easy Free wifi calling?? can someone help - Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]

since the sipdroid isn't allowing non-paying people to link GV to them for right now, is there another easy option?
I have very bad phone connection at my house so im stuck with the wifi option but every other method I found seems to take like 30 steps and 5 or more programs/accounts to setup.

If you are with Tmobile, you can use Tmobile's app wifi calling. It uses you air time, but works for no cell phone reception.
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA App

I'm with verizon

If you call and complain enough verizon should give you a network repeater that will work for your house. It will use your home internet to provide a better connection.. They might try and charge you for it, but like I said with enough bickering you'll get it for free

Try this, its called "GrooVe IP" :
http://www.appbrain.com/app/groove-ip/com.gvoip
The app costs a few bucks tho, but after you buy it all you use is data, not your cell minutes, and there is no complicated set up at all besides inputting your google voice info.

billygoat32 said:
If you call and complain enough verizon should give you a network repeater that will work for your house. It will use your home internet to provide a better connection.. They might try and charge you for it, but like I said with enough bickering you'll get it for free
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried it. They kept having me reset my antenna radio or suggest buying the extender. They could not give it to me free or for a lower price. And when I threatened to cancel my contract, they just said "Sorry to hear that, I'll connect you over to cancel your contract."
As for the app, thanks for the suggestion. Will check into that.

