One of the most requested features for Google Voice, the ability to port a cell phone number to the service, has finally gone live for some users, as of January 20, 2011. Although only select users are able to use this feature—presumably because it is still in a testing phase—it should be available to all users who want to port their number within a few weeks.
There is no word yet on when landlines will be allowed to be ported, but Google told TechCrunch:
“We’re continually testing new features to enhance the user experience. For a limited amount of time, we’re making the Google Voice number porting process available to users. We don’t have any additional details to share at this time, but plan to offer this feature to all users in the near future.”
Terrifyingly Simple Transition
The process for porting a phone number could not be more straightforward. If you are one of the users lucky enough to currently have this feature, just go to Settings, then Voice Settings, and under Phones, next to your Google Voice number, you should see an option to change or port your number. Just click that link and you will be on your way to moving your mobile number over to Google Voice.
The only downside to this service right now is the $20 price tag to make the port happen. If you are still under contract with a mobile carrier, however, they will most likely want to charge you an early-termination fee (ETF), but Google Voice makes you keenly aware of that fact in the phone number porting process.
Another Phone Number is Still Needed
Be sure to consider that since Google is not a mobile carrier (yet?), you will still need another phone number if you wish to use Google Voice, because the service needs a number to forward to. If you are using a phone that you definitely want to keep, like an iPhone or EVO 4G, you will need to get a new number for that device to which you can forward your ported number.
Alternative to Another Carrier Phone Number
If it is possible to port your phone number to Google Voice and cancel your current phone service without cancelling your data plan, you may want to consider a service such as Line2 to receive your forwarded calls. Line2 is a $10 per month service that gives you a second phone line on any Android or iOS device; this VoIP service uses your phone’s WiFi, 3G, and 4G data connections to make calls without using up your minutes. This is a good alternative to a new number from your mobile carrier if your carrier lets you have a data plan without a calling plan.
The ability to port a number to Google Voice is one of the most requested features that the service has, and Google has finally delivered. Anyone who has a desire to transfer a number to Google Voice and has the option to should do so as soon a possible, because when this feature launches to everybody, pricing and availability may change.
Users of Android devices are at an advantage here because of Google Voice’s deep integration with the operating system, but anyone who uses Google Voice may want to take a look at porting a phone number right now.
Nicholas Anderegg - Nick Anderegg is an experienced freelance writer who has done everything from working as a contributing writer for several online ...
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