Google Voice is HERE!!, MJ is Dead

[Mp3Gamer00]

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http://www.techbargains.com/news_displayItem.cfm/173067


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[bitstopjoe]

So one post of this wasn't enough????????????
We are glad you like Ooma, so go post on THEIR forum......


Joe Sica

[Josemiami]

Read This, and try it.
From this Link:

http://www.phoneservicesupport.com/goog ... t7276.html

Code: Select all

DD-WRT Installation steps GV with Asterix integration

DD-WRT Installation
Install DD-WRT 2.4sp1 MEGA on your router

Enable JFFS:
1) Go to the Web Page-> Admin -> Enable JFFS
2) Click Apply
3) Wait a few seconds
4) Check Clean JFFS
5) Click SAVE (not apply)
6) Wait a few seconds
7) Reboot

[b]Enable CIFS[b]
Create a share on a server somewhere pc or linux box with samba
Mount the Share on DD-WRT in the Web interface
Admin->CIFS Automount
Enable
Fill in the parameters.
You can leave "Start Script" blank

Setup ipkg
Make a directory for ipkg (bug in dd-wrt)

Code:
mkdir -p /jffs/tmp/ipkg/lists
ipkg update
ipkg install kmod-loop
ipkg install kmod-ext2
insmod /jffs/lib/modules/2.4.30/loop.o
insmod /jffs/lib/modules/2.4.30/ext2.o
Do a lsmod to make sure ext2 and loop is loaded
If not, repeat the insmod commands above

Prep Partition File

1) create a file to make into an ext2 file system partition to be loop mounted

Code:
dd if=/dev/zero of=dd-wrt-opt.ext2 bs=1M count=200
* (where dd-wrt-opt.ext2 is the file and location mounted on your dd-wrt

2) Create a ext2 filesystem in the file you just created

Code:
echo y | mke2fs -L optware dd-wrt-opt.ext2
Mount the file as a loop filesystem

Code:
mount -o loop /tmp/smbshare/dd-wrt-opt.ext2 /opt
*remember to change /tmp/smbshare/dd-wrt-opt.ext to your path and file

Install Optware

Code:
wget »www.3iii.dk/linux/optware/optwar···ddwrt.sh -O - | tr -d '\r' > /tmp/optware-install.sh
sh /tmp/optware-install.sh
Install Asterisk

Code:
/opt/bin/ipkg-opt --tmp-dir /tmp install asterisk14
Install each or all of the following sets. Depending on what your ATA/softphone supports for codecs.

Code:
/opt/bin/ipkg-opt --tmp-dir /tmp install asterisk14-moh-freeplay-g729
/opt/bin/ipkg-opt --tmp-dir /tmp install asterisk14-core-sounds-en-g729
/opt/bin/ipkg-opt --tmp-dir /tmp install asterisk14-extra-sounds-en-g729

/opt/bin/ipkg-opt --tmp-dir /tmp install asterisk14-moh-freeplay-ulaw
/opt/bin/ipkg-opt --tmp-dir /tmp install asterisk14-core-sounds-en-ulaw
/opt/bin/ipkg-opt --tmp-dir /tmp install asterisk14-extra-sounds-en-ulaw
Install Python
Code:
/opt/bin/ipkg-opt --tmp-dir /tmp install python

Install Management Scripts

FIVN's collection of management scripts [fivn.com]. We are concerned with "3. Install Asterisk for DD-WRT"

Install optware startup scripts Commands->Command Shell.
Paste into the box and click "Save Startup"
* if you have an existing script, you'll have to figure out how you want to incorporate

Code:
#!/bin/sh

insmod /jffs/lib/modules/2.4.30/loop.o
insmod /jffs/lib/modules/2.4.30/ext2.o
mount -o loop /tmp/smbshare/dd-wrt-opt.ext2 /opt

# Start all init scripts in /opt/etc/init.d
# executing them in numerical order.
#
for i in /opt/etc/init.d/S??* ; do

# Ignore dangling symlinks (if any).
[ ! -f "$i" ] && continue

case "$i" in
*.sh)
# Source shell script for speed.
(
trap - INT QUIT TSTP
set start
. $i
)
;;
*)
# No sh extension, so fork subprocess.
$i start
;;
esac
done
Asterisk Startup scripts
Code:
Install startup scripts

mkdir -p /opt/etc/init.d
cd /opt/etc/init.d
wget »www.fivn.com/scripts/S50asterisk
wget »www.fivn.com/scripts/S51astadmin
chmod 755 S50asterisk S51astadmin
Install Asterisk Management script tmp
mv tmp asterisk.sh
chmod 755 asterisk.sh
Reboot

Asterisk Web Interface Location would be:
Code:
»/user/cgi-bin/asterisk.sh

Asterisk Configuration:

I cheated and just copied the files from a PiaF install on Virtualbox. Install and configure as normal.
Then copy the following files over to /opt/etc/asterisk

Code:
extensions.conf
extensions_additional.conf
extensions_custom.conf
extensions_override_freepbx.conf
features.conf
features_applicationmap_additional.conf
features_applicationmap_custom.conf
features_featuremap_additional.conf
features_featuremap_custom.conf
features_general_additional.conf
features_general_custom.conf
globals_custom.conf
sip.conf
sip_additional.conf
sip_custom.conf
sip_custom_post.conf
sip_general_additional.conf
sip_general_custom.conf
sip_nat.conf
sip_registrations.conf
sip_registrations_custom.conf
pygoogle Integration
Grab the install-gv-new script from:
Code:
wget »bestof.nerdvittles.com/applicati···l-gv-new
Patch it with the following diff

Save the patch as gv.patch

Code:
patch install-gv-new > /etc/asterisk/extensions_custom.conf
-echo "[custom-gv]" >> /etc/asterisk/extensions_custom.conf
-echo "exten => _X.,1,Wait(1)" >> /etc/asterisk/extensions_custom.conf
-echo "exten => _X.,n,Set(ACCTNAME=$acctname)" >> /etc/asterisk/extensions_custom.conf
-echo "exten => _X.,n,Set(ACCTPASS=$acctpass)" >> /etc/asterisk/extensions_custom.conf
-echo "exten => _X.,n,Set(RINGBACK=$ringback)" >> /etc/asterisk/extensions_custom.conf
-echo "exten => _X.,n,Set(CALLPARK=$callpark)" >> /etc/asterisk/extensions_custom.conf
-echo "exten => _X.,n,Playback(pls-wait-connect-call)" >> /etc/asterisk/extensions_custom.conf
-echo "exten => _X.,n,System(gvoice -e \${ACCTNAME} -p \${ACCTPASS} call \${EXTEN} \${RINGBACK})" >> /etc/asterisk/extensions_custom.conf
-echo "exten => _X.,n,Set(PARKINGEXTEN=\${CALLPARK})" >> /etc/asterisk/extensions_custom.conf
-echo "exten => _X.,n,Park()" >> /etc/asterisk/extensions_custom.conf
-echo " " >> /etc/asterisk/extensions_custom.conf
-echo "[custom-park]" >> /etc/asterisk/extensions_custom.conf
-echo "exten => s,1,Wait(4)" >> /etc/asterisk/extensions_custom.conf
-echo "exten => s,2,Set(GVNUM=$gvnum)" >> /etc/asterisk/extensions_custom.conf

-echo "exten => s,3,Set(CALLPARK=$callpark)" >> /etc/asterisk/extensions_custom.conf
-echo "exten => s,4,NoOp(**CALLERID: \${CALLERID(number)})" >> /etc/asterisk/extensions_custom.conf
-echo 'exten => s,5,GotoIf($["${CALLERID(number)}"="${GVNUM}"]?6:7)' >> /etc/asterisk/extensions_custom.conf
-echo "exten => s,6,ParkedCall(\${CALLPARK})" >> /etc/asterisk/extensions_custom.conf
-echo "exten => s,7,Goto(from-trunk,gv-incoming,1)" >> /etc/asterisk/extensions_custom.conf
-echo " " >> /etc/asterisk/extensions_custom.conf
+echo " " >> /opt/etc/asterisk/extensions_custom.conf
+echo "[custom-gv]" >> /opt/etc/asterisk/extensions_custom.conf
+echo "exten => _X.,1,Wait(1)" >> /opt/etc/asterisk/extensions_custom.conf
+echo "exten => _X.,n,Set(ACCTNAME=$acctname)" >> /opt/etc/asterisk/extensions_custom.conf
+echo "exten => _X.,n,Set(ACCTPASS=$acctpass)" >> /opt/etc/asterisk/extensions_custom.conf
+echo "exten => _X.,n,Set(RINGBACK=$ringback)" >> /opt/etc/asterisk/extensions_custom.conf
+echo "exten => _X.,n,Set(CALLPARK=$callpark)" >> /opt/etc/asterisk/extensions_custom.conf
+echo "exten => _X.,n,Playback(pls-wait-connect-call)" >> /opt/etc/asterisk/extensions_custom.conf
+echo "exten => _X.,n,System(/opt/local/bin/gvoice -e \${ACCTNAME} -p \${ACCTPASS} call \${EXTEN} \${RINGBACK})" >> /opt/etc/asterisk/extensions_custom.conf
+echo "exten => _X.,n,Set(PARKINGEXTEN=\${CALLPARK})" >> /opt/etc/asterisk/extensions_custom.conf
+echo "exten => _X.,n,Park()" >> /opt/etc/asterisk/extensions_custom.conf
+echo " " >> /opt/etc/asterisk/extensions_custom.conf
+echo "[custom-park]" >> /opt/etc/asterisk/extensions_custom.conf
+echo "exten => s,1,Wait(2)" >> /opt/etc/asterisk/extensions_custom.conf
+echo "exten => s,2,Set(GVNUM=$gvnum)" >> /opt/etc/asterisk/extensions_custom.conf
+echo "exten => s,3,Set(CALLPARK=$callpark)" >> /opt/etc/asterisk/extensions_custom.conf
+echo "exten => s,4,NoOp(**CALLERID: \${CALLERID(number)})" >> /opt/etc/asterisk/extensions_custom.conf
+echo 'exten => s,5,GotoIf($["${CALLERID(number)}"="${GVNUM}"]?6:7)' >> /opt/etc/asterisk/extensions_custom.conf
+echo "exten => s,6,ParkedCall(\${CALLPARK})" >> /opt/etc/asterisk/extensions_custom.conf
+echo "exten => s,7,Goto(from-trunk,gv-incoming,1)" >> /opt/etc/asterisk/extensions_custom.conf
+echo " " >> /opt/etc/asterisk/extensions_custom.conf