Related

Fully utilizing internet connecting mode for bittorrent

[Win7]
When using the internet connection mode does the phone have a built in firewall or port blocker? My laptop was already connected to the internet through my home's WiFI internet and I was downloading off bittorrent using µTorrent. I was getting decent download speeds on my torrents, but almost nothing on upload. Knowing that the LTE network is more balanced and generally faster than my home network I connected my phone to my laptop via usb and selected internet connection mode.
At this time I noticed no difference and opened task manager to check network utilization. Task manager showed that my home network connection was being used and LTE was not being utilized at all. So I disconnected from my home network and waited for µTorrent to adjust to my phone's connection. After tinkering with some settings in µTorrent it showed the "!" at the bottom right notifying me that either the port I've selected is blocked or some other setting is stopping my connection from being used to it's full potential. I again check task manager and as far as network utilization goes it was around ~1% and my download speeds are far from what they should be, and far worse than when I was just on WiFi.
So I connect back to the WiFi and µTorrent starts behaving how it did before I tried to use my phone. Task manager shows more activity on the WiFi connection and still around 1% for the phone's connection.
My concern is how can I maximize LTE's potential when for bittorrent. Is there some kind of built in port blocker or firewall element? Or is it some kind of protection set up by Verizon and they know I'm using their network for bittorrent? I was getting consistent 5MBps Down and Up when I tested my laptop using internet connection mode, so network stability shouldn't be the issue. Any thoughts?
I haven't tested it, but I'd be willing to bet that the built-in internet sharing mode on the phone blocks certain ports. You could try using a tethering app like EasyTether or PDAnet.
Are you rooted? You could try Wireless Tether for Root Users, and see if you get any different results with that, too. I had some issues using VPN from my OG Droid because there were some blocked ports when using USB tethering, but once I rooted and started using Wireless Tether, all my problems went away. It'd be worth checking out. If you're not rooted, I would imagine that the wifi hotspot would act the same way (although it's only free for another week or so).
Sweet! Another person who's going to get us capped.
Ya, runniNg bittorents off your phone is RETARDED
Sent from my 4G LTE Thunderbolt using XDA Premium
EEdaesung said:
[Win7]
When using the internet connection mode does the phone have a built in firewall or port blocker? My laptop was already connected to the internet through my home's WiFI internet and I was downloading off bittorrent using µTorrent. I was getting decent download speeds on my torrents, but almost nothing on upload. Knowing that the LTE network is more balanced and generally faster than my home network I connected my phone to my laptop via usb and selected internet connection mode.
At this time I noticed no difference and opened task manager to check network utilization. Task manager showed that my home network connection was being used and LTE was not being utilized at all. So I disconnected from my home network and waited for µTorrent to adjust to my phone's connection. After tinkering with some settings in µTorrent it showed the "!" at the bottom right notifying me that either the port I've selected is blocked or some other setting is stopping my connection from being used to it's full potential. I again check task manager and as far as network utilization goes it was around ~1% and my download speeds are far from what they should be, and far worse than when I was just on WiFi.
So I connect back to the WiFi and µTorrent starts behaving how it did before I tried to use my phone. Task manager shows more activity on the WiFi connection and still around 1% for the phone's connection.
My concern is how can I maximize LTE's potential when for bittorrent. Is there some kind of built in port blocker or firewall element? Or is it some kind of protection set up by Verizon and they know I'm using their network for bittorrent? I was getting consistent 5MBps Down and Up when I tested my laptop using internet connection mode, so network stability shouldn't be the issue. Any thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sure they block ports, and to be honest, I sincerely hope they block torrenting on a cell phone. Why not use your wifi?
As others have already stated use your home internet connection as I like having unlimited data.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
eallan said:
I'm sure they block ports, and to be honest, I sincerely hope they block torrenting on a cell phone. Why not use your wifi?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's because LTE's upload speeds are superior to my home connection. And for people worried about getting capped, there is no way I could get within the 10% of users who are throttled.
^_^_^
It's people like you that are going to ruin it for the legitimate rest of us. There is absolutely zero reason you should be torrenting on your phone, thats what your home connection is for. As mentioned earlier I hope that they do block the ports as I love my unlimited data plan knowing that I don't have to check my usage every 3 minutes like I would with att and their 2gb limit.
So in short, stop doing what your doing and ruining it for the rest of the U.S.
EEdaesung said:
It's because LTE's upload speeds are superior to my home connection. And for people worried about getting capped, there is no way I could get within the 10% of users who are throttled.
^_^_^
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Neither matters soon Verizon will take away the unlimited tethering plan and you will be sol. Even if you use a rooted wireless hotspot Verizon will know when you start racking up the gbs.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
I didn't realize it was such a big deal. Especially since it's a service I pay for, and I wasn't planning on torrenting the entire internet.
Since there are so many concerns of losing unlimited data, I'll think twice before using my phone's network to do any heavy downloading or uploading.
^_^_^
EEdaesung said:
I didn't realize it was such a big deal. Especially since it's a service I pay for, and I wasn't planning on torrenting the entire internet.
