Latest with Google Voice?

[Steve123]

I've been looking at how to connect 3CX to Google Voice, and can't quite pin down what's 'best practice' these days. I read how, a few years ago, the xmpp protocol was shut down and that tripped everyone up. A few hacks involving Obi hardware, and a lot of mixed articles going back to 2012.

It seems that if Obi can do it, then a PBX should be able to as well, but I haven't been able to find anything on this for new setups. I'll buy an Obi if I have to, but would rather not spend money unnecessarily if I don't have to, and they seem a bit pricey.

What's the best way to connect GV and 3CX?

 

[leejor]

There's really no "best practice" because it isn't officially supported by 3CX, and not widely offered.

If you are going to attempt this, then it will have to be with an Obi device that is capable of connecting to Google Voice. Although it would seem to be possible, you cannot get any ATA, or PBX to work with GV on their own, they must use a device that is supported. Essentially it is a proprietary system (even though it uses SIP).

While an Obi ATA is sufficient for personal use (or connecting a single line to 3CX), Polycom does make other devices, for Business users

 

[Steve123]

Well, that's unfortunate.

What's the cheapest Obi option for personal use that will work with 3CX? It seems the Obi 200 is the low-end offering at the moment, and it's USD 58 from Amazon. I wish I had known this before I went and bought the SPA-3102.

Any of the older models, that I might get on eBay, worth looking at? Something with an FXO port so I can replace the SPA 3102.

 

[cobaltit]

If you don't like the $58, just setup a SIP trunk with a PPM provider. For home use it should take you quite a while to use up $58. And factor in the time saved it seems like the smart way to go.

 

[Steve123]

I had thought about that, and in fact was just looking at providers. None really seem to offer what I want: no monthly fee for the DID and free inbound (so I don't pay for spam calls).

It does warrant further research though. From what I've gathered the cheapest model that will work is the Obi212, and the lowest price I've found is $80. Still, there's something to be said for a one time fee and 'work forever' (well, at least one would hope) service.

 

[leejor]

The least expensive model is the 202. It lacks some of the bells and whistles (router, USB port) of the 212, if you don't require them. Some of the older models that used to support GV, like the 110, no longer do.

You also have to keep in mind that Google Voice could change it's business model on a whim. Which means it's only a "free" service as long as it suits Google.

There used to be a number of providers offering a no fee DID, and incoming calls, I think they have all disappeared. Probably not a good business model after all. There use to be money to be made in terminating calls, but that may no longer be that case.

 

[Steve123]

It turns out there are, if you look hard enough, 212's for about $50. This, for me, is the threshold. Assuming a minimum spend of $2/mo, I get an RoI in two years, plus multi-ring, mobile, etc.

For anyone else trying this, @leejor is correct, the 202 will work fine if you don't need a local connection to the PSTN (FXO port) I do need this, as I'm connecting to GV from my overseas home for six months a year, and I have an existing land-line there that I'll use.