for whatever reason. You need to punch that code in on ur cell itself. Google will call the freephoneline number to verify, call gets forwarded to ur cell, u pick up and enter the 2 digit code and then googles happy!
pwn – Tyler – DeMex – Peednas:
I am concerned that the forwared calls from Google Voice to FreePhoneLine (set as one of my unlimited favorite #s) to my cellphone are actaully not local.
Reason i say this, is even though the FreePhoneLine # does forward onto mycellphone (confirmed by looking at the calllogs on the online account) it passes the USA longdistance Google Voice # onwards to the cellphone and not the FreePhoneLine#.
My understanding is that Telus views the callerID that is passed and not the forwarded FreePhoneLine #, as to determine the billing (or am i wrong?). I have not confirmed this with Telus (have to wait for complete billing cycle to review specific numbers placed), but wanted your understanding to confirm this.
Much Thanks!
Hey, that’s a really great question!
I can try to help; worst-case scenario if the US number is detected as the incoming and NOT the 403… Then it will be coming out of your regular minutes. No Long Distance charges should occur. Incoming calls (even international) are NOT charged as long distance to you (unless you are out of your Telus local calling area). Best thing to do, is to get a plan that has unlimited incoming from any/all numbers. I’m not sure if telus has one like this, maybe give them a call? Anyhow, let us know the results man! Maybe someone else has better input?
Hi again!
I posted a message earlier today about issues setting up Google Voice. All my issues are almost resolved. The one niggling issue is that when I call my Google number it doesn’t ring from within Gmail. Any incoming calls get routed to voicemail.
Hello Drake,
A user had a similar problem getting calls to the Gmail Voice.
Could you please check your setting on Google voice to see if they are set correctly?
I actually figured it out. It was one setting in Google Voice which I didn’t set. Google Chat.
does anyone know how to get the visual voicemail working?
Hey, so like many others posting so far, I’m still rather confused on whether or not I’m being charged while using Google Voice in Canada.
I followed this tutorial and managed to set up my account and everything works (thanks! this was awesome, thanks a lot for sharing!), I even managed to make and receive a few calls and check my voicemail using the GV app for Android.
However, here is my concern:
I set up that free Albertan (403) area code number which forwards received calls to my cell number, a Bell Canada number with a Toronto area code. When I make a call or check my GV voicemail, it dials a (678) number (my GV number, which is apparently an area code in Atlanta, Georgia). As my call display shows this number and not the (403) number, I’m fairly sure I’m being charged US-long distance rates.
Now, I don’t have unlimited incoming calling but I do have a Fab 10 plan which has unlimited incoming/outgoing calls and text to 10 numbers, and I can set up the Alberta number as one of them, which solves the unlimited incoming issue. Except that, again, it’s the Atlanta number that shows up in my call display. Given all this information, the question is, will I actually be able to make free calls to Canada and the US using GV? (I’m fairly certain that anyone in Canada calling me at my GV number would be charged long distance… right?)
Any help/advice would be great! Thanks again
Hey, awesome question. Demex lightly touched on it at the end of the article, but here is some clarification:
In short, having unlimited incoming is the trick here. Because to make any calls for FREE you simply login from your mobile device at https://www.google.com/voice/m OR use the Google Voice App to initiate any calls.
Then Google Voice calls YOU and connects you to the number you wanted to call… so, it’s always going to be an INCOMING call for you. It dials the number for you… Does that help? And, if you are dialing to a US or 403 number, then yes. You are probably getting charged Long Distance. To avoid this use the app or mobile login. Hope that helped a bit.
I believe many do NOT realize this is using airtime minutes (and data if calling out) if you dont have unlimited incoming…..
You MUST have unlimited incoming for this to be free (my favs will NOT work), otherwise it is going to use your airtime minutes when calls come inbound (cellphone callerID displays the non-local Google Voice # passed through FreePhoneLine) as well as calls outbound from the cellphone will use data (via logging into Google Voice in the web or Google Voice Callback app doing it for you) and airtime minutes when Google Voice calls the cellphone to then connect the call to the orginally placed #. This is because it shows the non-local Google Voice # on callerID as when the calls are inbound.
