Using wifi for phone calls?

[intrepidity]

Here's the sitch:

1) Have a smartphone (android)
2) currently using Verizon for cell service
3) but since I'm almost always at home, I use my wifi for making voice calls (also, because no cell reception here)
4) if I got rid of Verizon, is there a way to use my cell phone number to make calls over the internet?
5) and texting, of course (so, SMS over internet)

Thanks for any guidance!

[drray23]

1. you wont have a number anymore.

if you dont transfer it to another provider, it's gone.

As for calls over internet you could use Skype.

[intrepidity]

3. So, is there a way to transfer my number to an online provider?

Is that a thing?

[unweird]

8. Yes, it's called LNP

Local Number Portability.

[claudette]

2. Skype

Is available. Free calls to other Skype users and very inexpensive per minute charges

[Timewas]

4. Take a look at

Magic Jack

[ggma]

10. Been a customer for

almost twenty years. At less than 150.00 for five years, I can't beat it.

gg

[TexasTowelie]

5. Where do you live?

You may want to keep another phone service if your internet service is spotty or vulnerable to extreme weather such as ice storms or hurricanes.

[usonian]

6. Found some.

https://www.highspeedinternet.com/resources/how-can-you-make-phone-calls-on-the-internet
They mention Google Voice, Skype, Viber, Messenger, Google Duo, WhatsApp

More here:
https://www.lifewire.com/free-internet-phone-calls-1356646

Adds Signal (secure!) and more. Signal works on computers as well.

FaceTime for Apple on both ends.
Zoom if you know someone who can set up a session, or if you can.

Connection to landlines and cell phones varies and can cost money.
AFAICT, all of these are free only if you use the same app on both ends.

[unweird]

7. Determine the Provider First

You will need a provider or carrier for the phone service so make sure you can port your number in to them. Skype doesn’t allow for porting numbers into Skype but undoubtedly there are providers who will.
Someone has to maintain the number for reachability so you can be called (reached) thus the need for a provider.

[ReadItnWeep]

9. Free text/calls

There is an app in Google's Play store called TextNow. It's free. It will let you choose a new phone number, in some cases it will let you keep your phone number. It works as long as you have WiFi access. However, you can also choose to get a "use anywhere" package. Basically, they send you a SIM card and you can choose a data/phone package starting at $9.99 a month.

I have only used the app for the texting and calling. That was when I was too broke to afford any other plan. I wanted to try the data package as well, but at the time, my phone was an old, old model and the SIM card wouldn't work with it.

A lot of these other options that have been suggested are ones that need the people you want to contact to also have the same app. That's annoying to me. Others are kind of an app for a specific function (like work teams) that also have texting available. TextNow is made to text and call. It's free. You can call anyone, they don't also need to have this app installed. I believe international calls are the only extra cost , if you need it.

[usonian]

11. Looked at replies and remembered that you can text over the internet.

Free anonymous "no signup required" sites below.
https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/10-sites-to-send-free-text-messages-to-cell-phones-sms/

They vary, and this is just a subset.
Do a search for texting over internet.
I think that some have a way of receiving replies.

Why did I look this up?
https://democraticunderground.com/100217995142

Some idiot put his text address on a flyer.
Anonymous texting if you don't exactly want a reply.

[AllaN01Bear]

12. friend of mine cut the tie w att and uses google voice .

has a seperate computer for that . am toying with the same idear. and getting a senior internet.i dumped com cast when they priced me out of the market.