Help me find an alternative to Google Voice

emebrs · 5 Oct 2015, 02:23 AM

I would like to have a virtual phone number. Does anyone have a suggestion for which service to use?

Has anyone tried a service like Anveo?

FredOnline · 5 Oct 2015, 03:01 AM

Depends where in the world you are.

In the UK, I have made use of FleXtel.

David · 5 Oct 2015, 03:40 AM

I use CallCentric on a 'pay per call' basis. I don't bother with a monthly plan. CallCentric also sell (with some for free) virtual phone numbers in many parts of the world. I also set up VOIP service with this company. It's easy to set up and I use an 'adaptor' with it rather than purchasing a VOIP phone. The main advantage of using this company (for me) is the ability to call cell phones (in the UK) from Canada, at dirt cheap rates. It costs just over one cent for a one hour call.

emebrs · 5 Oct 2015, 11:00 AM

Thanks for the ideas.

I am in USA.

janusz · 6 Oct 2015, 01:52 AM

Doesn't Skype also provide a virtual phone number and cheap calls to landlines/mobiles?

n5bb · 6 Oct 2015, 09:25 AM

My employer (a large company) uses Skype for Business (old Microsoft Lync) and it works well. If I don't answer the call on the PC it rings my mobile phone. We also use this tool for conference calls and presentations, as it competes with WebEx.

Bill

emebrs · 7 Oct 2015, 12:09 AM

I am looking at smaller providers. For that reason the callcentric suggestion above was the most interesting to me personally.

(No way will I sign up for an account with Microsoft, Google, Facebook, etc -- too much evil)

beeboy · 7 Oct 2015, 03:52 PM

When Skype was just an infant I was using Firefly. I remember the call quality was superb and they did supply phone numbers. Sadly, the software is windows only.

I see they are still in business but have no idea how they are today.

https://freshtel.net/softphone

emebrs · 10 Oct 2015, 10:57 AM

I am thinking I will probably just go with Anveo.

5 Oct 2015, 02:23 AM	#1
emebrs Essential Contributor Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 343	Help me find an alternative to Google Voice I would like to have a virtual phone number. Does anyone have a suggestion for which service to use? Has anyone tried a service like Anveo?

5 Oct 2015, 03:01 AM	#2
FredOnline The "e" in e-mail Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Manchester UK Posts: 2,616	Depends where in the world you are. In the UK, I have made use of FleXtel.

5 Oct 2015, 03:40 AM	#3
David Ultimate Contributor Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Canada. Posts: 10,355	I use CallCentric on a 'pay per call' basis. I don't bother with a monthly plan. CallCentric also sell (with some for free) virtual phone numbers in many parts of the world. I also set up VOIP service with this company. It's easy to set up and I use an 'adaptor' with it rather than purchasing a VOIP phone. The main advantage of using this company (for me) is the ability to call cell phones (in the UK) from Canada, at dirt cheap rates. It costs just over one cent for a one hour call.

5 Oct 2015, 11:00 AM	#4
emebrs Essential Contributor Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 343	Thanks for the ideas. I am in USA.

6 Oct 2015, 01:52 AM	#5
janusz The "e" in e-mail Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: EU Posts: 4,945	Doesn't Skype also provide a virtual phone number and cheap calls to landlines/mobiles?

6 Oct 2015, 09:25 AM	#6
n5bb Intergalactic Postmaster Join Date: May 2004 Location: Irving, Texas Posts: 8,929	My employer (a large company) uses Skype for Business (old Microsoft Lync) and it works well. If I don't answer the call on the PC it rings my mobile phone. We also use this tool for conference calls and presentations, as it competes with WebEx. Bill

7 Oct 2015, 12:09 AM	#7
emebrs Essential Contributor Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 343	I am looking at smaller providers. For that reason the callcentric suggestion above was the most interesting to me personally. (No way will I sign up for an account with Microsoft, Google, Facebook, etc -- too much evil)

7 Oct 2015, 03:52 PM	#8
beeboy Cornerstone of the Community Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 551	When Skype was just an infant I was using Firefly. I remember the call quality was superb and they did supply phone numbers. Sadly, the software is windows only. I see they are still in business but have no idea how they are today. https://freshtel.net/softphone

10 Oct 2015, 10:57 AM	#9
emebrs Essential Contributor Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 343	I am thinking I will probably just go with Anveo.