We need to find some workaround, such that the google voice app does not attach the callerID (although most will not live without this feature) and then FreePhoneLines somehow attaches their callerID # to the forwarded call to your cellphone. This assumes that the FreePhoneLine # you have setup is one of your Favorites #’s.
Any thoughts?
@pwn:
Thanks for your quick reply, that does clarify things a bit. I’m wondering though, if you do have unlimited incoming calls, does that still apply to incoming LONG DISTANCE calls? Because technically a call from my GV number would still be long distance.. I’m not sure how my carrier treats incoming long distance calls.
Lenny,
You will not be charged Long Distance for Incoming calls. All incoming calls are treated as regular incoming minutes by telus/rogers/fido/bell etc… SO even if someone calls you from China or USA or wherever, you will NOT incur any long distance charges for receiving that call. The only exception I can think of, is that if you are out of country or “local calling area”. Hope that helps man, any received calls you never pay long distance on unless it’s like collect or something weird… that’s why this google trick works so well.
Can this be used for free texting to canada and usa? From Canada?
Sort of. The Google Voice texting uses data instead of the SMS system. So if you have unlimited data or don’t use all your data every month, you’re fine.
However, people sending texts to your GV number would be charged long-distance texting fees if they were in Canada, because your GV ph# is an US number.
Hello –
I’m contemplating using this, but just one question.
Once Google Voice is available in the rest of Canada, how involved / costly is it to switch to a local area code?
It would be as easy a signing up! The reason you have to jump so many loop-holes right now is because Google Voice isn’t available anywhere in Canada. This is just a temporary way to enjoy the same service the US gets. I have no clue when if at all it will be available in Canada. But I wish it were, because it’s pretty sweet!
I would like to request some more clarification regarding the fab 10/unlimited favourites incoming calls.
It is understandable that this does not currently work because the numbers are being routed to the US for this workaround. However, when GV becomes available in Canada, will it be possible to put your own GV# as one of your favourites and have it route all your outgoing/incoming calls through this GV#? Since the GV# will be Canadian (I’m assuming this), fab 10 or equivalent should work as all calls will be routed through a Canadian GV#.
Does this seem reasonable based upon how GV works? I am not familiar enough with GV to know, but I am currently deciding between the Galaxy S and the iphone 4, and this information would be crucial to my decision.
Thanks!
Your understanding of how Google voice works is bang-on! So unless they add some weird restrictions when/if it comes to Canada, then you should be set! For unlimited incoming/outgoing by signing up to Google voice Canada and adding the google voice # as fav10 or my5.
Those are great phone choices! My 2cents is that iPhone 4 = easy to use & plenty of apps… Galaxy S = bit of a learning curve (Android OS) but lots of apps too. Cheers man.
Has anyone been able to make a call after completing the above steps and then with Google Voice on an Android Handset ? I constantly get a “we cannot complete your call” error message.
I’m getting the “we cannot complete your call” error message every time I try to make the call from my phone. What’s weird though is that if I place the call from my GV account on my internet browser on my computer and then send it to my phone, it works. And incoming calls works just fine.
Anyone know why this is?
Hello Lenny and Justin,
I have Updated the Guide. You will need Google Voice Callback App in order to make calls from your phone. This just saves the steps of going through the computer or through the browser and dialing the number.
DeMex,
Keep It Mexican!
Hi
So In found and installed the app. It does call me back but then promptly hangs up on me.. I think it has issues with VOIP as a call back number..
I guess we’ll have to wait for Google Voice to finally come to Canada.
Thanks for the write up BTW.
Hello Justin<
I have it installed in my Andorid Phone Nexus one.
Also remember that Google Voice is not a VOIP. Freephoneline.ca is a VOIP
It those work, you may want to play around with setting and make sure that Alt. Log on in click on.
DeMex.
Keep it Mexican!
Hi,
Ok, I figured out my problem. The problem was in FreePhoneLine.ca make sure your “Number of Seconds” in your Follow me number are enough..
Thanks for the help !
Now, Google, Please Bring Voice to Canada !
