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Hi all,
I've recently been lucky enough to get an invite to Google Voice, and as such, I'd like to use it as my primary voicemail. I know how to change the Speed Dial setting so I can dial 1 and get to my GV messages, but I'd like to set up call forwarding or something similar so that anyone who calls my 'old' (original) phone number is sent to the GV number when I don't answer.
Please see this article to see what I'm talking about:
http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/...ice-to-add-visual-voicemail-to-your-g1-dream/
I know that WM6 doesn't have an app for GV just yet, and I'm content to receive text messages for now. Is it possible to modify my voicemail functionality in this way? For reference, I'm using Sprint on a Vogue (with VetVito's ROM, but that shouldn't matter here).
Thanks!
Nevermind... on Sprint, this is done through setting up "Forward when busy" and "Forward when no answer" with customer service, and it carries a per-minute fee for each use. No way I'm shelling out 20 cents per minute for voicemail. Oh well...
If you are persistent enough and get to the right tech level, they will do it for you in the system. I basically had a lot of trouble doing the *7XXX thing (can't remember the code anymore) and finally got to a tech who told me that when your calls go to sprints voicemail, it is basically a call forward to a different number, just handled internally. So he changed the number in the internal system to my voicemail service (phone fusion, I'm on the android OS) and viola, call forwarding for busy and no answer calls with no charge!
It will probably take a few calls and some time, but it is possible. I would also suggest searching for and signing an online petition to sprint to discontinue this charge. Apparently they are the only US carriers who charge for this. with google voice coming, it's just not a good thing.
I'm on Verizon and I just have to dial *72+the number I want calls forwarded to and they just go to that number. The only issue is that it causes me to lose the free mobile 2 mobile calls because I get connected to my Google Voice account.
I called five times. Each time the answer was the same (in varying degrees of smarmyness and friendliness): We used to change the voicemail number for people, and we can still do it, but aren't allowed to.
No ifs, ands, or buts.
Every one of them tried to sell me on call forwarding at 20 cents per minute. Each time I explained that if I got only one message per day, at a minute or less, that'd be an extra six bucks on my bill. Personally, it'd be much higher.
So, much as I love my Vogue, the combination of their 'anti-Android' policy and intentional incompatibility with third-party voicemail systems means that I'll be looking for a new provider when my contract is up. Maybe I'll port my number to a shiny new myTouch 3G.
Really, I have never had a harder time setting up an on-line account with any technology vendor for the simple purpose of paying a bill.
This is primarily rooted around Verizon's insistance on sending text messages for any activity to a device that does not accept them.
After two requests still awaiting for that snail mail that gives me a pin number so I can actually register on-line.
And all I see is grief in the future, whenever you want to do something, Verizon insists on sending a text. Sheesh.
mjpacheco said:
Really, I have never had a harder time setting up an on-line account with any technology vendor for the simple purpose of paying a bill.
This is primarily rooted around Verizon's insistance on sending text messages for any activity to a device that does not accept them.
After two requests still awaiting for that snail mail that gives me a pin number so I can actually register on-line.
And all I see is grief in the future, whenever you want to do something, Verizon insists on sending a text. Sheesh.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What the tech did for me, was activate a test phone on the account, then have the text message sent to that phone.
Once I used that temporary password to set up the online account, he took the test phone off the account.
I had them waive my activation fee for my troubles, but that was back when they weren't automatically waiving them anyway.
gbenj said:
What the tech did for me, was activate a test phone on the account, then have the text message sent to that phone.
Once I used that temporary password to set up the online account, he took the test phone off the account.
I had them waive my activation fee for my troubles, but that was back when they weren't automatically waiving them anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
same issue.. dumb setup.. you would think they would have another way , not to mention, what they need to do is when you setup your tablet, they give you a pin in the box or set it up with a backup phone number.
there is a million ways to do it., its dumb that they forgot this setup
but then, I am still curious why they do not set these DATA only setups to NOT have pohone numbers. we all know that the US is running out of numbers, what is the use of the number?! Give me an account number, or hell, just a IP address or something that does not waste a phone number that I cant use.
eatonjb said:
same issue.. dumb setup.. you would think they would have another way , not to mention, what they need to do is when you setup your tablet, they give you a pin in the box or set it up with a backup phone number.
there is a million ways to do it., its dumb that they forgot this setup
but then, I am still curious why they do not set these DATA only setups to NOT have pohone numbers. we all know that the US is running out of numbers, what is the use of the number?! Give me an account number, or hell, just a IP address or something that does not waste a phone number that I cant use.
