Choosing a Google Voice number - none available in my area code.....?
tuna:
I bought an OBi 200, hooked it up, and went through the basic set-up procedures as outlined in the pamphlet that is enclosed with the OBi 200. When I view my phone's status after logging in on OBiTalk, my SP1 is Google Voice and it is basically configured. I finally found a link to obtain a Google Voice number, but when I enter/suggest my area code, it tells me that there are no Google Voice numbers available in that area code. I did find availability in a different area code/city within my state:
Choose a Google Voice number https://voice.google.com/signup
So, is it OK to select a number that's nowhere near where I live? Any untoward consequences of doing that?
My needs are really basic -- I want to "cut the cord" -- I currently have the triple package from Spectrum, including home phone service. There is nothing fancy about my set up. I don't care about call forwarding, linking to other (cell) phones, or anything. I just want it to ring when call, and the answering machine to handle the call if I'm not there. Occasional FAX via my AIO printer combo. Getting an entirely new number is best, as I want to ensure that the OBi Phone will function well before I cut the cord; I won't mind informing all contacts, etc., of the change. (BTW, likewise, I will do a trial of sling tv also before cutting the cord; I want to avoid any down time when I make the transition. This is where I'm coming from.)
So, what's your best advice on getting a Google Voice number in my situation? Thanks.
GPz1100:
You can get a number in any area code you want. I don't know of any drawbacks other than using it to call local numbers may results in the call sent to vm because some people ignore out of area numbers.
If your ultimate goal is to port your land line into gv you may run into issues.
Valid your landline # here - https://www.google.com/voice/porting .
If it says "Ooops! We currently don't support porting from your carrier. We apologize and are working on adding support for more carriers." then you can likely port it in by first porting it to a mobile provider.
If it says "Ooops! This number appears to be from an area we don't currently support.", then you're SOL.
tuna:
Thanks. Well, it's unfortunate that there are no Google Voice numbers within my area code (I'm wondering, "Why not?"). I'm not really sure of all the ramifications of porting, or even what porting really is. At this moment in time I want to set up my OBi separately and with a separate phone number. I don't really have a true land line, it's just phone service over my cable; I have a cable modem that also has phone output. Once I confirm that the OBi works (entirely independently from my Spectrum cable phone), then I will cut the cord with Spectrum, receiving and paying only for internet service alone (no more cable TV and cable phone). Right now it seems to work -- it's set up with basic configuration, all three LEDs on the OBi 200 are green, and I get a dial tone on my OBi-connected phone. I don't mind having a new number and having to notify a bunch of people, businesses, etc., of my new number. So, my own naïve way of thinking is that I'm not porting.... I'm a tech nitwit, and I just want simple, trouble-free service. (I'd stay with Spectrum, but they've been gouging me for the past few years, and every year the rates go up. Enough is enough. My wife and I do, however, want a "home-based phone," so I did some "research using Amazon reviews, and it seemed that OBi was the best value and relatively trouble-free.) So, I guess I'm "good to go" with any in-state number....
GPz1100:
What most of us do is use gv for outbound so proper caller id is maintained. For inbound (received) calls, they are forwarded from GV to a free callcentric DID. This gets configured in GV simply as a forwarding number. Several benefits.
1) You get free caller id name
2) Better spam management
3) E911 service can be purchased ($1.50/month).
Some who are glued to their cell phones don't really care for additional 911 service. For under $2 a month I think it's cheap insurance.
https://www.callcentric.com/dids/free_phone_number
Note, the free number will be limited to a NY area code, but that's irrelevant. Other than for forwarding purposes this number will never be shared with anyone.
tuna:
Thank you for your replies. You make things sound so simple and easy. I went to the Callcentric web site via the link you posted. I want to say that both OBi and, more so, the Callcentric web site, provide awfully obtuse information. I mean, proper use of acronyms dictates that they be introduced at the first mention of the entire term referenced. I had to do a web search to learn what "DID" meant.... This is reminiscent of the early days of home computing, when programmers would write the user manuals, and because of their vast and intimate knowledge, would leave all sorts of stuff out, assuming that, "everyone knows that."
I will try to make sense of that Callcentric option. If it gets too frustrating, I'll look into Ooma (or whatever that line of internet service phones & service is called), and if that is as complex as OBi, then I think I'll investigate using a cell phone that is always on in a (charging, etc.) cradle as my home phone; I think I've seen some sort of cradle that works with Bluetooth to provide answering machine and speaker features.... A one-year Tracfone talk/data/texts (400 minutes each service feature, often tripled depending on the phone purchased) refill card costs $100/year. Not as cheap as OBi service, but at least I know how to use one of those....
Thanks again.
Oh, I forgot to say that Callcentric has a page of supported devices, including the OBi 200/202, but provides set-up, etc., information for the 202 only.... Part of my somewhat frustration.
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