Hey thanks for all your help. Works great for me! I’ve had a google voice number for some time but was unable to forward to and use with my Cdn cell. Now I can. I also downloaded the newly re-released Google Voice Mobile + app and that makes it even simpler to call out to anywhere in Canada or USA without paying long distance. All we need now is for Google to finally make GV available in Canada. Then we would really be able to use all the features with one local Canadian Google Voice number. I don’t no why this seems to be so hard for Google. Obviously not having the 911 service (CRTC reg) doesn’t seem to be any obstacle for FreePhoneLine.ca!
Hello Deeze,
I am Glad to hear it.
I agree with you, Google voice should have already come! I mean if skype is being offered in Canada why not Google Voice?
DeMex,
Keep it Mexican.
Any idea how much data per minute is used? Even at home I’m on a 3G stick so I have to be aware of usage rate.
Thanks in advance!
Hello Glenn,
I am not sure what you are asking. Could you please be more specific?
DeMex
Hi
I guess I was thinking the google call back used data but I suppose it actually just uses regular airtime minutes. I just added unlimited incoming (telus). Tho the call will originate from the US will the unlimited incoming still cover that?
Thanks again!
If you have unlimited incoming, then you are good to go boss! Enjoy =)
OK, I like the whole concept of this. I got it set up… I am Canadian. I have GV working on my computer to make calls. It will not allow me access to the voice mail (i don’t really need this anyways). But I tried to use the GV app on my iphone and when I choose a contact to call, it calls a (760) number instead of the numbers that I want. It also says that the call cannot be connected.
Please help correct me where I am going wrong with installing the app on my iphone.
Andrew
Hey man, take a quick read at the instructions again maybe you missed a step? Make sure you got a GV account and Alberta number setup. You should not need to call any number, Google voice calls you and dials the number for you. You initiate a call from the mobile site or the app. Cheers
I can make the calls from my macbook. The google voicemail number doesn’t connect. And the google iphone app will dial the call but the message states ‘call cannot be connected’
should I just start from scratch again?
i figured out my problem… deleted the google account and started over again and got it right this time.
OK, I still can’t figure out the GV app on my iphone. It still will not allow me to call out. it says ‘we cannot complete your call.’
Texting and calling on my macbook works fine. Do I need to be on the US iTunes account? Does anyone know of any reasons why the GV app will not work when I dial from my iphone? The texting from my phone works but just not making calls from it.
Thanks for your help…
maybe this might help… on GV app it says before you can make your first call we need to know this phone’s number. This phone’s number is not listed… touch for instructions on adding it.
Since my cell phone is a Canadian phone, it cannot be accepted. is there a way around this?
Well only one glitch and its with FreePhoneLine. They haven’t added the new 587 exchange (I could not get a 780 exchange in the Edmonton area when I signed up for Telus). I got the 403 exchange FreePhoneLine in June and when I asked about forwarding to a 587 exchange they said it would take a month. Just got off the phone with them and they said it still hasn’t been added yet. I’m soooooooooo close. Any suggestions on how to work around the fact that my 403 can’t forward to my 587?
Thanks in advance!
Hello Glenn,
I am sorry, I dont have a solution as of right now but I will look into it.
DeMex,
Keep it Burrito!
Hi DeMex,
great write up!
I have been using it and works great
but I have a techincal question:
Why do you need to forward the GV# to Freephonelines# and then to my cellphone?
why not directly? so GV# to mycell#?
I have unlimited incoming so I am not worried about the incoming calls
One more question.
I have the official Google Voice app installed on my phone…and this is what I have been using to call.
When i call somebody using “google voice” am I calling the US number and then it calling me back? So I am getting charged Long Distance fees?
Is that why some people are using Google voice callBack free?
Thanks again!!
DanG
You can’t forward google voice to your Canadian number, that’s why you have to forward to a 403 number (which must also include some American numbers).
And what’s this official google voice app you speak of? There are only 3rd party apps like “GV Connect” and “GV Mobile +” that I’m aware of
Hi Peednas,
Thanks for the reply
It is actually possible to forward the GV# to mycell#…this is my current set up and works fine…I just want to make sure I am not incurring on long distance charges…and also wanted to know what was the purpose of having the freephoneline#
if you search in the market you will find “Google Voice” this is an application created by Google Inc.
I just tried setting up my 604 # and google said “international numbers not supported”……do you have a 403 or American number?
