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Skype over 3G Data Only plan

I've always liked the versatility of a PDA/smartphone but I could never justify the cost of a voice plan that I barely use and a data plan. It occurred to me to try getting a data only plan and running Skype with a subscription for the few voice calls I get. I'm hoping someone here has tried this before and can give me some feedback on their experience.
AT&T's coverage maps claim Houston is blanketed in 3G/HSPDA. For the majority of my day I'm in a WiFi area and not really mobile too much, but the quality of both the call and 3G service when driving around Houston is still a slight concern.
What will happen to my phone number when I switch to a data only plan? If I keep it, what happens when someone tries to call it or send me a text message?
I can't really upgrade to a smartphone to try it out and drop the data plan if it doesn't work, considering AT&T has made data plans mandatory for smartphones, and I'll be stuck paying for one.

Huh, that's very nice!

nathanpc said:
Huh, that's very nice!
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Yes I suppose it is. Instead of paying $50 for a bunch of minutes I don't use, I can pay $35 for unlimited data and messaging and a couple $ more for unlimited calling and a phone number with Skype. I end up paying about the same amount but getting a much better deal.
IF it works. I've been able to test a call on Verizon but that doesn't tell me anything about AT&T's data network. I tried streaming Pandora while driving when I got my current phone and that was a disappointment - though I think the Pandora app was the majority of the problem. Still, I have no idea if the call quality will be terrible or if calls will be dropping on me while having full signal, etc, etc. Has anyone tried this recently?

It's a little bit expansive...

Just to make sure, I'll drop it after this: There is no one out there who has tried this already?

haven't / cant try it here, often wondered about this too. id say double check att's buyer remorse policy (i think its 30 days return) make sure you can undo any contract changes, but take the phone and try it. all you would stand to lose is the time lost with returning bureaucracy, a small risk given the potential reward

Sprint sell smartphones with data only plans
including plam pre and touch pro 1 & 2 with 2 year contract what's great about it's the data plan is just $30
http://www.sprintrelaystore.com/
they don't ask for proof that you are really are deaf

Still being under contract with AT&T kind of limits me to sticking with them. As soon as I can get some pricing for upgrade on the LG Expo's, I'll probably be moving ahead with this. I spoke with three people at AT&T to make sure there wouldn't be any trouble and confirmed I'll be able to get the data only plan on a smartphone and fulfill the data plan requirement.
The plan isn't actually just data with voice disabled, it's really the reverse of a regular voice plan: package with minutes, billed per Kb of data usage VS unlimited data package, voice/messages billed per minute/message. Beauty of it is that you can forward incoming calls on your cellphone and you won't be charged - which solves the problem of everyone still calling me on my cellphone.
Unfortunately sms/mms will still go through and I'll be charged. Still working out the kinks on that. I figure I'll have to start giving out a different number at some point in time so I'll probably use Google Voice for this and forward SMS to email, but that doesn't work for MMS. Maybe I'll just have to get the cheap messaging plan, or maybe just eat the cost of the occasional MMS. Unless I can also forward messages to a different number or email from the phone which would just solve everything.
Of course, none of this is a problem for me, but trying to make this seamless and hassle free for people calling me is the goal.

llvllerlin said:
I've always liked the versatility of a PDA/smartphone but I could never justify the cost of a voice plan that I barely use and a data plan. It occurred to me to try getting a data only plan and running Skype with a subscription for the few voice calls I get. I'm hoping someone here has tried this before and can give me some feedback on their experience.
AT&T's coverage maps claim Houston is blanketed in 3G/HSPDA. For the majority of my day I'm in a WiFi area and not really mobile too much, but the quality of both the call and 3G service when driving around Houston is still a slight concern.
What will happen to my phone number when I switch to a data only plan? If I keep it, what happens when someone tries to call it or send me a text message?
I can't really upgrade to a smartphone to try it out and drop the data plan if it doesn't work, considering AT&T has made data plans mandatory for smartphones, and I'll be stuck paying for one.
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does not work very well.
also - skype absolutely drains the battery. we are talking 1-2 hours of standby time before the battery goes from 100% to 0%.

