Since I can’t reply to Max directly, I guess this is how to do it.

Not entirely sure why Visual Voicemail isn’t available in Sweden, but spontaneously I’d say that the carriers need to support it, and that ours don’t. There are some fancy alternatives that I’ve tried though:

Call Control

A Swedish (I think) app that completely takes over voicemail from your carrier, with some smart add ons. You can add custom messages on the go (“In the cinema, back at 8”, “I’ll call you as soon as possible”), and also let the caller request to be called back later. If the caller does so, you’ll be reminded when it’s time to call back.

http://www.info.callcontrol.nu/

Skype

Get a Skype online number, and forward your calls there after a few signals. There are several benefits: You can answer the call at your computer or another phone with the Skype app. Perfect when the battery has run out or you left the phone somewhere. You can get instant notifications of new voicemail, via text messages or email. There is even a service that transcribes voicemails, like Google Voice. Works pretty well for English, not at all for Swedish.

Switch to 3 (not tried)

While looking for Call Controls web site, I found out that 3 (the carrier) just introduced support for Apple’s visual voicemail. Press release.

maxinlife:

Just thought I share a thought.

Whatever happened to the iPhones Visual Voicemail? What I know, nobody talks about it. Its not featured nor advertised anywhere (for what I know). Nothing, nada. And in my case, why does it never arrive at all here in Sweden?