Also I should mention I was referring to iPhone apps….u must be using android or a berry then if u have an official app….my bad.
mycell# is a 403 because i live in calgary so instead of forwarding to the freephoneline# which is a 403xxxx i decided to forwarded directly to my cell# 403xxxxx and it works….so I guess if you live in calgary you don’t need to forward it to the freephoneline# you can forwarded directly to you cell#
Now to answer my own question the first one that I asked on my first post.
If you have and android phone and if you have “Google Voice” app by google inc. Whenever you use this app to make a call you WILL be calling a US number and then get routed to the number you dialed
ANDROID USERS BEWARE!
YOU WILL GET CHARGED US CALLING RATES IF YOU USE GOOGLE VOICE APP TO DIAL ANY NUMBER!
Thanks
DanG
Hey DanG,
I’m not sure how the android app works, but there’s two ways to make google voice calls,
1) calling directly by dialing ur google voice number (like a calling card)….does not require data plan
2) callback from google voice which requires a data plan
Both iPhone apps use the 2nd method as default but can also use 1st method. See if there’s a setting in ur app to turn off direct dialing….then u wouldn’t be charged.
Hi Peednas,
Thanks for the reply…good to have somebody to bounce ideas and frustrations with
Yeah the option you mentioned as 1) will cost you…a lot!…ask me!…personal experience.
I am currently using 2) and seems to work fine…you just use the data to trigger the call back and then it is a incoming call from the US…sweet deal if you have unlimited incoming!
Anyways that is what I wanted to mention…don’t use the direct dialing unless you want to pay LD fess just use call back
and yeah my other question kind of got answered…the one about the freephoneline#…I guess if you live in calgary you dont need it but for the rest of canada you do
Anyways
thanks and enjoy
Would this work with unlimited evenings and weekends (as opposed to having unlimited incoming)? does anyone know how much rogers’ unlimited incoming is? can’t seem to find it on their site.. do they even have it anymore?
I dont think they offer unlimited incoming anymore. I got mine a while ago with a plan
i can’t seem to find anything on it. maybe they scrapped it for my5… i hope it’d work with unlimited evenings & weekends then?! if anyone knows..
I installed the freephoneline software and when i try to login to it it says my account hasn’t been activated, even though I already entered my PIN when they called me. I have waited already 15 minutes and it’s still not letting me login. what do i do?
Kamran, the same thing happened to me.
I emailed support and they did everything at their end.
Yea, I emailed support as well. And they fixed everything within an hour of me providing some information.
Now, Google Voice is working fine. Although, when I first tried it, it started calling some US phone number. Someone else had this problem too and to solve it, they scrolled down on the google voice website and clicked the link “Older version”. So I used the older version as well and it worked perfectly.
I’m trying to register my 403 Calgary cell# while setting up Google voice under hotspot shield. I can finish steps 1-3 in the google voice setup on my computer but once it asks me for my carrier at step 4 I don’t see a cancel button.
The tutorial on this site at the third step says ” You will be able to click “cancel” at the last step to finish the set up (don’t worry about the provider just click cancel)” But I have no cancel button, and I cannot continue the setup past this step.
Any help would be appreciated.
Hi,
I think I did everything correctly, but when I try to place a call from my iPhone it calls a 760 number. Any suggestions? Thanks.
NB
Scroll down to the bottom of the screen and click on ‘Older Version’
Has anyone successfuly obtained a Google number?
On my Google Voice settings, I have a Google vociemail access number. When I try to call this number it says ;The call cannot be completed at this time’ and hangs up.
My FreePhone Canada 403 is registered, and I have tried to reregister it a few times. Isn’t the Google voicemail number supposed to forward to my FreePhone 403 to my cell?
Hi, I downloaded hotspotshield and I thought I “ran”/”saved” it but when I click on Google Voice it says it is not available. Did I do something wrong?
Hi, alright I figured it out, yay me!
Hi, okay now I’m a bit confused about what I just did. I did want a (403) number that people could use, but it would be forwarded to my cell phone that is also (403) to keep my personal number separate from my consulting number. So now I have an American number and an extra (403) number which I thought is what people could dial. Or maybe I didn’t need Google Voice in the first place? I do want to be able to get free long distance in Canada and the US.
