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Mar 17, 2009 -- Google Voice poised to shake up the conference calling biz

Google is beta-testing a new free service called Google Voice that builds on their existing GrandCentral technology.

Google Voice offers one number for all your calls. That means you have one number that rings from all your lines -- no need to give out a home number, an office number, a cell number etc.

In addition, Google Voice offers free calling, voicemail, conferencing and more. There are no monthly fees, no minimums and no sign-up fees. As always, this service is likely to be monetized with ads going forward.

With the voicemail feature, you're also able to listen in as voicemails are being left and pick up in the middle of the call -- just like you would with an answering machine. You can also have voicemails automatically converted into a text message.

But the real market disrupter here is the free conference calling. Companies pay big money for this, and here Google Voice has it for nada!

The service is currently only available to existing GrandCentral customers, but you can also sign up to be notified when Google Voice is fully launched.


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What others are saying

  • anyone have Boost?
    Yes. It was the worst mobile phone service I have had. Bad reception. Old tech. Sloooow data. Crappy phones. Mind numbingly stupid, hipster, Yo Yo Yo, customer service.
  • Google Voice
    The link is giving me a error message. I would like to sign up but the link isn't working.
  • Zer01 Mobile
    Judy, my understanding is that calls to other countries will be at the Zer01 per minute rate - which will be quite competitive.

    Also worth remembering is that all taxes are INCLUDED in the $79 per month. So when Zer01 says $79 per month you can expect to pay just $79 per month rather than $95 per month with taxes and surcharges.

    You can get more info from http://zer01mobile.com/ or from the Zer01 partner that is handling the VoIP part of the call at this link:

    http://www.voxcorp.net/about/news/archive/2009/03/31/1.shtml
  • Google Voice isn't a free phone service... yet
    Please keep in mind that nowhere on the Google Voice site does it say you get a phone for free. It's a bunch of extremely handy services for free--not a free phone. You still need to have a phone of some sort. Gizmo5.com is a workable option for many folk.
  • Google Voice
    Innovative!!! Google voice sounds like the next generation of communication! I can't wait to try it out! Thanks
  • Zer01 Mobile
    Unlimited international calling plan lists 40 countries. My son is in the Marines, what about countries like Iraq and Afghanistan? They're not listed so what would the charges be to call from there? How do I contact someone to ask questions that are not part of FAQ?

    Thank you,
    Judy
  • T-Mobile prepaid
    With T-mobile, I get 1,000 minutes for $100 (10¢/min) and they are good for 1 year. That's less than $9 a month!
  • cell companies
    Would like to add another kuddo for Consumer Cellular to the one made by another commenter. I love them and they are support with an endorsement by Triple A! Very nice people, cheap service and no problems!
  • Consumer Cellular
    Check "consumercellulartv.com" They have the best plan I have ever seen. Much better than Boost.
  • Early Adopter
    I have been using Grandcentral for a long time and just migrated to Google Voice. I have used it for all my long distance before I had a cell. Just log in and have Google connect the calls. I also give out the Google number for people I don't want to talk to.
  • I will stick with Ooma.com
    Ordered it last week from Amazon and love it. Works like a charm. I can call and fax. I'm going to port my number from Vonage now. Waiting for your review next time, Clark.
  • anyone have Boost?
    Thinking of getting the Paygo Basic plan. Any comments or problems?
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