Telstra post-paid customers can now get incoming calls on Google home/nest speakers and displays

Telstra is the first mobile carrier in the world to enable inbound calls from your mobile on Google Home and Nest Devices. The feature has apparently been live for 2-3 weeks but unfortunately this new feature is only available to Telstra Post-Paid customers.

Annoyingly the setup process raised hopes of it working on BOOST (Telstra Prepaid number) including up to the stage where Telstra sent me an SMS to say Voice Activated Calling was enabled. However digging into settings and shows that pre-paid Telstra numbers are not eligible.

Last year Telstra became the first mobile carrier in the world to offer outbound calling on Google Home and Nest devices so this enables the other half of call functionality.

It’s really simple – once you’re set up, your Google Nest device will announce who is calling (if it’s one of your mobile contacts), and all you have to do is say “Hey Google, Answer Call” to get connected.

It’s the ultimate hands-free solution when busy in the kitchen, or your mobile is out of reach.

This is what Telstra has been telling eligible customers:

Your Voice-activated Calling (VAC) service has a new feature available. Inbound calling is now available to Telstra mobile services at no additional charge to your mobile plan. Up to 10 Google Nest smart speakers and smart displays in your home can now make and receive calls along with your mobile phone. The inbound caller’s name or number will be announced by your Google device, to answer you can just use touch or your voice, just say, ‘Hey Google, Answer Call’.

To activate VAC Inbound calling download the latest version of the Google Home app to your phone. Setup in 3 steps:

(1) Open the app on your mobile and tap Settings -> Voice and Video Calls -> Mobile calls -> Telstra. Tap MANAGE

(2) Activate Inbound Calling button. Tap SAVE.

(3) Select the Google devices you would like to ring.

Paul Totton, Senior Product Manager, Products & Technology, Telstra said:

“We know the addition of inbound call answering will be just as useful and convenient as the outbound feature, and with hundreds of ‘Triple Zero’ emergency calls made since we launched, it proves how valuable clever and connected devices in the home can be in situations like that”.

“We’re currently the only telco in Australia to partner with Google in bringing this clever and new way to connect. It’s yet another part of our commitment to provide the best network and best technology to help everyone to thrive.”

Matt Gaskell, Director, Devices & Services, Google Australia & New Zealand said:

“We’re delighted to continue our partnership with Telstra to make calls via a range of Nest devices more seamless,”

“This update will allow Telstra customers to enjoy hands-free, two-way phone calls with ease and freedom – so they can get things done and stay connected with family and friends.”

If you have a Telstra post-paid mobile number and a Google Home or Nest Speaker/Display please try out the new voice activated inbound call service and let us know what the experience is like.