Life after Skype

[Paige55]

Tello Update: was able to receive a 2fa code from Bank of America this morning on the Tello number (ported from Skype). So far I've been really happy with Tello and it seems to provide everything I needed Skype for. Able to seamlessly call landlines and now receive 2fa codes (at least for now). Hoping it's consistent.

 

[FrankPintor]

I just got this email:

View attachment 10370

I haven’t actually called anyone yet, but I was able to set it up via the Teams app on my phone.

And a Teams update: I was able to call a European fixed line number yesterday using my Skype credit. Automatic top-up USD 10 per month takes care of everything.

 

[studiodio]

i am a novice for all these different systems and terms. in the last couple of years, i have only used skype when i needed to call some business or gov agency where there was often a long waiting time on line to talk to a person. all my other calls are with whatsapp....so in my limited research it seemed like most companies charged for every minute of calls...except for poptox??....any advice on cheapest easiest plan /company for long calls to US ? signed, techno dummy!

 

[carride]

...any advice on cheapest easiest plan /company for long calls to US ? signed, techno dummy!

For calling to US phone numbers google voice continues to be free. If you need to make a call that lasts longer than 3 hours you will be disconnected, though you can call back. From your browser on your computer, or using the official google voice app on your phone (but skip the option to link your mobile phone number during setup, or when they occasionally ask). If for some reason you do not have a GV number then you need to ask a friend who is physically there today to sign up for you.

 

[studiodio]

For calling to US phone numbers google voice continues to be free. If you need to make a call that lasts longer than 3 hours you will be disconnected, though you can call back. From your browser on your computer, or using the official google voice app on your phone (but skip the option to link your mobile phone number during setup, or when they occasionally ask). If for some reason you do not have a GV number then you need to ask a friend who is physically there today to sign up for you.

thanks so much ....so for example , my sis in usa could set up google voice with her phone number and i could then use it to call usa??

 

[lunar]

thanks so much ....so for example , my sis in usa could set up google voice with her phone number and i could then use it to call usa??

I think the number needs to be associated with your google account, not your sister's google account.
Then when you go to https://voice.google.com, you will see the google voice number and you will be able to call from it.
So, basically, she needs to log into Google as you when requesting the number.

 

[carride]

thanks so much ....so for example , my sis in usa could set up google voice with her phone number and i could then use it to call usa??

I have my one old landline phone number that is really only a virtual number now. I used that number to setup two different Google Voice phone numbers on two different google accounts. There is no relationship to any number you might have already given google for other verification. And yes, if your sister if already using her number as a forwarding number for her GV, it will not restrict her to use it again for you.

So just sign up for GV. Try signup from Argentina, though google probably does not allow unless using a VPN. Your sis might need your Gmail Google password to signup as @lunar mentions . She should logout her own Gmail google, unless she knows how to juggle multiple accounts per browser/computer. When first setup it will call or sms her real phone with a verification code. Then that is it. All is done, and no need to use a VPN or physically be in USA. Every 12 months or so, google will ask you to verify again, but will give you 1-2 months to figure it out. When you then browse through GV settings, one thing is turn off the forwarding to her phone.

Suggest next time in USA you get a prepaid cell service with a new phone number. Or ask a friend who Is there. Use an extra cell phone or with new phones it could be your option for a 2nd eSIM. Use that as your GV forwarding number. Only top up the prepaid service when you need with $5 once per year or whatever rule the provider enforces. Google Fi service is the only provider I know which Google Voice does not allow as a forwarder.