Using ObiTalk to replace Comcast land line

[WorkFromHomeMan]

Hello, I had posted a setup issue before and you all we're 110% helpful so I'm going to you for this question before anyone else, even google!

Question:  I have comcast for land line.  It's really expensive.  I have a new obi box.  I know it works with my google voice # for free, however is there a way I can use it for my comcast provided land line number? 
Thus transferring that number from comcast to this device and dropping comcast?  I imagine there's some service that can use this device that costs money but I'm sure if it exists, it's cheaper than 40 or so bucks a month which comcast charges for that number!

Ideas?   

Thanks! 

[Shale]

Yes.

Now how to do that? I suggest you get a SIP provider and transfer your Comcast number there. I use Anveo, but there are several popular SIP providers. I pay $2 per month for unlimited incoming calls, plus $0.80 for 911 service.

Set the box up to make outgoing calls default to GV. You can send selected outgoing calls via your SIP provider, such as when you don't want Google listening in or when you want to make a call that GV does not do or if GV has an outage. That costs me 1 cent per minute to the US and 1/2 cent to Canada.

Rick has a summary that includes porting your number to GV: http://www.rickmktg.com/Free%20Calls%20-%20Dumping%20Your%20Landline.htm



Just a sematics comment: you use OBiTalk to set up your OBi110. The OBi100 is what talks to GV and your SIP provider.



You could transfer your number to GV. Find the sticky thread on how to do that. Then get 911 service from a SIP provider. I like having more than one server.

[WorkFromHomeMan]

So I basically switch my provider from comcast to a mobile number first? i.e. tmobile..?

I see that incoming calls will come to my obi box however, do outgoing calls to other people still show up as my original comcast number?

[WorkFromHomeMan]

Also do I see that there are limitations to the amount of minutes income/outgoing?  My parents use this line very often to make long calls so I want to make sure they have over 60 minutes a day if you catch my drift..

[Shale]

No minute limitations in or out for what I suggested. GV may stop the free outgoing at some point.

Get the GV working at your house first. Get the 911. Then port the number and deliver the box.

[Lavarock7]

Although transferring a number to Google might work, it can be a hassle and not complete.

The porting charge to someone like Voip.Ms might be cheaper and you gain more options. The monthly charge at Voip.ms might be $1 a month. Callcentric might be another option.

My Obis use GoogleVoice for unlimited long distance with Voip.Ms and Callcentric as backups and inward routing for numbers I own.

[SteveInWA]

I agree with Lavarock.  Porting into and out of Google Voice has become a real mess lately, and there is no direct customer support to resolve problems.  It's just not worth the risk and the hassles.

I recommend porting instead to one of the three VoIP providers discussed on this forum, your choice:  Anveo, Callcentric, or voip.ms.   I have several lines with Callcentric, and their customer service is outstanding.