I've been using Prefixer to dial calls through my Google Voice number for free calls. Here's how it works:
I have two Google Voice numbers -- one for the office, one personal. If someone dials the office number, it forwards to my office only. If someone calls my personal number, it rings both my cell and my home phone.
You can make outgoing calls by dialing your GV number and following the prompts, then entering the number you want to call, followed by the # sign. If your GV number is in your calling circle plan (VZW Friends & Family, etc.), any call you make through Google Voice is free.
Prefixer allows you to set dialing rules based on an almost-infinite number of conditions. Frankly, it was a little hard for me to follow, so I donated a few dollars (the app is free) and the developer was very responsive in walking me through the setup.
Here are the rules I'm using:
Seven digits, no area code: Prefixer calls my office GV number, adds the area code & dials the outgoing call. The recipient sees my office number.
(The advantage of the office GV number is that people who just hit redial will be sent to my secretary, not to me.)
Number starts with +1 (USA country code): Prefixer calls my personal GV number, strips the +1, then dials the outgoing call. Recipients will see my personal GV number, so a redial goes back to my cell.
Number starts with *82 (removes Caller ID block): call goes through without Prefixer.
Number that doesn't match the rules above: Dialed via the office GV number.
The new release of Prefixer also has a toggle widget.
NOTE: There's also an app called PreFixer, which just adds digits in front of the number you enter. It doesn't support dialing rules and it won't add the # suffix necessary to complete a call through GV.
You want Prefixer from 253?Below.
If you just use the "Call via Google Voice" function from the GV app or widget, it dials an access number to complete your call. Since the access number changes, it's impossible to add it to your calling circle for free calls.
I have two Google Voice numbers -- one for the office, one personal. If someone dials the office number, it forwards to my office only. If someone calls my personal number, it rings both my cell and my home phone.
You can make outgoing calls by dialing your GV number and following the prompts, then entering the number you want to call, followed by the # sign. If your GV number is in your calling circle plan (VZW Friends & Family, etc.), any call you make through Google Voice is free.
Prefixer allows you to set dialing rules based on an almost-infinite number of conditions. Frankly, it was a little hard for me to follow, so I donated a few dollars (the app is free) and the developer was very responsive in walking me through the setup.
Here are the rules I'm using:
Seven digits, no area code: Prefixer calls my office GV number, adds the area code & dials the outgoing call. The recipient sees my office number.
(The advantage of the office GV number is that people who just hit redial will be sent to my secretary, not to me.)
Number starts with +1 (USA country code): Prefixer calls my personal GV number, strips the +1, then dials the outgoing call. Recipients will see my personal GV number, so a redial goes back to my cell.
Number starts with *82 (removes Caller ID block): call goes through without Prefixer.
Number that doesn't match the rules above: Dialed via the office GV number.
The new release of Prefixer also has a toggle widget.
NOTE: There's also an app called PreFixer, which just adds digits in front of the number you enter. It doesn't support dialing rules and it won't add the # suffix necessary to complete a call through GV.
You want Prefixer from 253?Below.
If you just use the "Call via Google Voice" function from the GV app or widget, it dials an access number to complete your call. Since the access number changes, it's impossible to add it to your calling circle for free calls.
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