What is the cheapest way to own a number?

[TimeKeeper]

I need a new cell number for the 6 month project job. ( my current cell number has been with me for 10 years so I am keeping it as part of my family plan. )

I need a Local seattle number for RECEIVING ONLY from the controllers which estimate less than 3 calls per week w/ duration less than 3 min. ( or even LESS )

Can you guys suggest what is the absolute cheapest way to own a number?

thanks,

 

[aphex]

Google voice?

 

[TimeKeeper]

Thanks~

It looks promising. But I need to get invite. Plus, I kind of looking something more of buy and toss after 6 months.

 

[shortylickens]

If you cant get a google voice, go for Tracfone. When you buy it the thing comes with 10 or 20 minutes and a number.

 

[Athena]

How about a prepaid cell phone? You can get a T-Mobile phone with SIM for $20
An additional $25 will get you 130 minutes good for 90 days.

T-Mobile is running a promotion right now that will add $10 refills (30 minutes each) at activation, 1 month, and 2 months so you might be able to get away with just another $10 at your 89th day to get you though your 6 months.

Initial phone = $20
130 minutes = $25 (good for 90 days)
90 minutes = $0 (added for free over first 3 months)
30 minutes = $10 (added around day 85)

Phone with number and 250 minutes good for 6 months = $55.

If you already have a spare phone you can buy a SIM card for $7. Use Cashback to save 35% off at the T-Mobile store. You can also get discounted refill cards at Callingmart.com.

 

[pm]

You could use a VOIP provider. For example, http://www.callcentric.com You can buy a number in the US for $1.95 per month, and then set up the number to forward to whatever number you want. You pay $0.02/min for inbound calls.

 

[TimeKeeper]

Originally posted by: pm
You could use a VOIP provider. For example, http://www.callcentric.com You can buy a number in the US for $1.95 per month, and then set up the number to forward to whatever number you want. You pay $0.02/min for inbound calls.

hows the quality????????

That does sound a good deal.

 

[pm]

I've been using Callcentric since May. It sounds good - better than a cell phone, not quite as crisp as a landline, but pretty close. Customer support has been very responsive - although you have to file everything on their website. Still, they have a pretty good response speed to questions and issues (I had a billing issue).

I'm not sure if you'll be able to avoid the E911 $1.50/month fee. If not, you'll need to add that as well.

 

[Binky]

Well, you did say cheapest, so...

Ipkall will give you a free Washington phone number (don't know if local to Seattle) which you can forward to a callcentric SIP on a pay as you go plan. Other providers do the same thing (google "free DID"). This means pretty much no fees except for $1.50/month for mandatory 911 fees. If you can convince Callcentric that you aren't in the U.S., that $1.50 monthly fee doesnt' apply. Incoming calls may also be free (I think...up to a limit?). I currently have this same pay as you go plan on callcentric, and I have an Ipkall phone number. I haven't really played with it much so I can't promise that it's of decent quality or totally free. Although, you can try it this way, and just pay callcentric $1.95-$2.95 for a phone number (a "DID") if the Ipkall thing doesn't work out.

Callcentric's pay plan is $0.02/minute with no monthly fees (other than $1.50 for 911).

Edit: Just realized that you asked for a CELL phone. My answer above may not apply if a cell phone is mandatory.

 

[pm]

But you can forward callcentric numbers to a cell phone, Binky. It's under their "call treatments" menu. So I think you win the prize - although I'd give it to the Google Voice suggestion except that Google Voice is closed beta and my mom has been waiting a month for an invitation to join.

 

[TimeKeeper]

Thanks fellows......

I am starting to digest those info one by one...LOL.

really appreciate all your info.