Porting from Google Voice to Straight Talk help needed!

[aslowe]

I have searched Google forums, Straight Talk forums and Android Central forums on this topic.

My current setup, I have a N4 on Straight Talk. I have been using Google Voice as my primary number. Due the restraints of Google Voice messaging (MMS, group messaging, etc), I wish to use Straight Talk as my primary number. I would continue to use Google Voice with a new number for voice-mail services. So my goal is to take my Google Voice number (which I know how to unlock and prepare for porting) and port it to Straight Talk to replace my Straight Talk number.

My calls to Straight Talk customer service have been met with blissful ignorance. Three different reps have told me they do not know how to transfer a Google Voice number to their service and are clueless to even know where to start. I know this is possible from my searching but that is all that I know. There are no details on transactions. I would love to be able to tell the customer service rep how to do it.

Advice anyone or links to posts related to this issue? Thanks!

 

[mmtowns]

Google GroupsIt looks like a few folks have received feedback on the Google Forums. Any luck there on your end?

 

[aslowe]

These are most of the posts I come across. I am expecting the same results if the port process ever starts. The problem is the Straight Talk reps I've talked to can't even figure out how to start it.

So no luck so far. I still have a ticket open with Straight Talk.

 

[aslowe]

My problem is currently solved. Someone from Straight Talk called and was able to help. I did run across a good article that will help anyone who is trying to port from Google Voice.

The following is from Porting out of Google Voice | Matthew Seeley

1. Enable your Google Voice account for porting out.
Go to https://www.google.com/voice/unlock to 'unlock' your number to allow other carriers to take your phone number from Google.

2. Get a line of service.
If your worried about the process getting 'stuck' or failing (I certainly was) then head to T-Mobile. For about $15 - $30 dollars, they'll set you up with a SIM card with prepaid service.

3. Have your service provider initiate the port out process
When they ask, give them your Google Voice phone number, your Google Voice account number (which is the same as your 10 digit Google Voice number with no dashes or spaces), and your password (this is the PIN you enter to check your Google Voice voicemail). If you haven't set a PIN number on your voicemail, set one before porting out. (It's easier than explaining to the clerk that you 'have no password')

4. Wait at least 24 hours, but no more than 48 hours
Technically, this isn't necessary at all. The port out process happens much faster, but the employees at most places are 'trained' that it takes 24 hours, and in my experience, will not check on the port in status until it has sat around for 24 hours. Realistically, this happens in less than 2 hours (and often less than 30 minutes)

5. Have your provider check the status of your transfer, and clear any holds or notices
Google Voice transfers usually have some kind of 'notice' or 'exception' put on the transfer request. You just need them to clear this to continue. Ask the employee at the store to ask their office to clear these, if they can't do it on their own. (T-Mobile wasn't able to, they had to call it in)
That's it! About twenty minutes each day, for two days, and you've got your number back. Google should send you an e-mail notice that your number is gone, and you can now request a new Google Voice number on your account. You should also be able to re-add your old Google Voice number to your Google Voice account as a forwarding number, so it will work just as it did orignally, before porting your number in.

 

[yatra]

In addition to providing a Google Voice Account # and PIN #, Straight Talk also requests "Contact Info" to port Google Voice . What "Contact Info" do i give STalk? I do not have a physical address on my Google Account. I only have my user name, which is WM.