Google Voice has existed for awhile in the US as an alternative to having a contract with a telecom provider like AT&T or Verizon. Engadget revealed yesterday that Google, suddenly and unannounced, gave some users the possibility to port over their telephone number into Google Voice.
Unfortunately, the number porting option was only available for some users for a short period of time and is currently in testing. As you can see in the photo above, the cost of porting the number is $20, in addition to the possible and likely expensive early termination fee that you would have to pay with your cellular provider.
Engadget noted in an update to the original story that the feature disappeared, but that it may appear again at any time.
Google Voice is an app which allows users to make and receive calls, replacing the cellular providers. The app is seen by many as a smart choice because of the pricing scheme for phone calls, as well as several other useful features. Unfortunately for many, Google Voice is currently only available for US residents. Engadget added that Google plans on offering the number port service "to all users in the near future."
Image from Engadget
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Actually, you still need a service plan to actually call or use data. You could use Google Voice with a SIP VOIP provider to make free calls over Wi-Fi, but from personal experience, it's unreliable and limiting. Check out my last post on Google's explanation of how this porting thing works:
http://www.androidpit.com/en/android/blog/394015/Google-explains-number-porting-to-Google-Voice-service
That is how I understood it as well.
So if I'm understanding correctly.. google will then be your main provider?
Yeah, they take your phone number you had with your old carrier.
does porting mean that I can make my regular cell phone number my Google Voice one? Sorry, I'm just a bit confused.
I've been using Google Voice for a while and although it works well most of them, I've been experiencing a lot of glitches and bugs with it. I don't know if this is a common occurrence.