Google Voice - existing number vs. Google Voice number

[Veronis]

Quick question that I can't seem to find an answer for...I got a google voice invite and was wondering - if I choose the option to use my existing number, can I pick up a Google Number later on if I want, or is this a once-and-done choice?

I don't want to send out a new phone number email to 200 people and deal with stragglers on a product I may not even like or use, but I also don't want to gimp myself and be left stranded wishing I'd have taken the red pill instead of the blue pill.

If it matters, I'm using a Droid A855 (the slide-out keyboard one) with Verizon, which has the GV app built-in. I also only have one phone number presently, my cell. I don't have a work number or landline, my cell number does everything.

 

[bsp120167]

Make sure you get the Google Number first. If you say you want to just use your existing number you lose the option for a google number. You can get a GV and do your current number at the same time. If you don't like your GV number you can change it later for a 10$ dollar one time charge from google.

 

[jsh1120]

Once and done. Either you get a new number with additional features or you keep your old number. Difficult choice, but that's the way it is. Google says that is the "current" situation. It may change in the future.

 

[Veronis]

Thanks - if people call or text my Google Number:

Do my custom ringtones for people get overridden by Google Voice?

Does Google Voice make Handcent SMS useless, or does it forward the text to my phone?

I just don't get exactly how much this is going to take over my phone, no matter how much I try to read up on it.

 

[bsp120167]

Everything should work the same. If you get a text it will be forwarded to your cell. Make sure you reply from your GV app and not your cell as it won't go back through your GV number.

 

[bsp120167]

It just works. Similar to visual voicemail but free. When you sign up they will give you codes to type in that will redirect all your incoming calls to go to GV. You will no longer use your cell phone companys voice mail system. The app will also allow you to make all your call go out through the GV number. When google integrates VOIP cell phone companies will become much more irrelevant.

 

[timlitw]

Get the number - your cell number will still work - GVoice only forwards the gv number back to the real number
Then forward your voicemail there with the *71 google voice number trick till you are sure you like it
Then when you are sure you like it send that number change email to your contacts.

 

[MNTNBKR]

I don't see why it's a tough choice. If you get the GV number you don't necessarily have to use it, but if you don't get the GV number you CAN'T use it. In short, signing up with a GV number allows you access to every option that they have available, whether you use it or not is up to you.

I personally signed up a loooong time ago for GV and got a GV number. I now have the option to use that number if I want to, but I don't...(yet). I do however use GV for my voicemail because it has free VVM.

 

[sillyrabbitt123]

I don't see why it's a tough choice. If you get the GV number you don't necessarily have to use it, but if you don't get the GV number you CAN'T use it. In short, signing up with a GV number allows you access to every option that they have available, whether you use it or not is up to you.

I personally signed up a loooong time ago for GV and got a GV number. I now have the option to use that number if I want to, but I don't...(yet). I do however use GV for my voicemail because it has free VVM.

I agree with you but..... the entire process seems overwhelming when given the choice. Eveyone should get a GV # from the get go and no choice.

The only choice should be is weather to use it or not. And you dont have to use it if you dont want to but like you state its great to have the choice.

 

[MNTNBKR]

I don't see why it's a tough choice. If you get the GV number you don't necessarily have to use it, but if you don't get the GV number you CAN'T use it. In short, signing up with a GV number allows you access to every option that they have available, whether you use it or not is up to you.

I personally signed up a loooong time ago for GV and got a GV number. I now have the option to use that number if I want to, but I don't...(yet). I do however use GV for my voicemail because it has free VVM.

I agree with you but..... the entire process seems overwhelming when given the choice. Eveyone should get a GV # from the get go and no choice.

The only choice should be is weather to use it or not. And you dont have to use it if you dont want to but like you state its great to have the choice.

I completely agree. I think Google is purposely making it seem like an "all or nothing" kinda situation so that they don't have to give out as many phone numbers.

 

[pmas]

Make sure you get the Google Number first. If you say you want to just use your existing number you lose the option for a google number. You can get a GV and do your current number at the same time. If you don't like your GV number you can change it later for a 10$ dollar one time charge from google.

Not true. That used to be the case, but no longer. I use my existing number so I can have the custom voice messages and transcriptions etc. BUT google sent me an email a few minutes after I signed up (about 3 weeks ago) telling me I can change my account to a GV number at any time. Further, when I log into my GV account, there is an option right there on the page to click on for changing the account to a GV number.

 

[MNTNBKR]

Make sure you get the Google Number first. If you say you want to just use your existing number you lose the option for a google number. You can get a GV and do your current number at the same time. If you don't like your GV number you can change it later for a 10$ dollar one time charge from google.

Not true. That used to be the case, but no longer. I use my existing number so I can have the custom voice messages and transcriptions etc. BUT google sent me an email a few minutes after I signed up (about 3 weeks ago) telling me I can change my account to a GV number at any time. Further, when I log into my GV account, there is an option right there on the page to click on for changing the account to a GV number.

Well, that is certainly nice of them. Thanks for the heads up. I suppose that those of us who already have the GV number set up won't see that message when we log into our accounts. Good information to know and pass on.

 

[pmas]

Make sure you get the Google Number first. If you say you want to just use your existing number you lose the option for a google number. You can get a GV and do your current number at the same time. If you don't like your GV number you can change it later for a 10$ dollar one time charge from google.

Not true. That used to be the case, but no longer. I use my existing number so I can have the custom voice messages and transcriptions etc. BUT google sent me an email a few minutes after I signed up (about 3 weeks ago) telling me I can change my account to a GV number at any time. Further, when I log into my GV account, there is an option right there on the page to click on for changing the account to a GV number.

Well, that is certainly nice of them. Thanks for the heads up. I suppose that those of us who already have the GV number set up won't see that message when we log into our accounts. Good information to know and pass on.

Here's what I have when I log in and go to phones

 

[cynthialeas]

I don't see why it's a tough choice. If you get the GV number you don't necessarily have to use it, but if you don't get the GV number you CAN'T use it. In short, signing up with a GV number allows you access to every option that they have available, whether you use it or not is up to you.

I personally signed up a loooong time ago for GV and got a GV number. I now have the option to use that number if I want to, but I don't...(yet). I do however use GV for my voicemail because it has free VVM.

I agree with you but..... the entire process seems overwhelming when given the choice. Eveyone should get a GV # from the get go and no choice.

The only choice should be is weather to use it or not. And you dont have to use it if you dont want to but like you state its great to have the choice.

I completely agree. I think Google is purposely making it seem like an "all or nothing" kinda situation so that they don't have to give out as many phone numbers.

I agree that Google may be intentionally making the process overwhelming so that not more people will be flooding their services. Especially if they are still on a trial period. But it is a great service to have a flexible and manageable voice mail number them. It is worth the try.

 

[Backnblack]

Make sure you get the Google Number first. If you say you want to just use your existing number you lose the option for a google number.

In Google Voice, Goto Settings, Phone Tab..... Get A Google Number