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This is a phone wireless provider. Initially the data was setup for a means of phones getting data. So built on top of that principal in order to communicate with the Verizon NOC your unique identifier is actually your phone number, thats how their system evolved and it would be silly to rewrite their entire setup so tablets, a small percentage of their devies on their network, don't have to have a unique number that isn't a phone number.
sleeplessninja said:
This is a phone wireless provider. Initially the data was setup for a means of phones getting data. So built on top of that principal in order to communicate with the Verizon NOC your unique identifier is actually your phone number, thats how their system evolved and it would be silly to rewrite their entire setup so tablets, a small percentage of their devies on their network, don't have to have a unique number that isn't a phone number.
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I would accept that, but have you seen the iPad 2? You can signup for and pre-pay data ON THE DEVICE. This is on verizon, they have it setup already, they just didn't want to for the xoom.
Really man..?
mjpacheco said:
Really, I have never had a harder time setting up an on-line account with any technology vendor for the simple purpose of paying a bill.
This is primarily rooted around Verizon's insistance on sending text messages for any activity to a device that does not accept them.
After two requests still awaiting for that snail mail that gives me a pin number so I can actually register on-line.
And all I see is grief in the future, whenever you want to do something, Verizon insists on sending a text. Sheesh.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Last time I checked the moto xoom was not a phone. We have stores for people that cant handle the internet.
The text message feature is provisioned onto any and all devices, including aircards, its just the way the system was programmed pre-tablet'age.
Bunch of crap, I am currently waiting for my third PIN number to arrive by mail as the last two didnt work, I even called them and had THEM do it to make sure I wasnt screwing something up. I really wish I was inside of my 14day window or Id take it back and get the wifi and tether to my EVO and be done with it.
AJMetal87 said:
Last time I checked the moto xoom was not a phone. We have stores for people that cant handle the internet.
The text message feature is provisioned onto any and all devices, including aircards, its just the way the system was programmed pre-tablet'age.
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it might not make calls, but it is a device, I understand what he's talking about
but, lets face it, with the decent amount of tablets coming out, data cards, and other hardware and devices, getting rid of the number system might be advantagious in the near future.. but then, I actualy would not mind this thing having a number to text me too. but then with the costs, no way!
/rant.
AJMetal87 said:
Last time I checked the moto xoom was not a phone. We have stores for people that cant handle the internet.
The text message feature is provisioned onto any and all devices, including aircards, its just the way the system was programmed pre-tablet'age.
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Click to collapse
Don't be a dork. This has to do with setting up a Verizon account on the internet, not with any one persons skill in using the internet. During the process there is a step "we will now text you your PIN", which you need the pin in order to complete the setup so you have access to your account on-line.
This is where Verizon drops the ball. After looking through the "I didn't / cannot get a text", a reference is made that it will be snail mailed to you if you do not complete the registration in 24 hours.
Apparently 24 hours actually means two weeks, which is how long it took me to get the PIN, which arrived today after my original posting, which of course happened after I have called them again and they have generated a new one which will probably take two more weeks, and this one is presumably invalid.
sleeplessninja said:
This is a phone wireless provider. Initially the data was setup for a means of phones getting data. So built on top of that principal in order to communicate with the Verizon NOC your unique identifier is actually your phone number, thats how their system evolved and it would be silly to rewrite their entire setup so tablets, a small percentage of their devies on their network, don't have to have a unique number that isn't a phone number.
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Click to collapse
A company is not defined by how they handle routine matters, but by how they handle exceptions.
It should not require rewriting the entire setup, the process should be smart enough to know when a device is not text capable, and provide an alternative flow... like maybe an e-mail?
gbenj said:
What the tech did for me, was activate a test phone on the account, then have the text message sent to that phone.
Once I used that temporary password to set up the online account, he took the test phone off the account.
I had them waive my activation fee for my troubles, but that was back when they weren't automatically waiving them anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is a good tech who knows a work around. Unfortunately I waited a day or two before trying to set up my access to my on-line acount.
Hate VZW? In a word: Sprint. I bought mine a week ago. After getting confirmation of the sprint version, this one is boxed up and being returned. Can you find anyone willing to purchase your Xoom and transfer it over to another guy?
you could also go the Mifi way.
Virgin has a great deal. 10 days and 100mb for $10, or unlimited for a month for for $40 and no contracts, no nothing!
I still have the 20$ Verizon plan for now, just for the convenence, and since I use mostly Wifi, I can either use that, or call them up for one month to give me a GB of bandwitch.
but , no matter how i look at it, I think Verizon and Sprint, and T-Mo AND AT&T prices are CRAZy, exp if you dont use it all that much.
As sad as this may sound, I found that there is no speed difference between Verizon 3G and using my Nexus S wifi hotpot. So was kinda regretting getting the 3G version.