echo "Reloading Asterisk dialplan..."
-asterisk -rx "dialplan reload"
+/opt/sbin/asterisk -rx "dialplan reload"
echo " "

if [ -e "/usr/bin/gvoice" ]
@@ -71,20 +71,23 @@
echo "Installing Python add-ons..."
cd /root
#yum install mercurial
-yum -y install python-setuptools
-easy_install simplejson
+#/opt/bin/ipkg-opt --tmp-dir /tmp install py25-setuptools
+#yum -y install python-setuptools
+#easy_install simplejson
+/opt/bin/ipkg-opt --tmp-dir /tmp install py25-simplejson
#hg clone »https://pygooglevoice.googlecode.com/hg/ pygooglevoice

echo " "
echo "Installing pygooglevoice..."

wget »bestof.nerdvittles.com/applicati···oice.tgz
+cd /tmp
tar zxvf pygooglevoice.tgz

cd pygooglevoice
-python setup.py install
+/opt/bin/python setup.py install

-sed -i 's| help(|# help(|' /usr/bin/gvoice
+sed -i 's| help(|# help(|' /opt/local/bin/gvoice

fi
Fire Up Asterisk
/opt/etc/S50asterisk stop
/opt/etc/S50asterisk start

You should now have a working Asterisk Server with GV integration

I am not the one who developed these scripts.I just copied and paste the information from some blogs.
Thanks

[Josemiami]

Sipsorcery.com still working good for GV in and out, here is working ruby dial plan that works:

Code: Select all

#Ruby # OUT
############################################
######## OUTBOUND CALL FROM GOOGLE VOICE  ##########
############################################

#Logic for routing outgoing calls.

case req.URI.User
when /^1/
   sys.Log(" Dialing USA #{req.URI.User} through Google Voice service\t")
   sys.Log("*****************************************************\n")
   sys.GoogleVoiceCall("[email protected]","GVPassw","17475551212","#{req.URI.User}")

else
    #Route Outgoing Via Dialer Length

    dialer_length = req.URI.User.Length.to_s

    case dialer_length
        when /^10/
       sys.Log(" If 10 digits, add the 1 and dial provider.\t")
       sys.Log("--------------------------------------------------------------------------\n")
       sys.GoogleVoiceCall("[email protected]","GVPassw","17475551212","1#{req.URI.User}")
    when /^11/
       sys.Log(" If 11 digits, dial provider.\t")
       sys.Log("--------------------------------------------------------------------------\n")
       sys.GoogleVoiceCall("[email protected]","GVPassw","1745551212","#{req.URI.User}")
    end

end

[waynermunki]

can i get an invite to GV im having trouble with MJ and i wanna see if this would help....plus id like to check it out

[Josemiami]

can i get an invite to GV im having trouble with MJ and i wanna see if this would help....plus id like to check it out

https://services.google.com/fb/forms/googlevoiceinvite/

It will take 2 weeks.

Or you can get two here for $0.99

http://cgi.ebay.com/Google-Voice-Invite ... 286.c0.m14

[Josemiami]

Sample of new Aaron Logic for Google Voice Outbound Calling Using Sipgate:

Code: Select all

####################################################
######## OUTBOUND CALL FROM GOOGLE VOICE  ##########
####################################################

#Logic for routing outgoing calls.
sys.Trace = false
case req.URI.User
when /^/
   sys.Log(" Dialing USA #{req.URI.User} through Google Voice service\t")
   sys.Log("*****************************************************\n")
   sys.GoogleVoiceCall("[email protected]","GV_Password","415XXXXX19","#{req.URI.User}","786XXXXX86")
end

[email protected] = is your GV email account.
GV_Password = GV account Password
415XXXXX19 = Sipgate Number with or without the "1", This number have to be registered with SS, and have to be a forwarding number on the GV account.
786XXXXX86 = This is your GV number you want to match in this call, and for this set. make sure this number does not have a 1 in front or it won't work. (your GV email account and Password are the ones used for this Number).
#{req.URI.User} = any number you will call using SS, leaved as it or specified a particular number.

