[Sebastianraven]

So, I found this article here and thought I would share it with you:


Make Unlimited Free Calls on Your Cellphone with Google Voice

Most cellphone carriers provide a feature allowing you a certain number of contacts that you can call, on any network, for free, anytime. So what happens when you team up this feature with your Google Voice number?

In yesterday's Tips Box post, one reader used his cellphone provider's "My Circle" feature to make unlimited free calls with Google Voice.

The idea is that if you only use Google Voice to send and receive calls�and you set Google Voice so that it only displays your Google Voice number when it rings, all of your calls will be free, and you may never need to use another minute again. Each carrier is different, so we're looking at what each plan looks like, and how to use it with Google Voice to get free calls.

For this to work at all, head to Google Voice's Call Settings page and make sure Caller ID is set to Display my Google Voice number. (See the screenshot) Then just add your Google Voice number to your carrier's respective friends and family plan.

Verizon
Verizon's plan is called Friends & Family, and it allows you to pick 5 or 10 numbers (for individual and family plans, respectively), that you can call for free�even landlines. This deal comes with either the Family SharePlan with 1400 Anytime Minutes or more, or on the Single-Line Plan with 900 Anytime Minutes or more. If you're not on one of these plans, you might have to do a little math to see if upgrading for free calls is worth it. To add numbers to your Friends & Family list, just sign in to My Verizon.

AT&T
AT&T just rolled out their feature, called A-List, and it is almost exactly the same as Verizon's. 5 or 10 numbers, depending on your plan, which has to be at least 900 minutes for individuals and 1400 for families. With AT&T you still have Rollover, too, so you get to keep the minutes that you save with Google Voice (in theory, at least�although, that hardly seems like it matters if you're not using any in the first place). You can update your list online, through your myWireless account on AT&T's web site.

T-Mobile
T-Mobile's plan, myFaves, is a little bit simpler. If you have a plan that costs over $49.99 a month, you qualify for myFaves, which allows you 5 numbers that you can call for free. The best part about T-Mobile's plan, as opposed to Verizon and AT&T's, is that if you are on a family plan, each person gets 5 numbers to themselves � they don't have to share 10 with the rest of the family (this is nice if you have a big family; of course, we only need 1 number, and that's Google Voice). To get myFaves and edit your list, you just need to log into your My T-Mobile account.

Sprint
Sprint is the biggest wild card in this situation. Sprint, unlike the other carriers, does not heavily advertise their plan, called Pick 3. In fact, it's not mentioned anywhere on their web site. Word of the plan has spread through internet word-of-mouth, however, though there are a lot of conflicting messages on how to get it, or whether it still exists. So at the moment, the jury seems out on this one�try calling Sprint and see if you can get them to sign you up, and let us know in the comments what did or didn't work for you.

[nogutsnoglory]

Will this work for out going calls?

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[synergi]

I used this feature all the time, especially when calling my friends in Canada... I don't have to pay the extra fee Verizon charges since calling Canada is free using my google voice.

I have my google voice # as one of my friends and family ... great for International calling. I also get incoming calls from my Canadian friends (FREE) of charge to me because they are using my google Voice # instead of my 1400 mins. and my mobile # directly.

[stuaw11]

The problem with this method is you need a certain level of plan to even get the "group of free calls" deal. You may end up paying more for minutes you dont need then the minutes youre trying to save using Google Voice. Considering the average American only uses about 500 minutes, the lowest carrier plans which dont have these free calling circles, it doesnt help most people without paying more then they already are already for minutes they obviously dont need

[Sebastianraven]

Will this work for out going calls?

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

It sure does. That's the whole point of calling your google voice number.

[Sebastianraven]

The problem with this method is you need a certain level of plan to even get the "group of free calls" deal. You may end up paying more for minutes you dont need then the minutes youre trying to save using Google Voice. Considering the average American only uses about 500 minutes, the lowest carrier plans which dont have these free calling circles, it doesnt help most people without paying more then they already are already for minutes they obviously dont need

You're on Crackberry. We're not the avg phone user.

[damien-tt]

Pretty neat, I'll check it out. Thank you for the tip.

[AmigaDude]

Will this work for out going calls?

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

Only with a little tweaking to the setup. Adding your GV number gives you free inbound calls, but you also need to add the GV access number to get free outbound. I forget the specifics, but you should be able to find your GV access number by placing a GV call and seeing what it dialed.

[HPD2618]

Is there any chance that anyone has a google voice invite to spare? Pretty please? I'd be eternally grateful. Send it to me at [email protected]. Thanks.

[jstray]

Is there any chance that anyone has a google voice invite to spare? Pretty please? I'd be eternally grateful. Send it to me at [email protected]. Thanks.

Me 2! Please? [email protected] I want to talk for free

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[dj2big]

I think this is a great idea. I certainly will call my carrier Sprint, My only concern and anyones else who is traveling or travels often, would be roaming charges.

[lobbyintx]

Can someone tell me how to get the gv app to work on a storm 9530? My friend needs to make it work. Thanks.

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