It took me about five minutes to do it in person
So This might sound a little odd.
I am moving about the country quite a bit in the next few months, and I work in northern bc/alaska where there is no cell towers. I am curious if it is possible to get a data only sim for my phone and use google voice with my number ported over. Or possibly a SIP account with a number. I use my phone on wifi where I am working currently and I use skype, works great but I cant get a canadian skype number which means no one can call my existing phone number and have it get through to me.
I Dislike the Idea of having to switch a whole bunch of providers and I like the idea of getting a data sim and just having a flat monthly rate. But is that even possible?
Any ideas/suggestions?
Worst case I can get a new number from my provider and have my existing number ported to google voice, as I am on an unlimited data plan but then I am still paying for all the extras of having a phone and not just data. I really would like to keep my existing number as I have had it forever and use it for work purposes.
Not in the exact situation as you, but similar. I travel outside of the country often and usually have wifi (hotel, etc.). Groove IP from the market is the easiest solution. As long as you have data 3g/4g/wifi, you can receive and make calls to any US number using your google voice number. It has a separate dialer, but you can set it to use the native dialer as well (it will prompt you if you want to use grooveip or regular cell towers). Just read the instructions on it well (forwarding calls to google chat), and it's the best $5 I've spent. No hassle.
Obviously, the better data signal you have, the better the call quality is.
(I am not affiliated with Groove IP in any way)
Hmm well that app actually does almost exactly what I would like to do. Thanks for the info.
I have a Nexus 4 from Google Play and a T-Mobile Value Plan. I'm having an odd issue.
My area code is '408'. I generally can place calls to others who share the same '408' area code without having to include it when dialing.
However, since I switched to T-Mobile, I am unable to do so. I get an audible message telling me to include "1 and/or the area code to complete this call."
Can someone else who uses T-Mobile confirm if this is normal? Are you folks able to dial phone numbers of the same area code as yours without having to include it?
I never had this issue on AT&T, Sprint, or Verizon over the past 5+ years. I called T-Mobile customer support, they said its a problem with my Nexus 4 and that I should contact Google Play support. (I'm not so sure that makes much sense.)
Time to play with the big boys and use an are code
Whoa. How on earth have you not needed to use 11-digit until now? Everywhere I've lived since about 1999 I've had to use area codes for local calls. And all the places i've lived are certainly smaller than your area.
That said, you might want to google.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Area_codes_408_and_669
Effective April 21, 2012, you should begin the new dialing procedures [i.e. to use the area code] whenever you place a call from the 408 area code. If you forget and dial just seven digits, your call will still be completed.
Beginning October 20, 2012, you must use the new dialing procedures (...) for all calls. After this date, if you do not use the new dialing procedures, your call will not be completed and a recording will instruct you to hang up and dial again.
Beginning November 20, 2012, new telephone lines or services may be assigned numbers using the 669 area code.
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http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/PUC/Telco/generalInfo/Area+Codes/408+Area+Code.htm
reuthermonkey said:
Whoa. How on earth have you not needed to use 11-digit until now? Everywhere I've lived since about 1999 I've had to use area codes for local calls. And all the places i've lived are certainly smaller than your area.
That said, you might want to google.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Area_codes_408_and_669
http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/PUC/Telco/generalInfo/Area+Codes/408+Area+Code.htm
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Click to collapse
Haha, I actually have about 2,000 contacts in my phone book. I of course had the area codes entered in my contact list for every single number outside of my area code. However, the contacts that belong to the same area code as mine were saved without an area code.
I of course can update all these numbers, but was simply curious whether there was some network error on T-Mobile's part. It seems as though you have shed light on the new California changes. I had heard about it, but didn't connect the dots.
Thanks! Case closed.
For local numbers I don't input the area code and I don't have any issues, didn't on tmo and don't now on straight talk (tmo or att.)
I have been a Verizon Customer for longer that it has been Verizon.
Service in my area has been great... up until the last year or so. Basically since they put 4G here. I no longer have service in my office, or several other places that I frequent. I travel alot and most always have verizon service where I go.
So here is the dilema... I don't want to lose my phone number! I was thinking about porting my number to another service, cause I do not want to lose my number... I have had it forever. But at the same time I do not want to lose my verizon line until I know that the other service is ok for me. primarily the unlimited data.
Anyone have any ideas?
Chris
cseeley said:
I have been a Verizon Customer for longer that it has been Verizon.
Service in my area has been great... up until the last year or so. Basically since they put 4G here. I no longer have service in my office, or several other places that I frequent. I travel alot and most always have verizon service where I go.
So here is the dilema... I don't want to lose my phone number! I was thinking about porting my number to another service, cause I do not want to lose my number... I have had it forever. But at the same time I do not want to lose my verizon line until I know that the other service is ok for me. primarily the unlimited data.
