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Google Voice Allows Users to Port Mobile Number

Jan 19, 2011, 10:25 PM by Eric M. Zeman
updated Jan 20, 2011, 8:51 AM

Google has added a minor, but useful, new feature to its Google Voice service. Users may now port an existing cellular phone number from their wireless carrier to Google Voice. Porting the number costs $20 (simply changing Google Voice numbers costs $10). Doing this would allow Voice users to keep their familiar number with them no matter what device they are using, as well as switch handsets and carriers frequently without losing their number. Google notes that choosing to port you number will cancel you existing wireless account, which may leave users open to early termination fees. It appears that Google has pulled this feature from Google Voice for the time being, claiming that number porting is being tested, but not ready for primetime.

Engadget »

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Comments

This forum is closed.

This forum is closed.

lte

Jan 20, 2011, 2:59 AM

and it's Gone...

Glad I got in b4 they took it away 🙂
Hope it comes back for ya'll...

WiGuy

AND it's back 😲

GettingSleepy

Jan 20, 2011, 3:14 AM

If it cancels your account

How would you ever upgrade? I guess you could always get a new number from your carrier and start a new line of service. I could easily see problems pulling up accounts though from people not remembering their phone numbers.

mkl4466

Google doesn't become your wireless carrier. So if you port your number to google voice, you can use any phone you want, without worrying about porting your number to a wireless carrier, and use google voice to make and receive calls on your 1 google ...
(continues)

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snarky30

Jan 20, 2011, 1:57 PM

I guess I'm missing something

How would this work once it cancels your account with your wireless carrier? If the account is cancelled, then that phone would no longer be able to access the network to make calls.

So you would have to port your number over to Google, then start up a new line of service with a carrier, get a random number assigned to you, and then turn on the call forwarding to your Google Voice number.

Sounds like there are still some kinks to work out.

sunilsonia

Jan 20, 2011, 7:51 AM

What if I am still using it in tandem with my other phones as I've been in the past?

What if I don't port my number and use this service as I've been using till date, will it still use my cell plan minutes of course time of day dependent?

Scenario: What if I'm calling to landlines using my Google Voice Number or likewise, someone calls me on that line

mkl4466

you may continue to use the service as you have been. If you don't make any change to your number, nothing else changes.

Menno

It will use your plan minutes, yes.

For me, that won't be an issue as I use a total of 300 minutes a month total.

Also, don't be surprised if this is the first step towards a full VOIP solution from google. It might cost money, but it would be ...
(continues)

turbodog225

Jan 20, 2011, 2:28 AM

how can i get selected for this?

like now? i have an expiring phone contract and i'd love to keep the number...

sunilsonia

turbodog225 said:
like now? i have an expiring phone contract and i'd love to keep the number...

You don't need t obe invited anymore; you can now straight away sign up. See the URL I've provided here below:

htt...
(continues)

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