Since there are so many concerns of losing unlimited data, I'll think twice before using my phone's network to do any heavy downloading or uploading.
^_^_^
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First off you are not paying for the Mobile Hotspot service it is free until May 15th.
Second as of right now there is no real threat of losing the unlimited plan. Verizon has not said anything about taking it away and as of right now you could up and download 100gb of data and Verizon may say nothing. The problem is that we just don't know. We could wake up tomorrow and all have capped plans (As it is in the contract we all signed when we bought our phones Verizon can change the details of the data plans basically at any time they want) Yes there is like a 1% chance of this happening at the PR Verizon would get from this would most likely run them into the ground but the thought is still out there. And for most of us who only use ~5gb of data per month or less just don't want to worry about that odd month when maybe some new series comes out and they use 50gb.
TLDR: As of right now its more of just a fear of losing it than anything else and not really something to be too worried about ATM.
EEdaesung said:
I didn't realize it was such a big deal. Especially since it's a service I pay for, and I wasn't planning on torrenting the entire internet.
Since there are so many concerns of losing unlimited data, I'll think twice before using my phone's network to do any heavy downloading or uploading.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or at least posting here about doing so.
EEdaesung said:
It's because LTE's upload speeds are superior to my home connection. And for people worried about getting capped, there is no way I could get within the 10% of users who are throttled.
^_^_^
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a difference in using a phone to web browse, or to watch a movie or whatever, and maxing it out 24/7 and saturating the connection to torrent.
One is a bad idea IMO.
Got it guys. I agree with all previous posts. I don't want to get capped either and I won't be a factor towards it.
^_^_^
That's bull...you pay for it you use it how you want...I dare Verizon to come at me already and I told them I'm rooted...I ruin my OG Droid and they still replaced it...they make hundreds of millions of dollars and I pay an already high phone bill...too bad there is already an Frostwire app
currensy said:
That's bull...you pay for it you use it how you want...I dare Verizon to come at me already and I told them I'm rooted...I ruin my OG Droid and they still replaced it...they make hundreds of millions of dollars and I pay an already high phone bill...too bad there is already an Frostwire app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL. Another reprobate weighs in.
"you pay for it you use it how you want"
So, exactly how much are you "paying" for tethering (not that which is currently offered as a freebie, but the theft of services your comment implies)? Your comment might be better phrased "you pay for it, I use it," since it's going to be paid for by someone, and if not by those who rationalize stealing it, then by the rest of us.
"they make hundreds of millions of dollars"
I'm guessing (assuming you're not still in Jr. High, as your attitude suggests), that you make thousands of dollars. So, I'd be justified in stealing from you, by your logic.
"I pay an already high phone bill"
If it's too high, it's very easy to cancel the service. Obviously, since you're posting in the TB forum, you have one, which means you've recently renewed your service. Which is it - you agreed that the value per dollar was acceptable, or you're just stupid?
You have to disable other connections after enabling internet sharing mode. Windows doesnt magically switch to a better connection on its own.
People should also remember that torrent does not mean illegal. He never mentioned what he was downloading. Apparently no one else in this thread has ever downloaded a linux distro, since bittorent is a primary way to do it. Certain games and game content are distributed legally through bittorent as well along with other software (generally opensource stuff).
The other day I didn't want to wait 30 minutes for aptitude to update my system on my 630KB/s average DSL, so I plugged in my phone to internet sharing on LTE and it was done in < 5minutes @ 2500KB/s average.
Verizon's network does not block ports as far as I know, but you are behind NAT, so you aren't going to be running any sort of server either on the public internet or easily connecting to your phone from a remote location.
Why do people take threads like this off the rails so quickly? The OP asked a simple question that didn't really warrant a philosophical decision. Imposing your will on the miniscule number of TB users who visit XDA won't make any appreciable impact on Verizon's attitude towards sanctioned network use.
OP, please report back if following "yareally"'s suggestion of disabling other connections works once ICS is enabled. Also, are you able to bridge your connection to the TB's in Windows? It'd be sweet to be able to merge WiFi (for speed) with LTE (for reliability).
currensy said:
That's bull...you pay for it you use it how you want...I dare Verizon to come at me already and I told them I'm rooted...I ruin my OG Droid and they still replaced it...they make hundreds of millions of dollars and I pay an already high phone bill...too bad there is already an Frostwire app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you use frostwire... you probably still have a myspace...
Lol at your made-up story, VZW is here on XDA also... they just might come at you bro...
In regards to the OP, lol at anyone who thinks this one single guy is going to be the downfall of unlimited data...
Nooter said:
OP, please report back if following "yareally"'s suggestion of disabling other connections works once ICS is enabled. Also, are you able to bridge your connection to the TB's in Windows? It'd be sweet to be able to merge WiFi (for speed) with LTE (for reliability).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, cant bridge them in windows and use both (that is, it's not as simple as selecting both connections and clicking bridge). There's some ways to distribute their use over *nix and/or using a router and using them as separate connections, but it's not worth the time/effort. If you're really interested in doing it, there's some discussions about it on the xda forums already and elsewhere if you google around.

