Using the G1 “with Google” Voice and without cellular service.

If you hadn’t noticed, I’m a fan of Google Voice..  But after a couple days with the G1, now I’m a fan of Android too.

As I am currently unable to switch providers, I wanted to use the G1 without cellular service.  I won’t go into the process of getting past the “No SIM Card” screen, as that’s a whole other story; but I will tell you how to configure a G1, or other Android device, to pretty much work perfectly with Google Voice.

Requirements:

  • G1, or some other Android device
  • Active Google Voice account
  • Active Gizmo5 account linked in Google Voice’s Phone Settings
  • Google Voice (the official app)
  • Sipdroid
  • GV (thanks to Evan Charlton for this)

The process:

First install Google Voice (the official app) and configure with the following options:

  • Making Calls - Do not use Google Voice for any calls
  • This Phone’s Number - select your gizmo5 number

Next install GV and configure it.  Enter your account info and click next.  When it shows your Phones, just click next, lastly for your GV Settings:

  • Route all calls through GV - Checked
  • Calling method - Call back
  • Your callback number - Gizmo5 number
  • Voicemail PIN - 1234

The last two options don’t actually matter in this setup, or anyone using callback, but they’re required by GV because Evan left out a conditional statement somewhere.. :p

Lastly, install and configure Sipdroid:

  • Username/Password - the Gizmo5 account you created
  • Server - proxy01.sipphone.com
  • Port - 5060
  • Use WLAN - checked
  • Preferred Call Type - Phone

So, how does this work?  When you attempt to create a call from the Contacts or Dialer, Evan’s GV app takes control and initiates a callback via your G1’s internet connection.  This instantiates an incoming call from Google Voice, through your Gizmo5 account, which Sipdroid catches.  The beauty of this configuration is that Sipdroid and GV both integrate into the G1 so well that everything looks like a normal incoming or outgoing call..

Noteworthy:  It may be possible to configure Sipdroid to initiate callbacks directly, thus negating the need for GV, but I’m too lazy to bother trying to figure it out right now.  Also, Google Voice’s usefulness is questionable..  The Visual Voicemail is awesome, but the text messages don’t show up instantly, in fact, I’m not sure how often it polls for new messages, or if it only checks when the app is started, or when you Refresh from the Menu.

Good luck, and happy ‘off-the-grid’ calling.

August 8, 2009 · Filed under General

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