llvllerlin said:
Still being under contract with AT&T kind of limits me to sticking with them. As soon as I can get some pricing for upgrade on the LG Expo's, I'll probably be moving ahead with this. I spoke with three people at AT&T to make sure there wouldn't be any trouble and confirmed I'll be able to get the data only plan on a smartphone and fulfill the data plan requirement.
The plan isn't actually just data with voice disabled, it's really the reverse of a regular voice plan: package with minutes, billed per Kb of data usage VS unlimited data package, voice/messages billed per minute/message. Beauty of it is that you can forward incoming calls on your cellphone and you won't be charged - which solves the problem of everyone still calling me on my cellphone.
Unfortunately sms/mms will still go through and I'll be charged. Still working out the kinks on that. I figure I'll have to start giving out a different number at some point in time so I'll probably use Google Voice for this and forward SMS to email, but that doesn't work for MMS. Maybe I'll just have to get the cheap messaging plan, or maybe just eat the cost of the occasional MMS. Unless I can also forward messages to a different number or email from the phone which would just solve everything.
Of course, none of this is a problem for me, but trying to make this seamless and hassle free for people calling me is the goal.
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FYI, AT&T still doesn't have the eXpo, but RadioShack is selling it right now. I upgraded mine for $149.

In the UK we have "Three", They allow skype calls on their mobile phones and offer plans for as little as £15 with unlimited texts, unlimited internet, 200 minutes and unlimited skype usage (I believe it comes with "SkypeOUt" or whatever it's called). Skype to skype calls are always free even if you are on pay as you go (Prepay) and have no credit!
If you don't have something similar in the US then it will more than likely come soon as this sort of thing is starting to catch on. It's actually quite encouraging because if Google Voice does launch over here and google plans on having a "google voice" only mobile phone then three would be a network willing to consider it.

coolVariable said:
does not work very well.
also - skype absolutely drains the battery. we are talking 1-2 hours of standby time before the battery goes from 100% to 0%.
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I take it you've tried it out then. My phones are usually docked while I'm at work and when I get home they might go 3 hours before it's back on the charger for the night.
If you don't mind, what carrier and city, and around when did you try it out? Was it over WiFi or 3G?
SPIDERTECH said:
FYI, AT&T still doesn't have the eXpo, but RadioShack is selling it right now. I upgraded mine for $149.
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I'll have to check it out then. I still haven't seen a single word on availability yet and RadioShack's website shows nothing about it. What city?

llvllerlin said:
I take it you've tried it out then. My phones are usually docked while I'm at work and when I get home they might go 3 hours before it's back on the charger for the night.
If you don't mind, what carrier and city, and around when did you try it out? Was it over WiFi or 3G?
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3G. AT&T. Tried it pretty much all over SoCal, primarily LA, San Diego and Santa Barbara.
Just doesn't work.

T-Mobile Free Unlimited Wi-Fi Calling for Even More / EM+ Plans

If you're on a Even More or Even More Plus plan (Postpaid) with a Wi-Fi calling capable handset, you'll have the feature of unlimited Wi-Fi calling for FREE (no deduction of minutes).
Apparently, doesn't work for grandfathered plans.
Call T-Mobile (or use Live Chat), they must add it to your line for it to work. Ask for it to be added to your line (Free Unlimited Wi-Fi calling), since it's a new feature (5/13), they might not know about it (have not been trained for it). If they don't know what you're talking about, tell them to try harder
1-800-TMOBILE
1-800-866-2453
or
Live chat [t-mobile.com]
"Currently, placing calls over Wi-Fi deducts from a customer’s in-plan minutes. Effective 5/13, a new feature will launch that will allow customers with capable phones the ability to place calls over Wi-Fi without deducting from in-plan minutes! This is not only a great value, being FREE, but can help customers who experience coverage issues in areas that Wi-Fi is available."
You should be getting a text message about it according to T-Mobile, but if you're impatient...
-A Text Message (SMS) blast is planned to target customers with Wi-Fi Calling capable device to alert the customer of the availability of this free feature.
-The SMS will direct the customer to T-Mobile.com to add the feature. However, they may call Care instead. (I'm assuming they're referring to CS)
-This new feture is available to all Even more, Even More Plus, and 4G Do More rate plans for customers with Wi-Fi Calling capable devices.
Wi-Fi Calling works for:
Calls made from the US to US numbers
Calls made from the US to international numbers (subject to international rates) <-----Note
Calls made from outside the US to US numbers (not charged roaming) <---AKA (I can be in London connected through wi-fi and can call any US number for free without a deduction from my plan minutes)
Calls made from outside the US to international numbers (subject to international rates, but not charged roaming) <-----Note
as found via slickdeals.

just added this through online chat.
i dont really use wifi calling but doesnt hurt to have it right?