Am I making sense?
Sorry!
Here is another question…when I called my Google number, the US one, it says it is a Google Number and to record your name and then it will be connected. Is there any way to get rid of that? Thanks!
click the Settings| Voice Settings link. (upper right corner of GV)
click on the Calls tab (middle selection)
change Call Screening to Off
Thank you!
I am encountering some problems. GV is saying that the 403 number i received from freephoneline.ca is invalid. And when i type in the area code it says this area code is not valid.
I followed everythin to the t. Got the us ip, and succefully got the alberta number (403). What am i doing wrong? Did google voice disable the Alberta thing?
Okay, i figured it out, its the next step where your suppose to enter the 403 number.
Thanks for this. I just set it up no problem. Have to use the “Old Version” on my iPhone, but small inconvenience. Some questions though.
1) I have unlimited incoming with Rogers (Vancouver Area) but if, for example, I’m in Toronto for work and make a call through GV, I will be charged Long Distance won’t I? Because the 403 number will call my 604 number, but I have to pay LD to receive the call in Toronto.
So really this is only useful for making free LD calls in your local calling area? (Which is VERY useful BTW)
2) There is no way to get this to work over Data or Wi-Fi is there? It would be great if there was. I use an iPhone
3) If in the US I would have to pay Roaming Charges to receive the forwarded calls from FPL?
Thanks again for posting this, as well all the helpful tips in the comments section. Really appreciate it.
SOS! I have set up GV and a freephoneline as directed, however when i call from my computer using GV i do hear the rings, but cannot hear the other party and the other party can’t hear me either.
Do you think whether my Canada-based gmail account may interfere with my newly GV number set up with Hotspot Shield? In other word, do i have to associate my GV with another gmail account created while Hotspot Shield is ON?
Found out rogers can give me unlimited incoming although it’s not on their website. So, if I wanted to make a call does that mean I should also have unlimited web browsing? i realized i get free wi-fi for an hour with rogers, dont know if that means only at hotspots or overall / anywhere. But would i be able then to make a call and turn off wi-fi / web browsing & still continue talking for as long as i want? sorry i obviously dont use internet on my phone much! thanks!!
You use very little data to make a call, start a call from your computer or the google mobile site https://www.google.com/voice/m and google calls you, then dials the number for you. Hope that helps.
thought i could make calls without subscribing to a data plan? (i.e. with a non-smartphone) did i misunderstand?
Yes, you are right. Sorry i worded that funny
ah thanks!
I think I need to clarify my question. The google mobile site…. if i access that through my phone then do i need an unlimited web browsing plan as well? or, if i have wifi (free for an hour) does that mean i can only talk for an hour?
A bit confused. I have Google voice and I am in Canada. I didn’t get a number but I can make calls however like @Tijan I have that same issues, i figure i have to play with the settings. What is the difference between the Google voice we have here in Canada and that in the USA…well aside from the ability to get incoming calls. Is that all this would give me or is there more? I would love to know because I am currently looking for a cheap/free way to make and recieve calls to clients.
Good question, it can be pretty confusing because the Google voice Canada can use is NOT the same service the USA gets. Long story short, watch this video: http://www.youtube.com/user/GoogleVoice?blend=2&ob=1#p/u/10/1KSoxdtyc58
The ability to make calls from your computer is available in Canada using Google voice in your Gmail account, what’s not available is getting a Google phone number and making/receiving calls from your cellphone…
really sucks rhinod*ck that once again we Canadians are getting SCREWED by these stupid carriers. I can not imagine that its the work of Google to not allow Canadians to have the full service here, if I am wrong it doesn’t matter these Canadian carriers are jerks.
Thanks for the replies, this is an awesome article and needed…fight the power.
IMy cousin told me about the google voice app and how it works for free within Canda and the U.S. I live in Canda but i have 3 brothers that live in the States. So i thought this would be a cool and economical app to have on my blackberry. I did so research and i came to this website. This website guided me in installing the program to my BB. With all due respect, this website was very helpful for me installing the Google Voice on my blackberry. I followed the instructions to the last detail and had no problem installing google voice on the BB. I live in Calgary, AB and i still got a freephone line 403 number and i aldo did the hotspot shield launch to get a US IP address. Everything worked smoothly during installation. I was prompted to enter my pin blah blah, i was also sent verification e-mails and all that stuff. I never had a problem with it. It worked fine on my BB.
