Google Voice + Sprint integration

[aman1127]

I use it only for the transcribed vms. Is it possible to make international calls on free WiFi so I don't have to use international roaming?

Cooler than your EVO

[Mr.Gadget]

Originally Posted by aman1127

I use it only for the transcribed vms. Is it possible to make international calls on free WiFi so I don't have to use international roaming?

Cooler than your EVO

I wonder. There is a special tab for Rates. Seems that most rates are 2 cents per minute for international. So, just the fact that they have rates posted makes me think the answer is no. But... it is cheaper to call via their rates than pay the rates the cell companies charge.
There is a feature if you click "Call" that allows you to enter a number and choose which of your phones to connect with. It says, "Google will call your phone and connect you."

Edit: Found this in my welcome email: "Other cool features include the ability to listen in on messages while they are being left and the ability to make low cost international calls."
Looks like, No is our answer to free international calls.

[josh90265]

@Mr.Gadget,

Thanks for the info! Had some more questions if you don't mind me askin...

1. How's the setup process?
- As far as linking your google account into sprint as well as options to disable/terminate GV service.

2. Does GV use Sprint minutes? Or does it make calls through the data service?
For example, could you make a phone call thru GV on, let's say, a tablet?
And do the minutes get recorded by Sprint? strictly on google? or both?

Thanks!

[jj14x]

Originally Posted by josh90265

2. Does GV use Sprint minutes? Or does it make calls through the data service?
For example, could you make a phone call thru GV on, let's say, a tablet?
And do the minutes get recorded by Sprint? strictly on google? or both?

GV uses Sprint minutes (calls are not made using data)
Unless your call is mobile to mobile, the minutes will come out of your regular minutes (if your call is made during peak hours, it will reduce your anytime minutes etc)
Google doesn't charge you anything for this (well, besides your privacy! lol!), so in all, you don't gain any additional minutes by doing this.

[draghn]

Originally Posted by josh90265

@Mr.Gadget,

Thanks for the info! Had some more questions if you don't mind me askin...

1. How's the setup process?
- As far as linking your google account into sprint as well as options to disable/terminate GV service.

The setup is really easy and quick. I already had Google Voice and my mobile, Sprint, number set up. To integrate them I just clicked on the link that showed up next to my mobile phone and tell it which option I wanted (to use my Sprint number as my Google Voice number, or to integrate my existing Google Voice number). I chose the latter option and it started working right away.

To get rid of it, or undo the integration, I just clicked the new link that was next to my mobile phone in Google Voice that said "disable integration" or some variation of that. The changes were tested a few minutes later and the two were separate again.

Reintegrating was just as easy as click the link to integrate again, of course.

Originally Posted by josh90265

@Mr.Gadget,

2. Does GV use Sprint minutes? Or does it make calls through the data service?
For example, could you make a phone call thru GV on, let's say, a tablet?
And do the minutes get recorded by Sprint? strictly on google? or both?

Thanks!

It looks like calls made via Google Voice directly don't use my Sprint minutes. Though I've only had a few cases to look at myself.

[jj14x]

Originally Posted by aman1127

I use it only for the transcribed vms. Is it possible to make international calls on free WiFi so I don't have to use international roaming?

Cooler than your EVO

This doesn't let you make calls over wifi. Your calls are still made over the cellular (voice) network, so you will still be billed international roaming rates if you are not in the US.

If you are traveling outside the US and need to call a US tel#, you could try Skype (about $3 per month for unlimited calling to US - over wifi or 3G) - it is pretty clear too.