Verizon Data-Only Plan and Google Voice

[Sokar]

Hello all, I posted this to the Verizon forum as well, but all that blew through there was a tumbleweed, so I'm posting it here as well for all you Droid experts.

I was on track to get the Thunderbolt next week (or whenever), and a few days ago, got the wind knocked out of me when I experienced some, uh, life changes...

So, my Verizon contract is up next month, and at first, I was planning on dropping my contract and getting a Straight Talk phone to carry me through the next few months until things improved.

However, I truly NEED mobile connectivity, especially so right now as I'm going through these things. I need to be connected at all times. For example, I need to send out a document quickly from anywhere at any time, no matter where I am.

4G is also coming to my town soon, and I currently pay $49 a month for a cable modem. Meanwhile, this device functions as a Wifi hotspot at speeds (according to what I've read) that are better than what I even get on my Comcast cable modem. That's a cost savings to me right there because I'm going to have to let go of cable. It's outrageously expensive and I'm not even watching it right now.

But here is my real question. I've just seen that Verizon offers a data-only plan for unlimited data. No minutes at all.

I've also been reading about Google Voice.

Would it be possible to get this data-only plan and switch my current number (which I've had for years and NEED to keep) to Google Voice?

I would appreciate any thoughts or comments about the 4G LTE speeds, data-only plan or Google Voice.

Thanks.

 

[fire n ice]

No, because Google Voice doesn't actually provide you with cell service. Porting your number to GV will actually cancel your service with your current provider. Now what you CAN do is get a minimal-minute/unlimited data plan and use GV for text messaging (unless you actually need the minutes, then I'm afraid there's not much you can do except get the free texting.

Here's an article explaining what porting your number in GV does and it's advantages.

 

[the one and only M]

There are tutorials on how to get VoIP calling working using Google Voice and a SIP provider. I've got it working using the sipDroid and the GV callback apps in the market. I'll try finding a link.

 

[the one and only M]

Here you go.

Never Run Out of Minutes Again: Make Free VoIP Calls on Android Phones - How-To Geek

 

[fire n ice]

I stand corrected. Good find sir (or ma'am)!

 

[magisternautaque]

I'm no expert, but my understanding is that VZW won't let you have a phone with data only unless you are deaf.

A 4G tablet with Voice over IP on the other hand might work?

 

[Sokar]

Thanks for the feedback everybody. I should have done more research. Google Voice isn't VOIP at all.

Oh well. I'm thinking Skype and the 450 minute plan at this point. That should keep from going over at least.

 

[vstolyarov]

try sipdroid

 

[ArizonaGuy]

I'm no expert, but my understanding is that VZW won't let you have a phone with data only unless you are deaf.

A 4G tablet with Voice over IP on the other hand might work?

Wrong. You can get a data only plan without being deaf. To do otherwise is a form of discrimination. I've done it in the past - specifically activated global data for two months on a BB 8830 World Phone I already had and used it abroad. No voice plan whatsoever (and wasn't going to pay the $0.99 to $1.99 a minute). At the time there was no Google Voice or Skype for BB but I just needed data anyway.

Granted, I am hearing impaired - wear hearing aids - but I make and receive calls on my D2G every day.

 

[tekhna]

sipdroid and google voice should do the trick. I've been thinking about going data-only too. I rarely make voice calls.

 

[PJnc284]

Don't believe they let just anyone on the data only plans for smartphones since it says you need medical documentation.

 

[tekhna]

Don't believe they let just anyone on the data only plans for smartphones since it says you need medical documentation.

I don't think they can actually legally require you to have a medical condition. "These plans are perfect for the Deaf or Hard of Hearing." It doesn't say you have to be, and nowhere do I see any requirement about documentation.

 

[PJnc284]

For more information on how to activate this plan, please visit your local Verizon Wireless Retail Store. Appropriate documentation is required.

 

[Shempster]

Just like their 65+ plan were proof of age is required? They will put anybody on the age plan - whats the diff?

 

[tekhna]

For more information on how to activate this plan, please visit your local Verizon Wireless Retail Store. Appropriate documentation is required.

Right, but can you tell me what appropriate documentation is? Does it say anywhere what it is? Does it say anywhere requirements? It's just an added step so that it's slightly more inconvenient so people will think twice. I've asked at the Verizon store about it and the guy made it clear it wasn't a problem to get a plan.