[synchron]

Yep, in addition to Gizmo5, got this working great with Sipgate and VoxOx (both free incoming services) so now my mj dongle sits on the shelf in case its needed if sipsorcery should ever go down.

Synchron

[Josemiami]

Sample of new Aaron Logic for Google Voice Outbound Calling Using IPKall:

Code: Select all

####################################################
######## OUTBOUND CALL FROM GOOGLE VOICE  ##########
####################################################

#Logic for routing outgoing calls.
sys.Trace = false
case req.URI.User
when /^/
   sys.Log(" Dialing USA #{req.URI.User} through Google Voice service\t")
   sys.Log("*****************************************************\n")
   sys.GoogleVoiceCall("[email protected]","GV1_Pass","206XXXXX34","#{req.URI.User}","786XXXXX86")
end

[email protected] = is your GV email account.
GV1_Pass = GV account Password
206XXXXX38 = IPKall Number with or without the "1", This Number Have to be registered with Sipsorcery.com.
786XXXXX86 = This is your GV number you want to match in this call, and for this set. make sure this number does not have a 1 in front or it won't work. (your GV email account and Password are the ones used for this Number).
#{req.URI.User} = any number you will call using SS, leaved as it or specified a particular number.


Here is How you register your IPKall Number with Sipsorcery.com



The SIP Phone Number will be your Sipsorcery Account Name

I have Noticed that IPKall Numbers have a faster responce than Sipgate Numbers.

To get an IPKall Number just go to the following Link:

http://phone.ipkall.com/

[Josemiami]

Sample of new Aaron Logic for Google Voice Outbound Calling Using IPKall:
And Checking your Voice Mail Using your ATA or SoftPhone:

Code: Select all

####################################################
######## OUTBOUND CALL FROM GOOGLE VOICE  ##########
####################################################

#Logic for routing outgoing calls.
sys.Trace = false
case req.URI.User
when /^786XXXXX86/
   sys.Log(" Dialing USA #{req.URI.User} through Google Voice service\t")        
   sys.Log("*****************************************************\n")
   sys.GoogleVoiceCall("[email protected]","GV2_Pass","206XXXXX19","#{req.URI.User}","305XXXXX42")
when /^/
   sys.Log(" Dialing USA #{req.URI.User} through Google Voice service\t")
   sys.Log("*****************************************************\n")
   sys.GoogleVoiceCall("[email protected]","GV1_Pass","206XXXXX34","#{req.URI.User}","786XXXXX86")
end

786XXXXX86 = The GV number I want to check My Voice Mail

[email protected] = My second GV account email
GV2_Pass = My second GV account Password
206XXXXX19 = My second IPKall Number
305XXXXX42 = My Second GV Number


[email protected] = My first GV account email
GV1_Pass = My first GV account Password
206XXXXX34 = My first IPKall Number
786XXXXX86 = My First GV Number


To get an IPKall Number just go to the following Link:

http://phone.ipkall.com/

[mel2000]

Here is How you register your IPKall Number with Sipsorcery.com

Doesn't an IPKall registration have to be hooked to an actual VOIP provider? Does hooking it directly to Sipsorcery allow IPKall to be used with whatever is the currently registered Sipsorcery account? Does your GV# still need to be forwarded to the IPKall number in Google Voice?

[Josemiami]

Doesn't an IPKall registration have to be hooked to an actual VOIP provider?

No and that may explain your CID issues, and it is also faster this way.

Does hooking it directly to Sipsorcery allow IPKall to be used with whatever is the currently registered Sipsorcery account?

Yes, and when you call your IPKall Number will make your Sip Phone, ATA or Soft Phone registered with Sipsorcery Ring!!!!

Does your GV# still need to be forwarded to the IPKall number in Google Voice?

Yes your Gv# still need to be forwarded to IPKall Number in Google Voice.

[doohickey]

The GV/G5 just died for me today. I can initiate a call and others can call in, the other callers can hear me and I can leave a voicemail on my other line, but on my end there is nothing but dead air. This just began today. Anybody else experiencing this problem?

Something else that's odd: I figured that I would take this opportunity to open a Sipgate account. When I tried to register a new account this morning, Sipgate redirects me to a page that states:

Sorry, sipgate is currently available for U.S. residents only. We apologize for this inconvenience. We are working to improve the scope of our service and to make it available everywhere.

Thank you for your patience!