But there’s a problem. My service provider is Rogers and i just got my wireless bill today and yes they did charge me for calling the states through my GV app on my Blackberry. When i did set up GV, i chose a chicago number; so that my brother in Chicago could call my GV number for free; because that would be a local number his dialing, that is 773. It worked great. He would call my GV number, it would ring on my Calgary number here in Canada. I would call him through GV and it would ring in Chicago and so forth. But anything you call an American number or even a canadian number it does dial that number through an access number. So i checked my phone bill today and i could see that i actually got charged LD for calling the U.S. Im yet to call my bro to see if he got charged Long distance, but i doubt it; since he was calling my GV number which was a chicago or a local number for him. So my phone bill wasnt showing my brothers number as a long distance charge, but its showing the access number to the server connects to. For instance, my brothers number starts with a 773 and anytime i call him using GV it dials an access number that starts with a 202. Its the 202 number that shows up on my phone bill and not my brother’s 773 number. So i mean it works great and everything but i still got charged LD, because the access number GV connects to is also an American number. I just got of the phone from rogers and they’re not reversing the charges so yeah i have over $70 to pay in Long disntance for this month period. It sucks big time. It is a great app to have and all but be WARNED. I got charged Long distance for using my GV app on my blackberry.
However, if anyone knows a way around this that would be great if they could share the information. I’ll like to save money and these long distance calls to the U.S. Thought GV could do that but apparently not
Hello Raheem:
Please make sure you DO NOT dial directly from your phone to your Google Voice Number or when making long distance. The only way (as specified in the tutorial) is to make calls from your computer or internet browser. Also you can use the Google Voice Callback APP. It those work just play around with the settings.
Keep it Nacho!!!
De Mex
I got samsung galexy s with bell in canada. I followed the above step. Step 4 pass (worked) however final step does not work. When I placed out going call on the android phone via google voice app, it did not connect. Apperntly it seems to dialing some US number and it says “unable to connect or phone not in service”. If I place call using computer both the number that i am calling and my mobile rings well and connects via google voice. Any help is appreciatd. Note that I have also tried google call back app and it did not connect as well.
Hello DesiMonk
As per the post above:
“Please make sure you DO NOT dial directly from your phone to your Google Voice Number or when making long distance. The only way (as specified in the tutorial) is to make calls from your computer or internet browser. Also you can use the Google Voice Callback APP. It those work just play around with the settings.”
DeMex.
Keep it Burrito!!!!
Hi DeMex,
Thank you. I was not putting right call back number in my “call back app”. Once I put 403 number in my call back app everything worked like a charm. Putting Google voice number in call back app did not work.
Your response set me straight.
Can I set this up from my pc for a friend to use from her MAC ?
Thanks in advance for your help.
i have a blackberry and everything works. the only thing is when i get a text, i have to check the google voice app to see the text. is there a way to set it up so it goes to my messages when i receive a text.
I can’t see the link to download the Freephoneline softphone so my Google Voice is not successful yet
I still think the Samsung Galaxy S needs big GPS and other improvements even with the 2.2 udpate.
It really needs RFS filesystem to die! The one click lagfix from RyanZA is so neccessary.
Hello Everyone
Just follow the simple steps described above and got my Google Voice no activated!
I am living in Montreal and got registered with an “Alberta” freephoneline no to activate this service!
Thanks everyone….
Just a follow-up from my earlier comments, I’ve been using the GV Connect app on my iPhone and it works great forwarding back through my free Alberta number. With my Rogers account, I have the My 5 Long Distance plan so I can call / receive calls from the 403 number without dinging my airtime. The GV Connect app actually performs a callback (the app doesn’t require I call out, the system calls ME), whereas the Google Voice (official) app tries to force my phone to call a Michigan number (?), even when I tell it to originate calls from my 403 number.
The only thing I’ve noticed when using it is there’s a bit of a delay, likely because the call is routed through 2 VoIP systems, but I’ll live with it for free long distance calling!
