8 09 2010

Google voice started as an “Invitation Only” program; like Gmail, and has now become completely free to anyone with a Google/Gmail account.  Google voice allows Google users to make unlimited calls to US and Canadian phone numbers completely free of charge.  It was reported that currently, only US residents have access to this, however, people in Vancouver, BC and Edmonton, AB in Canada have said that it is working for them as well.  We put Google to the test from Toronto, and the sound quality and lag time were flawless!

Google recently released some mobile apps including Google Voice for BlackBerry, iPhone and other smart phones.  This smart phone application allows users to make and receive calls anywhere in the USA and Canada free of charge by using their Data Services.  I had the chance to test out the app with a Rogers BIS account and it didn’t work, but US residents have been enjoying this great app.  Possibly a Canadian IP issue.  There is no set release date for Canada, but I’m sure it’ll be up in the Great North very soon.

The Google Voice mobile applications allow cell phone users to completely eliminate long distance calls within Canada and the USA.  Hold on a second…If this app is completely stable, what would prevent people from cancelling their voice plans and going on a data only plan?  Wait two seconds…What if Google Voice allowed phone number porting?  An even better reason for people to terminate their voice contracts and call anywhere in the world for extremely low rates and to have unlimited North American calling for a hefty price of $0.00.

Now where does roaming fall into this picture?  If Google were to expand worldwide, people can essentially take their cell phone internationally, subscribe to a data roaming package from their wireless network carrier, and use their phone at their leisure.  We’re curious to know whether Google Voice will work if a user from a Canadian network were to go to the United States and load up the Google Voice app.  If anyone has tried this, please feel free to share it with us in the comments!  VOIP seems like the up and coming especially with today’s technology.

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