I had a hankering late last night to open the Sipgate account, and everything was working fine with the signup, but when I saw that they wanted my personal information (name, address, etc.) I figured I'd wait till morning with a fresh head to do it. Now poof...apparently I'm a foreigner from Hawaii or something.

I'm guessing the problem may all be ISP related, but can't be sure. My ISP is Charter Communications.

[Josemiami]

The GV/G5 just died for me today. I can initiate a call and others can call in, the other callers can hear me and I can leave a voicemail on my other line, but on my end there is nothing but dead air. This just began today. Anybody else experiencing this problem?

Something else that's odd: I figured that I would take this opportunity to open a Sipgate account. When I tried to register a new account this morning, Sipgate redirects me to a page that states:

Sorry, sipgate is currently available for U.S. residents only. We apologize for this inconvenience. We are working to improve the scope of our service and to make it available everywhere.

Thank you for your patience!

I had a hankering late last night to open the Sipgate account, and everything was working fine with the signup, but when I saw that they wanted my personal information (name, address, etc.) I figured I'd wait till morning with a fresh head to do it. Now poof...apparently I'm a foreigner from Hawaii or something.

I'm guessing the problem may all be ISP related, but can't be sure. My ISP is Charter Communications.

This will be a good example of the personal information you can use for Sipgate and it will work:

Your Name: Brat Pit
your address: 148 E Main St, El Cajon, CA 92020.

Google is your best friend don't put in your Personal information.

But my best advise to you is to use IPKall. just follow my instructions, it is faster than Sipgate and requires less work.

I hope it helps.

[doohickey]

Thanks for the reply, Jose, but the problem is I can't even get to the Sipgate signup page now. It redirects to a page with the message I previously posted.

If you, or anyone, can try clicking the big orange Sign Up Now! button on the following page and tell me what happens, that would be helpful. Thanks.

http://www.sipgate.com/one

BTW, I'm under the impression that IPKall would be, say, a Google Voice alternative, but not a SIP provider (Gizmo5, Sipgate) alternative. Am I missing something?

[Josemiami]

Thanks for the reply, Jose, but the problem is I can't even get to the Sipgate signup page now. It redirects to a page with the message I previously posted.

If you, or anyone, can try clicking the big orange Sign Up Now! button on the following page and tell me what happens, that would be helpful. Thanks.

http://www.sipgate.com/one

I think this is going temporary because of the people ditching Gizm0 5, I was not aware of this, but anyway go get your IPKall number before they stop the service, now is the time IPKalll is working great for me.

[mel2000]

Thanks for your IPKall setup info Josemiami. Unfortunately when I tried it none of my GoogleVoiceCall()s went thru because IPKall exposes an incorrect CID to it that does not match my GV number. Instead it displays 2534705002 as my CID, which is neither my GV number nor my IPKall number. Since there is no match the call does not go thru. GoogleVoiceCall() works fine when I use it with my Gizmo5 1747... number.

[doohickey]

I just got my IPKall number and, since new Sipsorcery accounts won't be available until September 8th at the earliest, I have it pointed at my Gizmo5 account. And, it works!

GV -> G5 = Dead Air
IPKall -> G5 = A-OK

What the...?

Anyway, so I go to add the new IPKall number to my Google Voice account and I get the following message:

This number is already in use as a cell phone on another Google Voice account.

{{{bangs head on desk}}}

If you people out there aren't taking this opportunity to LOL at my expense right now, I'm gonna be pissed.

[mel2000]

Anyway, so I go to add the new IPKall number to my Google Voice account and I get the following message:

This number is already in use as a cell phone on another Google Voice account.

That's the similar warning I got with my new Sipgate number. Apparently many Google Voice users don't bother flushing the forwarded numbers that they've abandoned. At the same time, free DID numbers become too quickly available for recycling.

We're hardly the only people having this problem. Unfortunately GV doesn't seem to be responding to complaints about locked numbers. It would be better if GV didn't block number confirmations since only the current rightful owner will be able to confirm anyway.

[doohickey]

I wound up deleting my IPKall account and then requested a new number. Still waiting for over 12 hours... I'm doubting they'll send me a new number because, like you say Mel, we're not the only ones getting bit by GV-locked numbers and IPKall will probably tire pretty quickly of new requests.

I was finally able to open a sipgate account and one nice feature is the ability to refresh the number they present to you until you find one that is satisfactory. So, each time a number was presented I tested it in the GV Add Phone settings until I got a number that wasn't already activated in another GV account. The first five or six numbers sipgate presented were already activated, then bingo, got one that was ready to go.

Edit: Just got the new IPKall number and this one is also already activated on another GV account.

[mel2000]

I was finally able to open a sipgate account and one nice feature is the ability to refresh the number they present to you until you find one that is satisfactory. So, each time a number was presented I tested it in the GV Add Phone settings until I got a number that wasn't already activated in another GV account. The first five or six numbers sipgate presented were already activated, then bingo, got one that was ready to go.

