Google Voice

[PaphosAL]

This looks quite interesting, but it's a shame it's only for US residents at present. Anyone know if Google are planning to extend coverage to us lot in the UK, and maybe give Betamax a punch-up?

Cheers- AL

[mike557]

I have tried a few times to register but they do an ip check and want a real US address (both of which I could fake) so I am waiting patiently.
Google voice is being 'investigated' by the FEC because they do not provide free calls to all US locations.
I beleive it will come over here, and Asterisk can connect with it but pretty sure a PAP2 etc will not
Yes it would be good to stick two fingers up at Betamax and their dodgy practices.

[mike557]

Thought I would have a play.
I had requested an invitation about a month ago, and decided to use it when it arrived this morning.
First job was to configure the browser to use a US proxy.
This allowed me to 'Sign up' as a new user
Google Voice allows you to choose a telephone number by specifying a zip code and also letters as in ukcvs (85287). Once a Google number is chosen, the process then needs a US landline number to 'link' to the Google number.
You can allocate many landline numbers to the Google number, the idea being when someone rings Google number, it will ring all of your landline numbers. For verification (that you own the landline), Google will display a code, and ring the landline number. When answered you enter the verification code.
I already have a US landline linked to my Asterisk exchange so verification was not a problem.
Through Google I can now make free US calls. Google voice via its web interface allows you to enter the number to call and select your landline number. Google then calls the landline and connects you FOR FREE to the destination.
It is only US calls that are free, everything else needs call credit.
SMS is also free via the web interface and does allow International mobiles. Sending a text message was almost instantaneous to my UK mobile
If someone calls the Google voice number, Google asks for their name which it records. It then calls the landline and when answered plays the caller name followed by options to accept the call or transfer to voicemail.
Any voicemail left is available for playback online, there is also an option for free transcription of voice to text !!!

My over all feelings are that Google Voice is the next logical step for the telephone user. Its free call features are excellent and there are now widgets/apps for mobiles to use the full web service.

If you make a lot of US calls then getting a Google Voice account (all be it via the backdoor) is well worth it.

If you want to get an invite try https://services.google.com/fb/forms/googlevoiceinvite/
Does not matter if it is a UK email address, but make sure you use a web proxy when registering. Invites can take up to 1 month from application.