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Why does OBi say that Google Voice with OBi costs 1¢/min to call US from abroad?

Started by nurit, September 19, 2018, 08:14:11 PM

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nurit

OBi's website says that "Calling the U.S. is free from the U.S. & Canada and 1¢ per minute from everywhere else."
https://www.obitalk.com/info/googlevoice

While I was in Israel, it was free to call the US using Google Voice on my computer or iPhone (Hangouts app), so why would there be a 1¢ per minute charge to call the US from outside the US and Canada if I'm using Google Voice with the OBi200?

I e-mailed Obihai to ask about this, and they replied, "The 1 cent rate is for outbound calls outside the US and Canada," so they didn't address my question.

Also, I asked if the Obi200 supports 220V, and the reply I got was that it "supports 220V if the correct power adapter is used. The current power adapter sold in Amazon is the US version." I don't understand this reply. Is the adapter sold with the Obi200 110V only?

thanks for your help :)




SteveInWA

I don't know why you're asking that question here; it's a Google Voice issue.

Google charges for outbound calls based on the destination you are calling, not where you are calling from.  So, you could be anywhere in the world, where Google supports calling, and call the large majority of US or Canadian numbers for free.  There are some US rural telephone carriers that charge exorbitance interconnection rates, and for those few carriers, Google charges one cent per minute.

You can look up calling rates here:  https://www.google.com/voice/b/0/rates?hl=en&p=hangout

You can see a list of the countries from which you cannot make outbound calls, here:  https://support.google.com/hangouts/answer/3205646

The power adapter supports 110VAC--240VAC.  All you need is a typical plug converter to convert the 2-prong US-style plug on the adapter, to the prong or pin configuration for the country in which you want to use it. 

nurit

I'm not asking how Google Voice works, as I used it in Israel on my computer and iPhone. I'm asking why OBi says that Google Voice with OBi costs 1¢/min to call the US from abroad when Google Voice does not charge 1¢/min to call the US from abroad.

thanks! :)

SteveInWA

It's Google's service, not Obihai/Polycom's service.  The statement you read from Obihai is outdated and incorrect.  My post is correct.

nurit

thanks for clarifying, SteveInWA! I appreciate your help. :)

just curious - how have you found OBi support? this was my first interaction with OBi, and it was disappointing to say the least. You answered my questions clearly, yet OBi gave unclear answers that did not resolve anything

SteveInWA

Here is the official answer regarding support:

If you are a consumer seeking support on OBi products (Obihai Technology, Inc.), please go to https://www.obitalk.com/info/support/.

If you are a SP/VAR seeking support for OBi products, please email obi.spsupport@polycom.com or call (408) 890-6000, Option 8.