Wish I had known to do that before I locked in my Sipgate number.

Edit: Just got the new IPKall number and this one is also already activated on another GV account.

The problem with my IPKall number isn't a previous activation, it's that the Caller ID isn't retained properly so I can't get it to work for GV callbacks.

[geohump]

....
G O O G L E will be FREE for ever.

I agree with your sentiments and praise for GV.

But {hey, you knew there had to be a but, right? }

Google is a public company that is required by law to make as much money as possible for its shareholders. This is true for all publicly held companies. [If you want to research this look for the phrase "breach of fiduciary duty"]
At a certain point when the costs of running GV for large numbers of users gets high enough, Google management will have to start charging for it - UNLESS - they can prove that they are making more money from GV than they are spending on it. Proving it is difficult because any revenue generated by the free GV service will be generated as a result of an indirect relationship with Google's ad revenue system. Somehow it would have to be shown that having people use GV allows Google to sell enough more ad space, or raise the price on ad space sold high enough, to increase the net profit made by the company.

Although my background is software development (Operating systems, drivers, etc..) I also did work as a technology analyst for a while which involved analyzing how well specific companies: Built their tools, marketed them, and if they were likely to succeed.

This exposed me to the seamy underside of High-Tech... The "dark side" if you will.. Where code meets the road and company expenses of approximately a quarter million $(USD) per year, per engineer have to be met in proportional increments, every two weeks.**

Yes Google voice is free now. And Magic Jack is so cheap, its "almost free" , but... (yes! At last, the "but" is finally here! ) - never say forever!

Right now the Internet is in a state of extreme flux. Everyone, Google included is trying to understand how to make money over the web. Ad revenue, Google's only truly profit making activity, are down and they are likely to continue going down as we move forward into the future.

Indicators of this are the increasing instances of formerly all free services which now charge a "freemium" to get better versions of the same service. Flickr is one example.

There is a significant cost to providing phone services that use the public, switched phone network (eg PSTN, or POTS). That cost has a minimum level that cannot be avoided, mostly because of the regulatory requirements, largely created through lobbying efforts of the old phone companies expressly for the purpose of making it difficult for non-existing phone companies to enter the market and compete against them.

Both GV and MJ have that cost. MJ and GV will reduce that cost as much as possible by having their respective users share inter-connect facilities that cross over from the MJ|GV internal network into the PSTN. Both companies have (separate of each other) built, leased or bought and maintain a set of actual "lines" that connect their "phone" system into the PSTN. The cost of those lines is not under their control so it cannot be reduced beyond a certain point. While each of those lines may be shared between 30 or more user's to reduce the cost per user, it will not reach zero and it is a re-occurring expense so it will not get paid off. The quality of each service will be affected by the ratio of shared lines to users. The premise of the sharing is that only a certain fraction of the users are actually using their phone lines at the same time. By having the switching equipment intelligently route the calls, every user who needs an active line, either incoming or outgoing, can be serviced - as long as - there are enough shared lines. Remember what happens on Mother's day.

**This measurement is common rule of thumb indicator of a company's efficiency. The ratio varies from industry to industry. In High Tech software/hardware companies, you take the total annual costs of running the company and divide it by the number of engineers (people who actually do the work). The result is how much money you are spending for each person who "actually works to create and deliver product". Everything else is "overhead". eg - costs of hardware, building rent/mortgage. electricity, sales people, marketing, management, health insurance, salaries etc...

Note - with the advent of cheaper hardware and off-shoring the ratios are dropping. I remember writing up a purchase order for $300,000 in 1983. I bought my department 10 software development computers..... typical configuration was between 2 and4 megabytes of RAM and a 60 -80 Mb hard drive. Today, 10 Software development computers would cost $12,000 or less.

[doohickey]

Wish I had known to do that before I locked in my Sipgate number.

You may be able to reclaim that number.

As I previously mentioned, my new IPkall number was still in someone else's GV account, preventing me from activating it. Sometime during the past week Google Voice Help added a new topic about this dilemma, but the "reclaim prompt" mentioned in it didn't materialize, for me anyway, until today. I was able to reclaim the IPKall number and activate it in my account.

[jharadie]

OK, I've read this entire thread, and am very confused. Please forgive me, I'm a relative noob to VOIP.

I bought a MJ in May, at that time could only get a Seattle (WA) a/c & phone # (I don't mind, actually kinda like that). It runs on an old laptop that's not really good for anything else, laptop runs through DLink router to cable internet. MJ is connected to regular phone. Pretty happy with it: there's the occasional dropped call, the occasional rebooting of XP.

This thread started by talking about Google Voice, the main thing that caught my attention was Call Forwarding. Then the thread expanded to Gizmo, Sip(something), ATA, MJMD5, and I feel like a first-grader on a high-school campus.

