This may work for other Mobile Networks and handsets that are Google Voice compatible if you are allowed to have unlimited calling to a specific number also known as “calling circles”.

I use T-Mobile, therefor I’m using this as my example. Please let me know if you find something wrong or can help simplify this tutorial. I found it really easy and don’t think it needs screen caps.

This hack is very simple. Google Voice’s BlackBerry App uses their own network to connect your phone call  from your cell phone to the number you wish to call. Therefor it first connects to a domestic phone number which will then dial out the other number. Using the Google Voice app allows you to call others and they will see your Google Voice number not your cell phone number. Because it uses your service provider’s network to place the call you will be using your own cell phone minutes each time you place a call. Although Google Voice is a free service, it uses your cell phone plan’s minutes, and that can add up quickly. Here’s a hack to get free minutes anytime, to anyone.

Step #1. Install the BlackBerry Google Voice App on your Blackberry handset. You can download it on Google’s  Mobile site, HERE

Step #2. Use the Google Voice Dialer (app) to dial a phone number. It will first call another number. Once it does, hang up.

Step #3. Go to your call log and find the phone number. Mine started in (347) xxx-xxxx

Step #4. Add this number to your T-Mobile MyFaves settings.

Now you can use the app to dial out any phone number and it will not deduct minutes from your cell phone service because it’s recognized as a MyFaves number (or a number in your calling circle).

This is also great if you are calling long distance such as overseas. Google Voice offers GREAT long distance prices and you would not even have to use your domestic minutes.

I’m in my 2nd week of trying this and so far the Google Voice network number has not changed and therefor I have not used any of my anytime T-Mobile minutes. I have NOT tested this with incoming numbers. Please let me know if you have and what you find.

I’m not guaranteeing this to work for everyone or to even work in the future. I think once T-Mobile and other cell phone service provider catch on there will be problems. Or if Google decides to work together to prevent this from working this way. I can see legal issues in the future.

This is a voice call version of why Apple has banned the Google Voice app from iTunes for iPhones in my opinion. Google Voice will eliminate the need to pay for text messaging and voice calls. I can see them getting pissed about this in the future.The FCC has launched an investigation to find out if Apple’s Google Voice app ban is legal. Or maybe it’s to find if Google Voice is legal. I’m not sure! Hahah. I’ve read blogs that have written about Google Voice being a way to avoid text message charges by your provider, but nothing regarding voice calls. Let me know if you find anything so I can link to it.

Enjoy it while it lasts!! Please feel free to leave comments if there’s anything you find that can help. Remember, I’m a self taught techie and comedian. Not a app developer or work in the cell phone industry. Try it at your own risk.

UPDATE:  (Nov. 20, 2009)

Seems that Google has added, changed, and randomized some of the access numbers. Here’s my work around that I am using . . .

In your Google Voice account “Settings”, go to the “Calls” tab. Under “Caller ID (in)” select “Display my Google Voice number”. This will show your own Google Voice number on your display when you receive calls on your cell phone.

The downside is that you won’t see the number of the person calling you, the upside is that you can now save your own Google Voice number to your T-Mobile My Faves and any call you get from it will be FREE.

Another thing to consider is that you can enable “Call Screening” and “Call Presentation” so you can know who’s calling before you answer. In my opinion this processes takes a few seconds before the call is connected, so you may want to consider that it may be a bit unfamiliar to callers on the other end.