• Forward cell or landline numbers to Google Voice. It’s not yet possible to port existing numbers to Google Voice, but forwarding allows you to take advantage of its automated message transcription service and some of its other features. Not surprisingly, the quality of the transcriptions varies, but they’re generally good enough to save the hassle of calling your voicemail to listen to messages.
• Create a “voicemail-only” Google Voice number to use when you don’t want to give out your real phone number. When setting up such an account, you’ll need to forward it to an existing number in order to verify it, but you can then set the number to “Do Not Disturb, ” or delete the forwarding number entirely in the Google Voice web interface.
• Create numbers in area codes other than your own. The phone company used to charge huge fees for “foreign exchange” numbers; now, you can create a Google Voice number in any U.S. area code where numbers are available (and there are lots to choose from, except in Alaska and Hawaii).
• Create numbers that spell something memorable or fun. When searching for a new number, you can type in a word, and Google Voice will find numbers that spell what you’re looking for, or you can use a site like PhoneSpell.
• Set up Google Voice numbers to track marketing campaigns. Using multiple numbers is an easy and free way to find out how effective a particular advertising medium is.

Note that Google Voice only allows you to sign up for one number per email address. But email addresses don’t have to be Gmail accounts; any valid email address will do. Also, you can only forward one Google Voice number to a specific phone number, and you can’t forward one Google Voice number to another Google Voice number.

What creative ways have you found for using Google Voice?

Related GigaOM Pro content (sub. req.): Are You Empowering Your Mobile Workforce?

Many web workers rely on their cell phones for work these days and some have even moved to handling their phone calls entirely through their computers, with services like Skype. There are plenty of ways to do without a landline at this point, which leads us to the question of whether it’s even necessary to pay for a telephone line anymore.

The Backup Landline

The best argument for keeping a landline for most freelancers or telecommuters is the fact that it can offer a backup way to get in touch with a client or an employer. If, for some reason, you don’t get cell phone reception in your home or your power goes out, you can still make a phone call. But for many web workers, picking up and moving your laptop to somewhere with reception or power is a valid option. If you aren’t tied to your home office for any other reason, a landline may not be a necessary emergency measure.

Furthermore, if you’ve got both VoIP on your computer and a cell phone, you already have a backup system in place: if you’ve got both a belt and suspenders, do you really need more?

Phone-Based Systems

Right now, I still technically have a phone line coming into my office. It isn’t hooked up to a handset, though — it’s plugged into my fax machine. Many companies still depend on fax machines in order to do business, although that number continues to drop each year. There are online options that can replace a fax machine and, personally, I’ll probably make the switch in the next month or two.

There are a few other systems that still require a phone line in order to work, such as certain security systems or health alert systems, however. If you rely on such a system, doing without a landline probably isn’t an option.

The Emergency Issue

The biggest drawback to doing without a landline is that in the event of an emergency, it can be harder to call 911 (or whatever your local emergency number is). The emergency response system depends on landlines to determine where to route calls: dialing 911 from a VoIP phone can end with you being routed to an emergency responder in another city. Some VoIP providers now have Enhanced 911 systems in place, which will correctly route your call, but not all providers have made the change over.

Emergency calls from cell phones can also be directed to regional emergency response centers, rather than local centers. The FCC recommends that anyone placing an emergency call from either a cell phone or through VoIP software should make a point of immediately telling the responder the location of the emergency.

Do You Need a Landline?

In the end, a landline may not be necessary for many web workers. There are exceptions, of course, and many people just feel more comfortable with having a landline in place. It isn’t necessary, however, and if you’re looking to cut back on your telephone service, the land line may be the best place to start. I know that my last landline — my fax line — is on its way out the door.

Do you still have a landline?

Image by Flickr user Esparta

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