I'd like to get a GV number for my a/c & city (Bellingham, WA), then have it do nothing more than forward inbound calls to my MJ. (I have a Qwest landline, someday I want to get rid of that.) Leaving the comp on 24/7 is no problem. My question: can I do this, without having to go through Gizmo or anything else, and is it still free?

I have no clue what Softphone is, headset (something MJ talks about), or almost anything else regarding VOIP.

Thank you for your patience at my noob-i-ness.

[theunleet]

A softphone is merely an application run on the computer that can connect to your specific VOIP service(magicjack included if its setup correctly) and then you may us a "headset" or "microphone" to send out voice to whomever you are calling. A popular one you may try out is called "X-Lite" and you may search google for it.

[anant]

Hi Folks:

I have signed up for IPKALL. I have received a 425 area code #. I tried to add to my GV account and GV tried to verify. GV is not able to verify. What could be the reason? I have never experienced this before. Need help please.
Thanks in anticipation.


anant

[anant]

Hi Folks:
I am looking for Sip Provider settings for IPKALL to enter into sipsorcery. I have searched this thread. Can someone provide me settings or a link please, Thanks in anticipation

anant

[macman4hire]

Code: Select all

sys.Trace = false 
case req.URI.User 
when /^/ 
   sys.Log(" Dialing USA #{req.URI.User} through Google Voice service\t") 
   sys.Log("*****************************************************\n") 
   sys.GoogleVoiceCall("[email protected]","GV1_Pass","Enter IPKall#","#{req.URI.User}","Enter GV#") 
end 

Also note you must forward your IPKall number to your Sip Sorcery account.

SIP Phone Number: Sip Sorcery account name
Sip Proxy:sipsorcery.com:5060

[anant]

Hi folks:

At last my IPKALL + SS + GV is working for both out/ in calls.
The trick is :

Unlike the case of sipgate / gizmo / voxox etc which you add to SS as a SIP provider for registration, in the case of IPCALL you use the special update of IPKALL phone ( at log-in time) for SIP registration as posted in this thread.
My problem all along has been : GV could never verify the IPKALL telephone # . GV did verify this morn. I could have a temporary problem earlier.

Now my problem is:

While IPKALL is working properly for both out/in calls, I have a cid problem for all incoming calls to IPKALL phone. No matter from what phone I call the IPKALL #, IPKALL phone displays the same number 206-202-0232 as cid.
The only exception is : When I try to call a outside # from GV contact list choosing IPKALL option, GV calls first the IPKALL phone with the correct GV # as cid and then calls the other outside #.

Any help to correct the cid problem will be appreciated. Thanks in anticipation.

anant


other #.

[macman4hire]

anant,

Do not wait to long in anticipation! LOL. The only IPKall numbers that work correctly to pass the CID information are the 360 area codes. This is based on testing all IPKall's offered area codes. Note not all 360 areas work either.

[anant]

I have checked once again and here are my observations.

Incoming calls to IPKALL phone:

Any calls from any phone tied to GV account, the cid IPKALL phone gets is not correct and in my case it is a fixed # 20603202-0232,

Any calls from outside phones to IPKALL #, it gets correct cid

Any calls from outside phones to GV #, IPKALL phone gets correct google phone id as cid.

So it is not as bad as I thought. This is just my experience.

anant

[jharadie]

A softphone is merely an application run on the computer that can connect to your specific VOIP service(magicjack included if its setup correctly) and then you may us a "headset" or "microphone" to send out voice to whomever you are calling. A popular one you may try out is called "X-Lite" and you may search google for it.

Thanks for the info, I learned something new. However, don't think that will work for me.

Still would like to know if I can get a GV number for my a/c & city (Bellingham, WA), then have it do nothing more than forward inbound calls to my MJ, can I do this, without having to go through Gizmo or anything else, and is it still free?


Thanks.

[mel2000]

Wish I had known to do that before I locked in my Sipgate number.

You may be able to reclaim that number.

Thanks. I have since reclaimed my Sipgate number and find that Google Voice works better with Sipgate than Gizmo5.

[ageofknowledge]

OK, I've read this entire thread, and am very confused. Please forgive me, I'm a relative noob to VOIP.

I bought a MJ in May, at that time could only get a Seattle (WA) a/c & phone # (I don't mind, actually kinda like that). It runs on an old laptop that's not really good for anything else, laptop runs through DLink router to cable internet. MJ is connected to regular phone. Pretty happy with it: there's the occasional dropped call, the occasional rebooting of XP.

This thread started by talking about Google Voice, the main thing that caught my attention was Call Forwarding. Then the thread expanded to Gizmo, Sip(something), ATA, MJMD5, and I feel like a first-grader on a high-school campus.