Bad reception, anyone use the free unlimited wifi calling feature?

Hi everyone, I'm pretty new to posting, had a G2 before but mostly read the forums.
So I've got a G2x that works pretty well so far, no major issues, just some screen bleed in one corner. The only complaint I have is the reception on the phone. It seems that it drops several bars whenever I hold my phone, and in my house, it drops to zero bars where my G2 would hold 1-2 bars.
So I'm starting to use wifi calling so that I can disable the radio through the hidden menu to save some battery power when I'm at home. The problem is, wifi calling only works for a few minutes before it realizes that I'm not on the T-mo network. Basically, I think it needs the cell radio to remain on for wifi calling to work.
I went on T-mo's chat support to enable the free unlimited wifi calling feature on my phone, which, according to the support, will enable me to keep the cell radio off and make calls with the app, just like the UMA wifi calling feature that blackberry phones have. The rep told me to wait a few hours before trying the free wifi calling, which I did, but it still works the same as it did before I got free wifi calling added.
Has anyone else activated the free wifi calling feature? Does it work like the UMA wifi calling feature that blackberry phones have? It's possible it will take longer for the feature to kick in, so I'll keep checking.
It is not UMA. If you are in the middle of a wifi call and you move out of wifi range, the call will drop. That said, you do not need cell tower access, that beats the entire purpose of wifi calling. I use it when I work in the server room at my office. The room is in the center of the building surrounded by concrete so nobody gets any signal in there and I turn wifi calling on all the time.
You'll need a certain amount of bandwidth though. I have at home comcast cable with 22mbps and if I'm streaming Netflix in HD, the wifi calling call quality goes to ****. I haven't captured packets yet but I'm sure it's just that the router can't cope with all those QoS packets. So try not to stream anything while you use wifi calling and you'll be fine.
So do you keep your cell radio on in that deadzone? Wouldn't that drain the battery quickly since it is constantly looking for a signal?
When you turn on wifi calling it turns off cell tower polling automatically. You'll see that your cellphone reception goes from whatever many bars you had, to zero bars because it turns off the cell radio automatically. So once you see the wifi calling icon in the notification bar, you're set. You stop polling celltowers and you save battery
The wifi calling apps automatically turns the radio off after it connects to the network and switches it to GSM only. You'll notice that the bars will go to none once it is connected. You're actually interferring with thd app by trying to do things yourself.
And yes, I use the app whenever I am at home since I get poor signal. Get great battery life just letting it do what it does.
Edit: above poster basically said everything I said while I was typing lol.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App
I use the WIFI calling feature when I'm at work since I don't get a cell signal in the building. I never changed my account to activate the WIFI calling feature because I already have unlimited minutes on my account, so it doesn't make a difference that WIFI calling uses my plan minutes. Plus, when I tried to do it online, the online system wanted to change my account to one of the plans with a 2GB cap (I'm on the original EM+ family plan, with the 5GB cap). Didn't think it was that important.
Once I get to work, I connect to WIFI, then turn on WIFI calling. I never disable my cell radio. I also set my WIFI calling to connect through WIFI only, not WIFI preferred. At times, my calls are pretty clear. But, there are times when my calls are so choppy that I have to have the person hang up, so that I can call them back from an office line (or go outside and use the T-Mobile tower on my cell).
Oh wow that makes sense, thanks for the responses, I didn't think that it would stop searching for a signal when wifi calling is enabled. I'm curious though, do you guys put connection preferences to "Wifi only?" Seems that if you do wifi or cell preferred it would need a connection to a cell tower so that it could switch to GSM if it provides better call quality.
I haven't tested this in a while but I think if you do wifi only, once you move out of wifi range you have to remember to disable wifi calling or you get no calls.
@Memnoch30 and kangxi
Did you both activate the unlimited free wifi calling feature introduced in May?
Also I just noticed that there is a setting in the app. Under advanced settings, there's an option with the description "UMA network controller address." Perhaps UMA can be enabled somehow?
No I didn't. I have unlimited minutes so I don't really worry about any of that.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App
I did activate it since I don't have unlimited minutes. I don't know about enabling UMA though.
See, this is something I don't get. Using a cell phone with spotty reception. That is one issue I can say I've never had before this phone. One that is choronically losng it's cell connection.This is ultimately the ONLY reason I have one. Period. If the phone reception is not rock 100% freaking solid, why do I have the damn thing? I do not want a phone that doesn't put my call through every single time. Why should I stand for anything less?
ickster said:
See, this is something I don't get. Using a cell phone with spotty reception. That is one issue I can say I've never had before this phone. One that is choronically losng it's cell connection.This is ultimately the ONLY reason I have one. Period. If the phone reception is not rock 100% freaking solid, why do I have the damn thing? I do not want a phone that doesn't put my call through every single time. Why should I stand for anything less?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree, I think the android phone market is so packed that manufacturers have to put in a lot of time to bump up tech specs for their phone to stand out. They really should be at least implementing a cell radio and battery good enough for real world use though
Wifi calling is amazing. I use it at work. It also saves huge amounts of battery cause wifi < cellular.
LG G2x CM7 2.3.4
how do you get it enables unlimited?? i dont see anything on the tmobile site about it being free unlimited wifi calling just that it will use your plan minutes
Xargon321 said:
how do you get it enables unlimited?? i dont see anything on the tmobile site about it being free unlimited wifi calling just that it will use your plan minutes
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to call customer service or do it through their online chat support service to have it enabled. I'm not sure why they make you do this, but you can't enable it yourself through the My T-mobile website.
have to say anything special? or just tell them to enable unlimited wifi calling? might have to do this later then.
Well, you have to be the primary account holder, but you don't really say anything special, just ask to add "free unlimited wifi calling" to your phone line.
Funny thing happened to me I called tonight and, after doing some other changes, asked about the unlimited wifi calling. The agent said oh I see u have a g2x. I said yea? Then after a hold. He said as long as ur using the wifi calling App it doesn't use plan minute.. I said oh really plz note that on my account so when it uses my minutes I can get credit. He said sure no problem I noted it and tagged the support document I read it from on your account. This was the third time I tried adding it. So I have no idea what is going on..
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA Premium App
That's strange... maybe try adding it through the online chat support, that's how I got it added. They take a while to respond but they seemed to have added it to my account, can't say for sure though.

