Google Voice Overview
- Alex Sanchez
- bromley2-high
Google Voice at PSU is available to University employees for calls, text messages, and voicemail. It is a core service (such as Email and Calendar) covered by Portland State's Google Workspace for Education Agreement with Google.
Google Voice provides users with a phone number that can be used for calling and texting on multiple devices including web browsers and mobile devices. Users can save time by reading voicemail in their email inbox, receive protection from spam calls, block unwanted callers, and screen calls before answering. An added benefit is that you can keep your existing PSU phone number when you switch to Google Voice!
Table of Contents
Start Using Google Voice
If you already have an existing PSU phone number, and know you’d like to start using Google Voice, submit a request to Move Phone Number to Google Voice in the PSU Help Center.
If you do not already have traditional PSU phone service, contact your Telecom Coordinator to request Google Voice.
When you opt in to Google Voice, you can choose either a voice-compatible desk phone or wired headset. Your existing traditional desk phone is not compatible with Google Voice. One of our technicians will come out after the migration process to collect your traditional desk phone. If you choose to use a headset, for the best experience we recommend using Google certified headsets. You can keep your existing PSU phone number, but it will take 2 to 4 weeks to transfer your number due to upstream provider requirements.
Is it Time to Switch to Google Voice?
PSU is gradually mirgrating its phone service to cloud-based providers and the traditional Avaya phone service will eventually be phased out. However, while Google Voice has many modern capabilities, it’s not quite ready for a few people yet. If you work in a campus call center or need to conference in additional callers on the fly, then you should continue to use PSU’s traditional phone service.
Google Voice Versus PSU’s Traditional Phone Service
Feature | Google Voice | Traditional phone service (Avaya) |
|---|---|---|
Mobile phone - make and receive calls |
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Web browser - make and receive calls |
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Traditional desk phone - make and receive calls |
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Voicemail access |
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Voicemail transcription |
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Send and receive text messages with your PSU phone number |
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Spam call filtering |
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Call screening |
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Email alerts for missed calls |
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Google Workspace integrated directory lookup |
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Do-Not-Disturb rules based on Google Calendar |
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Team line or ring group capability | ||
Additional line appearances |
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Departmental lines |
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International calling |
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Voicemail notifications by email |
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Voicemail notifications by light on desk phone |
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5-digit dialing |
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Conferencing |
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Call center features | (ask for details) |
Google Voice on Your Computer
Navigate to voice.pdx.edu to use Google Voice from your computer. You can also place and receive calls directly from Gmail (mail.pdx.edu) using the Google Voice widget (not available to departmental lines). Visit Google’s System and browser requirements for Voice to ensure compatibility with your system.
Google Voice on Your Mobile Device
For Android devices, download the Google Voice app from the Play Store.
For Apple iOS devices, download the Google Voice App from the Apple Store.
Google Voice Basics
On-Campus Calls
To make an on-campus call with Google Voice, you can no longer use 5-digit dialing, and will need to dial all 10 digits. For example, to call the OIT Help Desk, dial 503-725-4357. In a web browser (voice.pdx.edu) or on the mobile app, you can also search for PSU employees by name.
Off-Campus Calls
To make an off-campus call with Google Voice, you don't need to dial 9 first. Dial the 10-digit phone number from your desk phone, web browser, or the Google Voice app in your cell phone. You can also make international calls using Google Voice.
Learn More about Using Google Voice
We recommend the following Google Voice Help articles to get you started:
To learn how to transfer a call, set up speed dial, or change the ringtone on your desk phone, navigate to Google’s Use a Desk Phone with Voice support web page.
Emergency Service Calling
When you opt in to Google Voice, you’ll be required to review the Google Voice Emergency Calling Information to ensure your safety. For additional details, visit Google’s Call Emergency Services support web page.
Use Case FAQs
Question | Answer |
|---|---|
Can I use Google Voice if I monitor multiple phone lines for my department? | Yes! Google Voice supports multiple line appearances through Ring Groups, which will provide similar functionality to Avaya. If you monitor multiple phone lines, please ask your Technology Coordinator to submit the migration request to ensure the phone lines are setup correctly. |
Can my department use Google Voice for call center functionality? | For smaller call centers, such as those that don’t use call center agent IDs or don’t have complex phone trees, Google Voice Auto Attendants and Ring Groups may be a good option! Please reach out to help-tdc@pdx.edu if your department would like to explore using Google Voice for call center functionality. |
Does Google Voice have conference calling (3-way calling)? | Not at this time, but we have communicated this need to Google and hope to see it in a future release. |
As a Telecom Coordinator, how can I migrate my department to Google Voice? | If you would like to migrate your department to Google Voice all at once, please reach out to help-tdc@pdx.edu to facilitate the migration. We can work with you to simplify and speed up the process. |
Additional Resources
For additional information, navigate to Google Voice Help.