VoIP Q & A: How Do Grandstream Phones Work with Google Voice and Skype?

Questions about VoIP devices and services are regularly submitted to VoIPSupply.com through a technical support ticket or via the “Ask The Expert” tab on our product pages.

We respond to these requests directly but more often than not, this Q & A would be helpful for lots of other folks.

Below are your VoIP questions answered – Real questions from real people  just like you.

Grandstream GXP1400

Q: Will the Grandstream GXP1400 work with a Google Voice account?

A:  The short, simple answer is, “Yes.”

Google Voice itself is not a phone service, it’s more of a liaison helping to get all of your different phone numbers (work, home, mobile) working together under one Google Voice number/account.

In the words of the About Google Voice  page:

Google Voice works with mobile phones, desk phones, work phones, and VoIP lines. There’s nothing to download, upload, or install, and you don’t have to make or take calls using a computer.

If you don’t already have a SIP provider, the Obihai OBi100 and Obihai OBi110 are analog telephone adapters designed specifically to make calls through SIP or Google Voice. In fact, they’re the only ATA’s that work natively with Google Voice.

This might still leave some unanswered questions about VoIP and Google Voice so check out this article, Google Voice: a cheapskate’s guide to cheap VOIP.

Aastra 6757i with 675i Sidecars

Q:  Do you have a recommendation for a headset that will work with an Aastra 6757i with a 675i sidecar?

A:  The Aastra 6757i VoIP Phone connects to headsets through the RJ22 jack on the back of the phone. It also is Electronic Hookswitch (EHS) compatible, with the right adapters, for wireless headsets.

Here are some options:

Jabra PRO 9450

This wireless headset is compatible with the 6757i by using a DHSG cable (Model # 14201-10). The Jabra PRO 9450 offers three wearing styles, wireless range up to 450 feet, and 4-way call handling.

Plantronics Savi W730

The single ear Savi W730 is a DECT headset with an over the ear wearing style, a noise-canceling microphone that reduces background noise interruptions, and 3-way connectivity to easily manage and switch between PC, desk phone, and now mobile calls from a single wireless headset.

Plantronics recommends using the Aastra DHSG Cable Kit for Remote Hookswitch.

A warning from the Plantronics website:

DO NOT connect the APS-1/ APS-10 directly to this phone, but via the DHSG adapter cable. Any damage caused by connecting the APS-1/APS-10 to the phone will void the phone warranty.

Or you can make a connection from the Savi W730 to the Aastra 6757i by using the Plantronics HL10 Handset Lifter.

Sennheiser CC 520

The Sennheiser CC 520 is also compatible with the Aastra 6757i and is a binaural corded headset with an ultra-noise canceling microphone. The CC 520 has been designed for all day use with comfort pads in the headband and specially padded ear caps. Use the Sennheiser CSTD01 QD Cord to easily disconnect the headset from the cable.

VXI Tria V DC

Lightweight and stylish, the VXi Tria V DC convertible headset also offers three different wearing styles—headband, earhook
and neckband—so you can choose the one that best suits your need and preference.

Grandstream GXV3140 Skype Video Phone

Q:  Can I use this phone [Grandstream GXV3140] with a USA number while I am in Mexico for 3 months? If someone calls my Skype number will it ring in Mexico? I will have a cable router and be in a fixed place. Thanks.

A:  The answer is “yes” to both parts of the question.

The beauty of VoIP is that as long as you have an internet connection and your GXV3140 is provisioned to remotely access your VoIP network, you will be able to use your existing, local number anywhere in the world.

In regards to the second part of the question, the GXV3140 is a Skype certified IP video phone so again, as long as your phone is connected to the internet and someone calls your Skype number it will ring wherever you are.

In the words of the Grandstream GXV3140 user manual:

The GXV3140 allows free voice and video calls via Skype simply by plugging it into the network, or through your IP PBX with a user friendly web GUI.

When you receive an incoming Skype call on the GXV3140 you’ll see the Skype call window pop up on the phone. From there you can select “Accept,” “Accept Audio,” or “Reject” before you start talking.  This phone also supports Call Hold and Resume when using Skype so that you can take any other calls that come in.

Keep the Skype application open or simply minimize the window so that you only have to sign in to Skype once and you’ll be able to receive Skype calls as they happen.