[Q] Life without a carrier?

I'm rarely out of wifi range,..in fact, pretty much never unless I'm walking around on the streets of the city or traveling, and even then I can find it fairly easily. I'm wondering, has anyone gone to a mobile lifestyle without using a cell carrier, using wifi only? What is your strategy? I'm wondering if Skype or a similar service would work well enough as my mobile contact number, maybe coupled with a prepaid dumb phone for the car for emergencies. Is this a realistic idea?
In an absolute emergency all cell phones can still dial 911 no matter contract status as long as they have signal
Whayle said:
I'm rarely out of wifi range,..in fact, pretty much never unless I'm walking around on the streets of the city or traveling, and even then I can find it fairly easily. I'm wondering, has anyone gone to a mobile lifestyle without using a cell carrier, using wifi only? What is your strategy? I'm wondering if Skype or a similar service would work well enough as my mobile contact number, maybe coupled with a prepaid dumb phone for the car for emergencies. Is this a realistic idea?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well if you have a Smartphone you should be able to port your current number to Google voice and make and receive calls and texts from it without requiring a plan
I have a android phone and I make calls on Wifi all the time and love it! Maybe I need to make a call at a friends house with no signal? Google Voice via Wifi To the Rescue!
You don't even need to port a number to Google Voice. They'll give you you're own number when you sign up.
If you're okay with not having a signal while you're out and about, then by all means go for it.
I'm sure it could be done but I doubt it would be very practical. Imagine going on a little trip or wanting to make a call but can't because you're just outside the wifi range. Even always being near a wi-fi connection doesn't guarantee you'll always be near one.
LOL I'm waiting for my unlock code to a HD2.
So far it's livable with GoVoice for texting and checking email, listening to music, and watching netflix.
Going to school and all that isn't really necessary for a data plan cause wifi is available and on top of that all around campus
Please use the Q&A Forum for questions Thanks
Moving to Q&A
Try netTalk from the market works good for Out going calls on WiFi.
Sent from my MB855 using xda premium

Carrier charging for WiFi usage...WTF? ;Turning off carrier data packet setting...?

