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Google Tests Google Voice Number Porting

 & Chloe Albanesius Executive Editor, News

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Google Voice for iPhone

Word on the street this morning was that Google had quietly made number porting available to all its Google Voice users, but the search giant confirmed Thursday that it is only conducting a test of the option with a few users.

"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," Google said in a statement. "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."

The service costs $20 (payable via Google Checkout), and basically lets you use your wireless phone number as your Google Voice number. Engadget was among those who noticed the number porting option on its account last night, though the blog says the option has since disappeared. As the graphic below points out, opting for Google Voice number porting will cancel your mobile phone service plan, meaning you could incur early termination fees.

Search Engine Land reports that Google made the number porting move now "because several issues on the back end had been worked out, making it easier to move your wireless number to Google Voice."

Last month, Google added support for the iPad and iPod touch to its Google Voice iPhone app. The update lets users access all the features of the Google Voice app, like sending a receiving free texts, across the three devices.

For more details, see PCMag's "How to Get Started With Google Voice" guide.

Google Voice number porting

About Our Expert

Chloe Albanesius

Chloe Albanesius

Executive Editor, News

My Experience

I started out covering tech policy in DC for The National Journal, where my beat included state-level tech news and all the congressional hearings and FCC meetings I could handle. I later covered Wall Street trading tech before switching gears to consumer tech. I now lead PCMag's news coverage.

My Areas of Expertise

Getting my start in DC means I still have a soft spot for tech policy; Congressional hearings can sometimes be as entertaining as a Bravo reality show, for better or worse. But PCMag is all about the technology we use every day, as well as keeping an eye out for the trends that will shape the industry in the years ahead (or flop on arrival). I've covered the rise of social media, the iOS vs. Android wars, the cord-cutting revolution that's now left us with hefty streaming bills, and the effort to stuff artificial intelligence into every product you could imagine. This job has taken me to CES in Vegas (one too many times), IFA in Berlin, and MWC in Barcelona. I also drove a Tesla 1,000 miles out west as part of our Best Mobile Networks project. Of late, my focus is on our hard-working team of reporters at PCMag, guiding and editing their robust coverage.

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