Cell Phone Tips and Google Voice.

Here are a few methods to maximize your cell phone minutes. They are not illegal just a little sneaky. I am currently working with Alltel and on a Blackberry Curve. Two of these methods require a smartphone and the third should work on any phone with Alltel My Circle.

My Circle is an alltel specific program that allows you to specifi a number and then any calls to or from that number will not count against your plan min.

Alltel and My Circle Ideas

 Google Voice App -  This has been all the buzz of late with Apple rejecting this app from thier App Store. You can read more about this at: CNET  This app will install on Blackberry and Android smartphones. For making outgoing calls you simply go to your address book, bring up the menu and select call or sms with Google Voice.

Google Voice will call a number and then place your call through this number.  This is where My Circle comes in. Once you get the number that Google Voice is using and its ussually the same number each time then add this number to your My Circle numbers and your set.  Now everytime you use Google Voice your call should not be using your plan’s minuites.

ISKOOT for Skype -  This is an application for Blackberry, Android and other phones that uses Skype in much the same way as the Google Voice App works. It also calls an exchange number to place your call.

Skype To Go -  This is a feature that you get when you buy an annual subscription to Skype. The purpose of this service is for you to set up a local number in a different locale to make international calls at local rates. This will also work much like the above services.  You call your Skype To Go number and then you will be prompted for a preset destination number (Skype gives you six) or you can enter a number to call. Again you will want to add your Skype To Go number to your My Circle.

So thats it, Im sure this wont last but enjoy while it does. Since Verizon bought out Alltel, Im sure the My Circle program is on the chopping block.