Hi,
Let me preface my following two questions with some details that may be helpful to you when answering them.
1) I live in Calgary.
2) I have an HTC Desire Z.
3) I have unlimited incoming.
4) I have the Google Voice App on my device.
5) I followed your steps and have a Google Voice number from Beverly Hills, area code (424).
6) Bell Mobility is my carrier.
Four questions;
1) To confirm, if I live in Calgary and already have a (403) cellphone number then does that mean I can skip ‘Step 2′ (i.e., because I did…LOL)?
2) When I use the Google Voice app on my Desire Z the phone states that Google Voice is connecting my call from a 1.866.XXX.XXXX number. When I see this it makes me worry that I’m going to be charged in some way, it may just be some irrational / illogical fear. So I guess my second question is, despite the fact that I’m seeing this and assuming that I set things up properly as per your process…can I really call anywhere within Canada and the US for free?
3) If the answer to my second question is ‘yes’, can you explain in a simple manner what’s happening in behind the scenes between Google Voice / the Google Voice App / my (403) number / the carrier / etc to make this possible?
4) If I’m simply going to be using Google Voice on my (403) cell number for outgoing calls because it doesn’t make sense to have clients or family call a (424) number in Beverly Hills then there’s probably no point in setting up the voice-mail functionality, correct?
Thanks,
Big Poppa
1. Yes you can
2. As i Said before you need to use the Google voice Call back APP. That way you dont connect directly and get charged long distance.
3. Google voice connects directly to anywhere in Canada and US though their Google voice service.
4. Well you wont be able to set up Google voice on your phone because you are going to be dialing long distance.
Got it, so using the Google Voice App on our smartphone’s is a ‘no go’ for Canadian users.
You need to dial the number through your Google Voice account on your computer and have it dial you, otherwise you are calling long distance when using the Google Voice App on your smartphone.
So you always need to be by your computer to dial and have it ring your device which sort of limits how useful Google Voice is for users in Canada despite these work-arounds.
Am I paraphrasing that right?
PT
The Canada Logo with the flag is a registered trademark of the Government of Cananda, I am sure you don’t have permission to use the Logo.
Paul, this blog post was made 6 months ago … do you think the Gov’t is really going to chase down @DeMex for using that logo in a fairly legitimate way? :rolleyes:
Thank you CapitalC.. I prefer to ignore Comments like that…. Some Troll that was bored.
hi I was just wondering if google voice works for ipod touch 4thg i got one for my daughter for christmas it would be nice if she could use it as a phone or even as a text thanks ps i am not very good at this.
hi I just had a question I followed the steps above but when Google send the verification code it sends a SMS and I cannot receive sms with the 403 number… how do I get around this? or am I doing something wrong. I was using hotspotshield… I get the call option only without the hotspotshield
Cosita Linda
Ok, I just got this all setup and it all seems to work fine. I’m still confused about one thing. On my carrier’s website (TBayTel) it says this: “If you accept calls while you are roaming and the call has been delivered to you via this feature, you will be responsible for the long distance charges from Thunder Bay to where you answer the call.”
So I’m taking this to mean that if I’m in the states and I make a call through Google Voice, I’ll be charged long distance? (I’m still a bit confused as to how this all works with the Google number and the Alberta number). I mean it’s still great that I can call long distance when I’m in Thunder Bay, but it would be even greater if I could call back to Thunder Bay for free when I’m travelling!!
I have this all setup and would work great, problem is I just found out freephoneline.ca dosnt support call forwarding (or follow me settings) to phones in the (250) area code in BC. Only way to make it work is pay 2 cents a minute for the forwarding to my cell phone in 250 area. Is there any other options to make this work for people in such areas not supported by freephoneline.ca?
aaron setup a flynumber in calgary and a skype northamerica account, then fwd flynumber to skype and skype to your landline or cell.
Google seems to be able to detect that I am in canada, even though I am using HotspotShield. I guess they have my info on file from when I set up the account. (?)
So, my question is: Is the HotSpot method still working for other folks? If it is what steps should I take next, and if it isn’t what steps should I take?
