Choosing a Google Voice number - none available in my area code.....?
GPz1100:
There is definitely a learning curve to getting the most out of the obi/google voice arrangement. It took me some time to make sense of it all. I spent lots of time searching this site to get a better understanding of how the obi box works, integrating it with google voice and other sip providers.
We did try ooma. Tried it for a whole two weeks before I thought it was crap and way too limited. It is however a very turnkey solution for the basic user. The hardware is tied to the service and both work together, much like vonage. The amount of granular control is limited, and you do have to pay extra for basic options like caller id name.
First and foremost there's the obi device (200, 202, 212) and google voice configuration. In it's most fundamental setup (which is what you can get with the obitalk portal config) you get inbound and outbound calling, number only caller id, call waiting, and some other features that I don't use (3way calling, call conferencing), etc using google voice.
Once that's configured another layer can be added, callcentric. Now, google voice is only used for outbound calls and inbound calls are forwarded to callcentric's free NY DID (direct inward dial) number. This gives you the benefit of having calling id name and better spam control. CC also provides e911 service. This adds another layer because only certain numbers (911) should be dialed through the call centric profile while other numbers are dialed through google voice.
There are a number of threads on here detailing how to set everything up. Trick is putting in the time to find, read and understand what has to be done to achieve this. It's not rocket science but for the novice it's not a 5 minute job either. All comes down to how much effort you want to put into this.
We wanted to cut the landline cord with our provider but keep service functionality as much as possible. Between the obi200 and 202 (both are practically identical except for the 202 supports 2 separate phone devices plugged into it at the same time) we now have the main line, a spare line, and a dedicated fax line. 911 service is available from either line (main or spare). Also, our spam calls have gone from 4-5 a day to 1-2 a month. We also have texting ability on all lines. Detailed call logs of all calls made/received/missed. Total one time costs were around $ 130. $100 for the two boxes on sale, $30 to port the main line into google voice. Monthly cost is just $2 for the callcentric 120 min package (which includes 911).
Other than for a firmware upgrade on both units back in october, the main line obi hasn't been touched in a good 8 months or longer. The obi202 (spare and fax) recently had its firmware updated to a third party firmware for better google voice control. This is not required nor recommended unless you understand the risks and benefits.
Lavarock7:
Although there might not be a number in ones area code, sometimes there are overlay area codes (multiple are codes for the same geographical area).
tuna:
GPz1100 - Thanks for your detailed replies. I will read up on OBi setup and familiarize myself with basic phone service, incl. the lingo. I guess part of my disappointing surprise is that this all seemed so simple as I read up, selected and purchased the OBi unit: hook it up, obtain a phone number, and then get the optional 911 service add-on (Anveo). (With Spectrum, you just call and give them your MAC number for the telephone modem, and you're all set.)
Well, I'll postpone any further comment until I'm able to engage in a more informed conversation. Thanks again.
tuna:
Eureka (almost) !!!
I did an internet search just to see if I could find some more elementary explanations of things; found a few YouTube videos - not especially helpful, but good for some familiarization. I found this article:
https://www.howtogeek.com/136959/how-to-switch-to-voip-and-ditch-your-home-phone-bill-forever/
It's a tutorial. I read it and decided to go for Google Voice as outlined there. (I am not going to opt for E911 service/add on until I actually cut the cord.) Well, it was a little confusing, as the procedures (do this, see that) didn't exactly match up. There were a few numbers offered and I selected a Google Voice number from some town I never heard of, but it was in my state, at least. After going in circles (not having seen anything new on my Dashboard that would indicate that my newly acquired Google Voice number had been incorporated into my OBi account), I just made a couple of phone calls, from the OBi to my home phone, from my home phone to the OBi. Both successful.
(I finally figured out how to delete my cell phone number - used to get Voice number - as a forwarding phone number.)
Thanks again for the advice!
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