Switching to Goog Voice, Timing It w/ GNex Upgrade?

[eedlebop]

Hey all,

Planning to upgrade to a Verizon GNex upon its release, using my on-contract upgrade. Is there a way to also time signup for Google Voice so that I don't lose the grandfathered-in unlimited data from my current plan?

When I hit the GVoice signup page to migrate to a new GVoice number, it said it cost $20 (no problem) and would cancel my contract with Verizon.

So, is there a way to do this while preserving the upgrade credit AND the unlimited data? It doesn't seem to make sense to pay for Verizon VVM when Google provides it for free.

Thank ya

 

[aldenpotamus]

So I was wondering about the same thing... so I called and tried to find a way to make it work. From what I can tell if you do the number port you will lose your unlimited data.

That being said you can switch your voicemail from Verizon to Google Voice without having to do the number port. There are directions on the Google Voice page, basically you have to call a certain number and that forwards your missed calls to Google, then you can use Google Voice and it's transcription etc. The problem is you don't get access to the more advanced features of Google Voice or the "number for life".

If anyone finds a way to port their Verizon number to Google Voice without losing unlimited data please let us know!

Cheers!

 

[el8]

Curious, I wonder if one could:

1) Sign up for a new line under a family plan (ideally with a phone you already own, though you could probably also buy a new one under contract and return it when done)
2) Switch the new number to your existing line/plan, with the number you want to port on the "new" line.
3) Port out your number
4) Cancel new line.

Presumably there wouldn't be an ETF, since it'd be within 14 days. Also, since the original service remains intact, I imagine the unlimited data wouldn't go away.

 

[yettiman2208]

Its really easy to have the Google Voice visual voicemail setup without having to port your number and lose the unlimited data. Many people have been doing this forever.

Just sign up for google voice and get whatever # they give you (you have some choice in the matter, but it doesn't matter). Then follow the instructions and download the Google Voice app (official).
All it does is forward a call to gvoice instead of vzw voicemail if you dont pick it up. Very easy.

If you really want to keep your number and port then I would imagine you would lose the unlimited data. But maybe a call to a CS rep or a knowledgable store rep............. :/

 

[robrecht]

Do not port your number. No need for visual voicemail and no need for the more advanced features either. For free texts, you will have to give out your Google phone number to your friends.

Thanks, Robrecht

 

[dsignori]

Hey all,

Planning to upgrade to a Verizon GNex upon its release, using my on-contract upgrade. Is there a way to also time signup for Google Voice so that I don't lose the grandfathered-in unlimited data from my current plan?

When I hit the GVoice signup page to migrate to a new GVoice number, it said it cost $20 (no problem) and would cancel my contract with Verizon.

So, is there a way to do this while preserving the upgrade credit AND the unlimited data? It doesn't seem to make sense to pay for Verizon VVM when Google provides it for free.

Thank ya

Perhaps your exact intent is not clear here. All the answers given above are correct, but for varying intents/results.

Do you want to use Google Voice just for the free Visual voice mail? I do, BTW, it is great. If so, then most of what is above doesn't apply at all. Just signup for Google Voice - get whatever # is assigned. On the app in the phone you can choose to always use your regular VZ # and just use Google Voice for the Voice Mail. This is what I do. Nothing else at all is needed.

If, in fact, you want Google Voice to use the new phone # that comes with it, then some of the suggestions above apply ..

 

[qnet]

I would suggest using Google voice just for voicemail and, not porting the GV number to your phone, like someone explained above.

The Google voice number - from my understanding - is mainly for forwarding your calls to different phones and, as a voicemail alternative. You can give out your Google voice number to friends and family and then forward the calls from that number to your, cell or home phone. I don't think it's meant to replace the actual number on your cell phone as a primary number.

You can keep your unlimited plan and deal with your cell phone provider separately. Then just set up your GV number and, forward calls to the phones you like. You use call forwarding with your phone to use the GV voicemail, were basically - like mentioned before - your missed or ignored calls are forwarded to your GV number and, the voicemail you setup.

I remember when GV was by invite only and, when I bought my Nexus one, they automatically made me a member since it was built into the phone. I was trying to do the same thing you guys are wanting to do but, it gets real complicated & weird dealing with the carrier and GV.