Allright. I received a bill for $80 this month for mobile browser/net usage (WTF!?). Now, as far as i know, they shouldn't be charging me. I'm connecting to my home's internet. AKA; the FREAKIN' internet i ALREADY pay for every month. My mobile data is ALWAYS off. I have no need for it. If i see a WiFi hotspot, i connect to it.
I did some research. There's some sort of carrier data packet setting that i can disable, to resolve this problem?
Although i shouldn't HAVE to do this... This shouldn't even happen. I'm not using the internet per my service provider.
I looked in Wireless settings, and couldn't seem to find this setting.
What the hell's going on? Please help... this is beyond ridiculous.
I would make sure you're actually connected to your home internet, this just about never happens.
Prenihility said:
Allright. I received a bill for $80 this month for mobile browser/net usage (WTF!?). Now, as far as i know, they shouldn't be charging me. I'm connecting to my home's internet. AKA; the FREAKIN' internet i ALREADY pay for every month. My mobile data is ALWAYS off. I have no need for it. If i see a WiFi hotspot, i connect to it.
I did some research. There's some sort of carrier data packet setting that i can disable, to resolve this problem?
Although i shouldn't HAVE to do this... This shouldn't even happen. I'm not using the internet per my service provider.
I looked in Wireless settings, and couldn't seem to find this setting.
What the hell's going on? Please help... this is beyond ridiculous.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or find a new carrier. Sounds ridiculous to me.
If I were you and didn't want to use any of their data, you can call and ask them to block that feature on your line. I did this on some of the lines on our family plan.
sshede said:
I would make sure you're actually connected to your home internet, this just about never happens.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just about never happens? ...I'm at home. And i did in fact connect to my internet.
My mobile data is OFF. Always is. I only use my WiFi.
Prenihility said:
Just about never happens? ...I'm at home. And i did in fact connect to my internet.
My mobile data is OFF. Always is. I only use my WiFi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well like this happend to my gf. she went to take new contract ( actually she needed the phone) and the sells man invite her for free trial 2gb internet. she take. after a month they sent the bill + 25 euros for data charge. WTF?! she even didnt make a call. just minimum monthly charge. so she went and ask why u send the bill for data use? that smart sells man show something her in computer that she use data with this sim card. then she take out the sim card and through in his table, which was not even broken the security seals the sells man was f**** red face and apologies and says something must be wrong.
so go and be rude and ask explanation for extra data bill. i'm sure if ur data always off, thn they must make MISTAKE!!!!

Going only wifi dropping carrier on phone.

I've been seeing this becoming more n more popular . People dropping their carrier and just using there WiFi to connect there phone for INTERNET n such .Was just wondering if anyone here does this already and or has any good apps ideas or tips for doing this .
Thanx oh not that it matters much but i have a Motorola Droid 2 for this.
No reason it wouldn't work. I have a G1 iPhone and it still plays Pandora OK and Internet's etc.
Just took the old ATT sim out and tossed it.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA
Cool ya I didn't think there'd be any probs to do it. I talked to my cuz n he only uses his phone when he's on wifi has a number for texting n everything. Also thru the same app he does this with if you try there adds or something he can rack up minutes to call people? Anyone hear of this at all. All I'd be worried bout is the internet and to still play the games
I used my Sprint HTC Touch Pro II for about a year on wifi only,before I got it ported to Boost.
No difference beteeen the two that I could tell.
Matt
It really depends on where you live and why you have a phone.
I considered this when leaving my Sprint contract but decided not to for what I think is a very important reason. Emergencies. What if something happens and I need to make a call and I'm not near WIFI ? What if I'm not near anything ? What if I can't wait to go hunt down a free WIFI spot before I need to make a call ? What if I or someone else is hurt and can't wait ?
To me, mobile web and ability to play games is a much smaller concern than personal safety.
My "dumbphone" saved me from bad situations by being able to make a phone call without having to walk for miles.
If I could live without mobile data, I would go for a pre-paid minutes SIM that allows you to at least connect to cell towers if you need it. There are emergencies where it's not appropriate to call 911, yet being able to call a friend or family member will save your sorry hide if you're able to.
Ultimately, I went with T-Mobile's 100 min/unlimited tex/5Gb data plan for $30/mo because it's pretty cool to be able to stream Netflix in-between my lab and other classes and to be able to use navigation if I'm lost or just need to know something without trying to find a 24/7 coffee shop with free wifi.
I've had good luck using Groove IP for phone calls, as long as you have a Google Voice account. After some echo cancelation tweaks, and putting up with an ever-so-slight lag, it was not much different than calling with a standard phone.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda premium

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