What does the following mean? Google Voice is not a mobile phone service provider, so you must set up a new mobile phone service plan (with your existing carrier or a new carrier) and request a new number.

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The statement means that Google Voice is not a traditional mobile phone service provider like Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile. Instead, Google Voice is a voice-over-internet service that allows users to make calls, send texts, and manage their voicemail using an internet connection.

To use Google Voice, you still need a mobile phone service provider for mobile phone functionality. This means you must either continue using your current carrier by setting up a mobile service plan with them or switch to a new carrier. After that, you would generate a new phone number through that carrier. Once you have a mobile phone service plan, you can link it to your Google Voice account to take advantage of its features.

Can I transfer my google voice number which was onced owned by verizon to metro by tmobile??

Yes, you can generally transfer your Google Voice number that was previously associated with Verizon to Metro by T-Mobile, as long as the number is eligible for porting. Here are the general steps you would follow:

  1. Check Eligibility: Make sure your number is eligible to be ported. Typically, numbers that were previously on a mobile service provider, like Verizon, can be transferred, but it can depend on various factors, including how long you've had the number with Google Voice.

  2. Contact Metro by T-Mobile: Reach out to Metro by T-Mobile to initiate the porting process. They'll ask for information such as your Google Voice number, and you may need to provide account details from your Google Voice account. Make sure your Google Voice account is active and that the number is not currently tied to any other service.

  3. Prepare for Porting: Before starting the porting process, make sure you do not have any active services, like a call forwarding service, that could interfere with the port.

  4. Follow Instructions: Follow the instructions provided by Metro for completing the port. This usually involves verifying your identity and confirming the transfer.

  5. Wait for Completion: Once initiated, the porting process can take anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of days to complete.

  6. Finalize Setup: Once the porting is complete, you may need to set up your new phone and service with Metro.

Before starting the process, it may be helpful to check the support documentation from both Google Voice and Metro by T-Mobile, as well as to contact their customer support for any specific steps or requirements.

Once I port my number to google voice, what happens? Do I need to pay something?

Once you port your number to Google Voice, here are some key points regarding the process and any potential charges:

  1. Process Completion: After you initiate the porting process and it's completed, your original number will become your Google Voice number. All calls, texts, and voicemails sent to that number will then be managed through Google Voice.

  2. Fees: Google Voice typically charges a one-time fee for porting a number to its service. As of my last update, this fee is usually around $20, but you should check the Google Voice website or your Google Voice account for the most current information and any potential changes to this fee.

  3. Active Account Requirement: To port your number to Google Voice, you need to have an active Google account and a Google Voice account. You may also need to disable certain services (like call forwarding) on your current carrier's account before initiating the port.

  4. Discontinuation of Service: Once the number is successfully ported, your service with the previous provider (like Verizon, for example) will be canceled if that number was the only number associated with that service.

  5. Limitations: It’s important to note that after porting, the number is now owned by Google Voice, and you would be using it in the context of Google Voice’s features and limitations, such as internet-based calls rather than traditional cellular services.

  6. Ongoing Charges: While porting your number incurs a one-time fee, using Google Voice itself is free for many features, but there can be charges associated with making calls to certain types of numbers (like international calls).

To get the most accurate and updated information, especially regarding fees, visit the Google Voice Help Center before proceeding with the porting process.

Can I call and text free? is it unlimited?

Google Voice offers free calling and texting within the United States and Canada, but there are some details to keep in mind:

  1. Free Calls and Texts:

    • You can make unlimited calls and send unlimited texts to U.S. and Canadian numbers using Google Voice. This includes both personal and business use, so long as you are using the Google Voice app or website.
    • When calling or texting numbers outside the U.S. and Canada, there may be fees, depending on the destination.
  2. Internet Requirement:

    • Google Voice operates over the internet, so you will need an internet connection (via Wi-Fi or mobile data) to use the service for calling and texting.
  3. Limitations:

    • While calls and texts are unlimited to U.S. and Canadian numbers, if you are using Google Voice as part of a business account (Google Workspace), there may be different rules or limitations based on your plan.
    • For international calls, Google Voice charges vary based on the country you're calling. You can check the rates on the Google Voice website.
  4. Data Usage:

    • If you're using mobile data for calling or texting (rather than Wi-Fi), keep in mind that this will count against your mobile data plan.

Overall, Google Voice is an excellent option for free and unlimited calling and texting to U.S. and Canadian numbers. However, ensure you stay aware of any international charges if you communicate outside of North America.