I've been waiting to choose a Google Voice number until they were able to offer truly local numbers (as opposed to long-distance numbers within our area code), and today was delighted to find that there were several listed for our city.

I chose one, and set it up to forward to our land line, then decided to test it by calling from my cell phone (which also has a local number within our area code). To my surprise, I got a "need to dial the entire number including the area code" message. I was dismayed, as the whole point of this for me, is to receive emails about important messages while I'm in Europe.

I got a friend to test the number from her landline, and she got through without dialing the area code, so I'm reassured that I'll be able to use the Google Voice service as I'd intended- most of the people who will use the number will be using landlines anyway, but I think the cellphone thing is weird.

Can anyone explain why I have the glitch with the cell?

I think i've always had to dial the whole number from my cell phone. Do you normally not have to?

Not for local numbers in the same area code as my cell, at least not unless I'm physically in another area code when I'm making the call.

Yeah, seems like only places with overlays require 10 digit dialing and they require it from all phones.
http://www.courant.com/news/connecti...,6882313.story
http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20...g-begins-today
http://www.kristalsellsdenver.com/de...-dialing/1257/

I guess I just always put the full 10 digit number in my cell because i'm never in my home area code.

If the landlines worked then you should be fine.

I hope so.

Thanks for your replies.

FWIW, we've had to dial all ten digits for years even between two lines in the same house.

But our region doesn't have 2 area codes. Our area code did change 10 (or more) years ago, but I don't normally have to use it for local calls. And I have no trouble dialing the Google Voice number (w/out area code) from a land line.

I think it's weird.

Is it going to be a problem if people calling from their cell have to dial 10 digits?

You seem to imply that, but it makes no sense why that would be an issue at all.

It's only a problem to the extent that they may think they'll be charged for the calls.

If they're not as ignorant as I am, it probably won't be a problem at all.