Thanks,
Doug
I just used HotSpotShield today from Montreal.
I think that you didn’t install it completely or are not using it correctly or you need to clear out all cookies from your default browser before you launch it through HotSpotShield.
If it is installed correctly, there will be a HotSpotShield icon on your desktop. If you double-click it, the HotSpotShield app will launch your default browser and then ‘hang’ until it sets up the US ip – it will say ‘connected’ when its ready.
HTH.
Before you start HotSpotShield, which launches your ‘default browser’, you must, alteast, delete all cookies.
I FOUND THE 403 GLUE!!
Flynumber is a $3.25 per month virtual number that forwards for free to Skype.
So you could fwd GV to a 403 number from Flynumber, and then on to your Skype account. Then with a Skype Northamerica plan about $3 a month you can fwd again to any land line or cell phone number at no LD cost. (you still pay mobile minutes).
This is a good solution for inbound calls on a cheap little cell phone with no fancy data plan.
This is comparable to Freephoneline, but better as FPL charges you LD to fwd outside of 403 area code.
don’t use hotspot.. tor project FTW
I wouldn’t use Tor to log into any Google or other personal accounts, from what I’ve read people hosting the exit point could sniff your data/steal your password.
Anyways, I managed to make my two personal e-mail accounts “CLIENT_ONLY” when trying to sign up for Voice, so now I can’t use them for Voice (note Gmail’s call functionality still works). First one I tried I think was my mistake, I was playing around with the URL and I went ahead with the forwarding number test but never clicked on “get a google number” button before that step. The second account, I was having trouble inputting my activation code, and so on one of my attempts I managed to do it successfully finally but it was just after the browser said try again later. So now that account can’t get a google number anymore either.
Seems like I also can’t use it with my Google Apps account since it is Canadian.
Is my last alternative to create a new Gmail account and try again? Is there any disadvantage to that?
Hey,
First I’d like to say you’ve made a fantastic and easy to follow guide! Thank you! But I have a question. When I use GV callback I’m receiving the call from GV instead of FPL. I’ve read through all the comments and I’m wondering if anyone using their FPL number as one of their nationwide fab 10 are being charged long distance when using GV callback and receiving the call back as their GV number instead of their FPL number? If so, is there a work around?
freephoneline.ca is not giving 403 numbers anymore please let me know where can I get 403 number or any US number that can be forwarded to canadian number. Thanks.
Hi. I already have a Google voice account registered with a US area code (561) on my Blackberry phone which I have been using for at least 8 months. . I travel alot to Canada and have recently started using a Samsung phone which has a northern Ontario area code (705) and is registered with Rogers. What would be the easiest and least expensive way to get a Google Canada account so that I can keep in contact by phone or text message with my family back in the US?? Also, do I need a data/message plan to acheive this?? Thanks for all your help.
I also can’t get a 403 number
banff AB
Calgary AB
Edmonton AB
Lake Louise AB
all giving me non 403 numbers. I’ve tried multiple times from different ips
woooo after 4 hours of spamming different numbers i FINALLY got one
2*
I’m late to this party but when Eddie marries LeeLee will his support payments go up???
Hi, tried following the steps. However, when I try with freephoneline, am getting 587 no for Calgary. Any suggestions?
Google voice won’t accept 403 numbers for call forwarding anymore – stating the same international restrictions as they do for all Canadian numbers.
that will affect a lot of people. wow. i hope that’s just a temporary glitch.
Unfortunately I noticed this about a month ago, and it doesn’t seem to be going away. So no new signups for 403
“Google voice won’t accept 403 numbers for call forwarding anymore – stating the same international restrictions as they do for all Canadian numbers.”
I also get an error message “Country of the new forwarding phone does not match the existing ones.”
Can someone confirm that it still works with 403?
Doubtful. The Alberta exchanges (403/780) have been exhausted and being replaced by 587. Last summer (2010) I got a new Telus cell phone and new number. That’s when they started giving out 587. My wife went thru Rogers and got a 780. So the lower volume companies still had some of the old exchanges in their pool, but sooner or later they too ran out and ended up with the 587 exchange.
Actually, as 403 numbers become available (because of expired accounts) they turn up back in the pool; I snagged one just last month.
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