The cannonical way to automate retrieving your voicemail [at least on Verizon]

1. Set up a new contact. For example, to set up a new contact Vmail, go to Contacts, New, set the name to Vmail.
2. In the number field, enter the following:
cellnumberw#yourpassword#


So for example if your cell number is (212)555-2345 and your password is 7777 you would enter 2125552345w#7777#

3. To retrieve your voicemail call this contact. When you are prompted for your password hit the on-screen Talk button. (not the green button). This will activate dialing the digits after the "w".


Notes:
(1) In some areas it is not necessary to dial the # to enter the password if you are calling from your own numbers. However, in all areas using the # works.
(2) While not roaming you can use *86 instead of (areacode)your-number. However, in all areas using your number with area code works.
(3) Airtime minutes apply on Verizon whether you call your own number or *86. [Verified by Ehud May 5th 2005]

Ehud