TL;DR - Configuring a Wi-Fi landline device
TL;DR - Configuring a Wi-Fi landline device
I’m looking to set up a Wi-Fi connected landline. Being Canadian means I’d need a workaround with Google Voice. Any suggestions? Full Story: Last night while driving home, I lost a tire and needed to call my roommate for help. They weren’t great at keeping their phone active, so I couldn’t reach them. Thanks to CAA, the issue was resolved, but it made me realize how important it is to have a phone always reachable in emergencies. It occurred to me that having a landline could still be useful despite everything. That thought led me to explore options—maybe using a Google Home with a separate number linked to Google Voice? In Canada, though, that’s tricky. I considered setting up a Raspberry Pi with a VPN (using PIA) to connect only to the US and hook it into a landline phone I found at my parents’ place. Have others tried similar setups? Any advice would be appreciated.
You might consider more affordable VOIP services for a landline, like iTalkBB. Of course, it won’t match the same reliability or quality, but it will get you a landline for under ten dollars a month. If you’re comfortable with coding, you could experiment with the fongo app. Installing an Android distribution or using an APK on the RPi could be a good way to explore further. Even better, you won’t need a VPN.
I don't understand Canada—yet if you own a Google Home, you can try the broadcast option. Say "Broadcast 'Answer your phone, emergency!'" and it will play throughout all Google Homes inside your house with that message, either through your voice or the assistant's voice when needed. Also... because of "Canada," you might ask Google Home to "Call," which will use a private number, though this could be just outgoing and may not apply in Canada.
Avoid buying inexpensive, outdated phones with basic speakers, a prepaid SIM, constant power, and exclusive numbers. Stick to a budget under $20 unless Canadian carriers prove too frustrating.
For the Google Home Broadcasts function, it stands out, though the response relies on the recipient already understanding it's an urgent situation. Regarding affordable mobile phones with prepaid cards... Yes, that seems feasible. It’s a rather straightforward approach, though it lacks excitement.