Anyone have any ideas?
Chris
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This is a issue a growing number people are encountering now a days. I would suggest that you take look into T-Mobile network Test Drive offer an see if they are for you.I know that in my area T-Mobile is terrible so I'm with Verizon till I get kicked off Unlimited then it looks like it's Sprint time. The porting of the number won't be too much of a issue as most company's do that now. I don't know what happened when they flipped the 4G switch but their towers weren't ready.
cseeley said:
I have been a Verizon Customer for longer that it has been Verizon.
Service in my area has been great... up until the last year or so. Basically since they put 4G here. I no longer have service in my office, or several other places that I frequent. I travel alot and most always have verizon service where I go.
So here is the dilema... I don't want to lose my phone number! I was thinking about porting my number to another service, cause I do not want to lose my number... I have had it forever. But at the same time I do not want to lose my verizon line until I know that the other service is ok for me. primarily the unlimited data.
Anyone have any ideas?
Chris
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go get a new number from some other carrier then forward your Verizon number to it till you get it figured out then port or not
cseeley said:
I have been a Verizon Customer for longer that it has been Verizon.
Service in my area has been great... up until the last year or so. Basically since they put 4G here. I no longer have service in my office, or several other places that I frequent. I travel alot and most always have verizon service where I go.
So here is the dilema... I don't want to lose my phone number! I was thinking about porting my number to another service, cause I do not want to lose my number... I have had it forever. But at the same time I do not want to lose my verizon line until I know that the other service is ok for me. primarily the unlimited data.
Anyone have any ideas?
Chris
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This one's easy. Port your phone number to Google Voice. Then get a new number from Verizon for your existing phone. Install the Google Voice app on your phone and all of the incoming and outgoing calls will be via Google Voice using the number your ported there.
I've had Google Voice as my primary number for years and I'm completely independent of any carrier or single phone. In fact, when someone calls my phone number it rings on my cell phone, my home phone, my office phone, my tablet and my PC. My wife giggles every time I get a call because it sounds like I'm in a clock store with all the alarms going off at once.
If you get a new phone from another carrier just install Google Voice on it and both your old cell phone and new phone will ring at once. You will be completely independent of a carrier. I am so independent of the carrier that I have no idea what phone number is on my current cell phone. I'd have to look in the settings to see what it is.
Two caveats:
1) You will need to use Google Voice for text messaging. If you use any other text messaging app it will show that the message came from the cell phone's number and not Google Voice's number.
2) Google Voice messaging doesn't handle MMS texts. You can't send/receive photos or videos.
One huge advantage:
You can send/receive texts on your PC by going to Voice.Google.com and logging in. In fact, your entire text messaging history is stored in the cloud. Get a text and it shows up on your phone, on your tablet and in your browser. Immediately. When I'm on my computer and I hear my phone chime that a text has arrived, I never take my phone out, I just look at the text in my browser. It's so much more convenient than any other messaging app that I would never change.
Yeah... I already use google voice quite a bit with a different number.
Here is the problem, if I port my number out of Verizon, their system automatically closes the line when the port is complete. It is no problem getting it turned back on, but then I lose the unlimited data.
That is where my problem lies.
Chris
TabGuy said:
This one's easy. Port your phone number to Google Voice. Then get a new number from Verizon for your existing phone. Install the Google Voice app on your phone and all of the incoming and outgoing calls will be via Google Voice using the number your ported there.
I've had Google Voice as my primary number for years and I'm completely independent of any carrier or single phone. In fact, when someone calls my phone number it rings on my cell phone, my home phone, my office phone, my tablet and my PC. My wife giggles every time I get a call because it sounds like I'm in a clock store with all the alarms going off at once.
If you get a new phone from another carrier just install Google Voice on it and both your old cell phone and new phone will ring at once. You will be completely independent of a carrier. I am so independent of the carrier that I have no idea what phone number is on my current cell phone. I'd have to look in the settings to see what it is.
Two caveats:
1) You will need to use Google Voice for text messaging. If you use any other text messaging app it will show that the message came from the cell phone's number and not Google Voice's number.
2) Google Voice messaging doesn't handle MMS texts. You can't send/receive photos or videos.
One huge advantage:
You can send/receive texts on your PC by going to Voice.Google.com and logging in. In fact, your entire text messaging history is stored in the cloud. Get a text and it shows up on your phone, on your tablet and in your browser. Immediately. When I'm on my computer and I hear my phone chime that a text has arrived, I never take my phone out, I just look at the text in my browser. It's so much more convenient than any other messaging app that I would never change.
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Click to collapse