Once I figured it out, GV is really a nice thing to have. I just use it for voicemail and, have different greetings for friends & family and clients.

 

[ultravisitor]

Curious, I wonder if one could:

1) Sign up for a new line under a family plan (ideally with a phone you already own, though you could probably also buy a new one under contract and return it when done)
2) Switch the new number to your existing line/plan, with the number you want to port on the "new" line.
3) Port out your number
4) Cancel new line.

Presumably there wouldn't be an ETF, since it'd be within 14 days. Also, since the original service remains intact, I imagine the unlimited data wouldn't go away.

Why would you want to do this?

 

[JayMSY]

Are y'all saying Google now charges for a number?

Here is an idea (its what I did)...

Get a local google voice number if you can. Download the official Google Voice app. Use it for all your texts. For incoming and outgoing calls use an app like GrooVe IP (not free but worth the price and then some based on the savings you can make-for those of us with minutes plan).

This way you can keep what you have with Verizon without getting un-grandfathered.

I did this so technically I have 2 different phone numbers. At this moment I give out my Google number to people who call me weekly who I don't really want to talk to (its semi job related and they can talk to the Voicemail).

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

 

[blackmannx#AC]

Just have VZW forward your calls to your Google voice. seamless to the caller and you get vvm and Verizon does not charge you for it.. I have never moved my personal number to google voice

try these instructions..

Instructions to use Google Voice as your voicemail when people call your cell phone number - Google Voice Help

 

[FireAndGlass]

Personally I'm planning to go data-only. I'm going to get the $30 2GB plan for my Xoom, buy the GNexus outright at full price, and SIM swap the two, since their both LTE devices. My google voice number will be my only number, and forward it to work and Google Chat then use GrooVe IP to answer phone calls on my phone or tablet. then I could just take the tablet to work, answer phone calls at work, and have LTE on the tablet (or WiFi, but it's an HTTP only proxy, so maybe, maybe not).

Is your big concern that you don't want to have to change phone numbers? A Verizon rep might help you out with that now - basically you need to switch to a new number and have your old free andavailable, or at least available for transfer, and let them know you don't mean to cancel your contract.

 

[Mastaking]

I am not sure if this is a dead topic but I have similar interests and found this topic in Verizon's boards and it might make an interesting read https://community.verizonwireless.com/thread/526242

The Original Poster wrote

"The following is how I've taken my Verizon Wireless cell phone number and ported it to Google Voice with little frustration. Please attempt at your own risk as this is not for the faint of heart (I have had this cell number for 10 + years and I did not want to loose it).

I called and talked to a Verizon support technician, and while he didn't have any experience with Google Voice, he recommended I port my number via Google Voice and then change my number associated to my Verizon Account as soon as possible (you can do this via the Verizon Wireless website).

First I loaded both the Google Voice website for porting my current cell phone number and in a separate tab, I loaded the Verizon Wireless site for changing my cell phone number (while logged into the Verizon Wireless site, you can query for "Change Phone Number" and this will take you to the correct page)
I then followed the steps for porting my current cell number to Google Voice (Warning, there is a $20.00 charge from Google to provide this service)
As soon as I finished the steps on the Google site, I immediately began the steps for changing my wireless number on the Verizon Wireless site
I then had to re-register my cell phone on the Verizon network by dialing *228 option 1 (Warning, my phone reset it-self to factory default with out warning... as always, make sure your data is backed up)
As the instructions on the Google Voice site state, the porting process can take up to 24 hours (i.e. your old number will be out of service for a full day); for me it was approximately 23 hours to the minute. Also, as stated on the instructions, you may not have text messaging to your old number for up to three days (mine is still not working but I am only 36 hours into the process).

Best of luck"

Someone else in the topic confirmed that they did the same procedure and it worked. If someone here tries this and it works can you just PM me and let me know. I want to do this but am not at the edge of my seat yet. Thanks.

 

[Small_law]

I actually ported my original Verizon number at the expiration of my last contract and just let the contract run out. After using the GV app on my work phone to access my old number/now Google Voice number for a day or two, I went out and started an entirely new contract with Verizon and got a new number. I downloaded the GV the app and signed in. It worked very well. This was when they were still doing unlimited data so I'very been able to keep it.

It did take a full three days for texts to start showing up though.