Mountain View, California — Google Voice has been a great tool for people to manage their communications, but for some people, one of Google Voice’s awkwardest conditions is beginning to ease, thanks to a new, very quietly rolled-out feature that lets you port your own phone number to Google Voice.
According to Google, the capability to port your own inbound phone number is currently under experimental phase that is available to certain users, Google released a statement:
“We are constantly experimenting with new features to embellish the user experience. For a limited amount of time, we are making the Google Voice number porting process available to users. We do not have any additional details to share at this time, but plan to offer this feature to all users in the near future.”
Although it has come with some complications, but regardless, it could be a major advancement for Google Voice, helping it become in effect a phone company for many users.
The first hurdle is that it costs $20 to port a number, and it would not function for landline phones or corporate mobile numbers. Remember that if you do select that option, then you also need to terminate your existing plans with your cellular carriers, which could result in early-termination fees. Then they need to set up a new mobile account with their mobile carrier in order to obtain a new phone number, which can be added to the Google Voice account as a forward number — and during the transition, a user may not be able to receive text messages for up to three days. Also, a user’s existing Google Voice number will go away after 90 days. Buyer beware.
According to Techcrunch, the update is being rolled out to certain users, so not everyone will be able to take advantage of it right away. You will need to check your Google Voice settings to see if the option is available.
If you see this in your Google Voice account settings, you may be eligible for porting. (Credit: Screenshot by Jessica Dolcourt/CNET) .
With a few clicks and clunks, you can have people call the regular phone number that you have been using all these years, without having to teach them to call a different number just so you can use Google Voice and all its Gmail-like features. Now, you may see the words “Change/Port” in the Settings of your Google Voice account. Simply click it to begin the process of entering your beloved number, and Google will assess if it is eligible for porting to Google Voice.
Again, just remember that jumping ship on any current mobile contract will incur your carrier’s wrath in the form of early termination fees. Therefore, port wisely, young Googlers.
Nevertheless, this long-awaited feature will make it a lot easier for new users of Google Voice to adapt to the service. It will be simple to just drop your old service automatically by paying the $20 and importing that number to Google Voice.