In 2010 Google enabled making free domestic phone calls through Gmail. This was to be free on a year by year basis and Google recently announced it will remain free through 2013. To make and receive calls you must have Gmail open in a web browser and have enabled Google Chat in Google Voice.
I use the Gmail calling feature via my laptop computer and the sound quality is great – even better than my cell phone. I have unlimited talk on my cell phone plan, but I prefer using my laptop because of the sound quality and the comfort of not holding a cell phone to my head. This got me to thinking – how could I use this feature with a standard telephone? That was when I read about VoIP devices by Obihai. These devices are compatible with Google Voice and a standard telephone.
The Obihai devices are very reasonably priced on Amazon and there are no reoccurring monthly fees. I have not used any Obihai devices, but a recent episode of Tekzilla had good things to say about the unit the reviewer tested. The only downsides I have heard of are that the devices have no E911 capability and you will lose free phone service if Google decides to start charging a fee.
I may not recommend replacing your current phone system with Google Voice and Obihai, but this would make an excellent additional phone. This combination will be even more valuable if you use your Google Voice number as your primary phone number, as I do.
Check out the Obihai website for further information. If you want to learn the basics of making and receiving telephone calls with Gmail, see this post.