I'd like to get a GV number for my a/c & city (Bellingham, WA), then have it do nothing more than forward inbound calls to my MJ. (I have a Qwest landline, someday I want to get rid of that.) Leaving the comp on 24/7 is no problem. My question: can I do this, without having to go through Gizmo or anything else, and is it still free?

I have no clue what Softphone is, headset (something MJ talks about), or almost anything else regarding VOIP.

Thank you for your patience at my noob-i-ness.

I emphathize with you. This forum is mainly people in telecom talking to other people in telecom.

What you could do is get a second magic jack and set up the second magic jack number to forward to the first magic jack number.

It's quite easy actually. You simply order a second magic jack, set it up on a different computer, configure it to forward any calls to the first magic jack number and then uninstall the second magic jack from the computer and forget about it.

The second magic jack number continues to forward calls to the first magic jack you use daily.

If you have a number you want to use as the forwarding number, wait until the end of the year when Magic Jack lets you use your own phone number and use that one as your call forwarding number with the second Magic Jack.

[avibp]

I'd like to get a GV number for my a/c & city (Bellingham, WA), then have it do nothing more than forward inbound calls to my MJ. (I have a Qwest landline, someday I want to get rid of that.) Leaving the comp on 24/7 is no problem. My question: can I do this, without having to go through Gizmo or anything else, and is it still free?

jharadie,
Google voice is free (http://www.google.com/voice) you can get a GMail account and add GV to it and then forward it for free to your MJ. I don't know if they have one for your Area code and City but, if they don't it is still free and when you change your number in the future to one in your city, there will be a $10 charge like it is with magicjack.

Soft-Phone: (Software Phone) Like Skype. It takes your computer to dial the number and USUALLY you talk through the computer microphone and speakers. Magic Jack has a soft phone aspect to it; you can use your computer to dial the number and talk through the microphone and speakers on the computer instead of the phone.

Headset: Microphone and (earbudds-headphone) Speakers that go on your head and plug into your computer or cell phone. Think of a telemarketer that is on the phone all day. The don't use a regular phone, they are plugged in and using a headset. A telephone speaker and microphone are in the HANDset 'cause it is held in the hand.

So, yes you can do this (GV) for free and "No", you don't need anything else. You already paid for your magicjack. If you want a headset, it will cost you a few dollars to a lot of dollars. As for the rest of the PAP and Gizmo and and and.... I think of these things as toys. You absolutely do NOT need them. But, you may find out that you want them when you start to play. (shrug)

[/edit] Google voice will blow your mind. Make sure you had sleep and a fresh cup of coffee. Its too cool and there are many features and ways to do "it" the way you want. GET IT NOW! [edit]

[jharadie]

I'd like to get a GV number for my a/c & city (Bellingham, WA), then have it do nothing more than forward inbound calls to my MJ. (I have a Qwest landline, someday I want to get rid of that.) Leaving the comp on 24/7 is no problem. My question: can I do this, without having to go through Gizmo or anything else, and is it still free?

jharadie,
Google voice is free (http://www.google.com/voice) you can get a GMail account and add GV to it and then forward it for free to your MJ. I don't know if they have one for your Area code and City but, if they don't it is still free and when you change your number in the future to one in your city, there will be a $10 charge like it is with magicjack.

Soft-Phone: (Software Phone) Like Skype. It takes your computer to dial the number and USUALLY you talk through the computer microphone and speakers. Magic Jack has a soft phone aspect to it; you can use your computer to dial the number and talk through the microphone and speakers on the computer instead of the phone.

Headset: Microphone and (earbudds-headphone) Speakers that go on your head and plug into your computer or cell phone. Think of a telemarketer that is on the phone all day. The don't use a regular phone, they are plugged in and using a headset. A telephone speaker and microphone are in the HANDset 'cause it is held in the hand.

So, yes you can do this (GV) for free and "No", you don't need anything else. You already paid for your magicjack. If you want a headset, it will cost you a few dollars to a lot of dollars. As for the rest of the PAP and Gizmo and and and.... I think of these things as toys. You absolutely do NOT need them. But, you may find out that you want them when you start to play. (shrug)

[/edit] Google voice will blow your mind. Make sure you had sleep and a fresh cup of coffee. Its too cool and there are many features and ways to do "it" the way you want. GET IT NOW! [edit]

THANK YOU! This is *wonderful*! I made a request for an invitation to GV right after my original post, still waiting for response. Guessing they (like MJ) don't yet have #'s in my area, willing to wait is not a problem. My MJ is connected to a cordless telephone which works out well for me. As far as computer-connected headset and softphone and all that, just doesn't work for me. Now it's a bit of a contest: who will get #'s in my area (Bellingham, WA) first? If it's GV, then will forward to existing MJ (which is a Seattle #); if it's MJ, will buy another unit (I like having a Seattle #).

Again, Thank You for this info.