Google Voice is Google’s latest (currently invite only) service that assigns Google phone numbers to users which has the advantage that the number is not tied to any phone or other device. The Google Voice users decides where to route the Google Voice number to with the possibility to route it to multiple devices at the same time. There are filters in place that can route phone numbers to specific devices which is a great way of organizing and managing calls. It comes with a few comfort features like voicemail, transcripts of voicemails, conference calling and more.
Dante, who is currently trying Google Voice, send me an email earlier today telling me that not everything works as smoothly as intended. One of the biggest current issues is that Google Voice numbers are not reachable. It might even be that it was possible to call the number from another phone previously.
Several users are reporting problems connecting to a Google Voice number from various devices. Other phones can call the same Google Voice number without problems on the other hand which makes the issue complicated and frustrating.
Google suggests to add a 1 to the phone number to see if it works then. They have setup a spreadsheet form that can be used by Google Voice users to report problems with the service. Users need to enter information such as their Google Voice number, an email where they can be contacted, the phone number and carrier of the caller and some additional information.
A Google employee mentioned that Google is aware of the issue and is working with carriers to resolve it:
We are aware that in some rare instances a Google number may not be reachable from certain phone carriers. We are working with these carriers to ensure that all routing information will be accurate and up to date. We expect the issue to be resolved shortly and we appreciate your patience if you happen to have been affected by this.
Dante also mentioned that the quality of international calls for the international caller is not very good at this time.
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Because the numbers are so new the phone providers don’t have these new numbers updated for routing. This isn’t a Google issue.
Odd, I’ve been using Google Voice for a few months now and haven’t had any problems. Guess I’m just lucky.
Or the problem isn’t as widespread as you’d like it to be..
I don’t know Bdubbs. One Verizon phone got through to a Google number. While another Verizon phone couldn’t – just busy signals. Although the Verizon phone that couldn’t get through was dialed out via a PBX.
Ok. I’m noting a Mactard like feel here: Apple/Google is God. No bad things are allowed to be said or the naysayer will be denigrated.
I’ve been testing Google stuff from when Google first started. And Google takes all these comments seriously. Probably why Google gets things fixed fast, while Apple dithers. It is good that I have rarely seen such holier than though, no sh/t here comments on Google forums or nothing will get pass the beta stage.
Odd, Google Voice just sent out the invites last month. How did Chris use it for several months already..
Or he’s..
At Onebox.com we’ve been providing these services for over a decade and as such understand the the challenges that Google might be facing. I’m sure they’ll work all of these basic problems out in time (likely quickly).
The real question they face is has to do with ad serving. Will small businesses use this service if it means ads will be involved? We think that’s where a premium and established product like Onebox will be able to maintain a strong niche.