I also did this through online chat today. Went very smoothly and took maybe 10 minutes total. Thanks for the tip!

i just added it to both phone.... but some of the glacier roms dont have wifi native... where would i get the add on? the agent was checking my adress to see if i qualified for it? weird, i think if you are in a well known area of coverage they might try to avoid giving it to you? maybe not////////// what eva!!!!

did this earlier (before this was posted)...went without a hitch..great to have even though i dont even use 300min a month

thedude1313 said:
i just added it to both phone.... but some of the glacier roms dont have wifi native... where would i get the add on? the agent was checking my adress to see if i qualified for it? weird, i think if you are in a well known area of coverage they might try to avoid giving it to you? maybe not////////// what eva!!!!
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They have to input the address manually so that if you call 911 that the address you gave is the same one that shows up in their systems. Nothing to do with qualifying locations.

kalel33 said:
They have to input the address manually so that if you call 911 that the address you gave is the same one that shows up in their systems. Nothing to do with qualifying locations.
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oh i guess im justparanoid!!! next they will ne asking for a payment....man these people j/k

I wish I did it through chat. I called 611 and spent about 15-20 minutes on the phone explaining the press release. Not the operators fault. It's T-Mobile not alerting their customer support people of changes. A true pain in the ass.
Let's see how long it takes to activate.

just spoke to them. im on a cheaper grandfathered family plan. i do not qualify. you have to be on a current, non-grandfathered plan to get the free wifi calling.

acsi007 said:
just spoke to them. im on a cheaper grandfathered family plan. i do not qualify. you have to be on a current, non-grandfathered plan to get the free wifi calling.
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No, grandfathered plans just needs a different code.

I just finished with them online. They weren't going to add it, saying it didn't exist. Once I quoted their own press release they came back and said yes it is possible. Added it on my phone and my wife's! I'm wondering if it is a plan to reduce traffic on their networks?
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA Premium App

can someone please list the devices that are capable of UMA?

I spoke with chat and they, at first, didn't have any idea what I was referring to. I provided the press release to the rep and they were able to add free wifi calling to both my lines. They said it takes about 2 hours for the feature to kick in. When using it on the phone, the app will still say that minutes will be deducted however they assured me that they won't regardless.
Now I do have one question. Does this feature show up on my account under "services"?

I just called and was told that feature didn't exist. I tried tell the girl that it was new and read the release. She said that was a feature a few years ago but now it using plan minutes. I guess I'll call back and get someone else.

Way to go T-mo. Roll out a great new money saving feature and don't train your staff on it.

Unfortunately this doesn't work for us flexpay customers
Sent from my HTC Vision using Tapatalk

Also they are lies about their unlimited internet plan. After use 5gb they will slow the internet down cut off. Do you guys believe that they have truly unlimited internet plan?
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA Premium App

I called them and they said you have to pay for tethering in order to get it for free
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA Premium App

mytouch990 said:
Also they are lies about their unlimited internet plan. After use 5gb they will slow the internet down cut off. Do you guys believe that they have truly unlimited internet
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They call it unlimited because they don't charge per MB after you hit 5GB like other carriers do. I've been caped and it makes the phone almost worthless, but its better than paying 200$ because I went over plan.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA App

marseillesw said:
Unfortunately this doesn't work for us flexpay customers
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Well this sucks. I dont see how we are different from EM+ postpaid customers.

No service Verizon Plan

I'm going to college next year, and I'll be stuck paying my own phone bill for the first time, and I'm wondering if it's even an option to have no mobile service. A plan with no calling or texting, just data.
If I could only pay $30 per month for my phone bill, that would be huge, considering minutes and texting. I could buy minutes from Skype or Google voice and make calls with those applications, and text through AIM or another free texting app.

http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/splash/messagingplans.jsp
That's probably what you're looking for but not sure if it's available for 4G devices and it says documentation required for smartphones.

I bought an off-contract Incredible and have it as a house phone using Google Voice and GrooVe IP. Works perfectly, too.
No plan required, just a wifi connection.

That could work, but is it required to either get texting or minutes? I really just want to be $30 for the unlimited data, and text through a texting app or AIM. I could easily make calls through skype or google voice.
The off-contract phone could work too, especially with a phone like the tbolt, but isn't a bit inconvenient to not be able to call or text while you're out? Also, does anyone know what a typical internet speed is for a college dorm?

U can also get the 50 minute loyalty plan for $20 + $30 data.
Verizon doesn't offer data only on phones. If u bought a galaxy tablet, then u could have data only.
I'd just use wifi if I was on campus, I'm sure its faster than 3g.
Sent from my Thunderbolt using XDA App

booda3000 said:
U can also get the 50 minute loyalty plan for $20 + $30 data.
Verizon doesn't offer data only on phones. If u bought a galaxy tablet, then u could have data only
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Check out the link in post 2, unlimited data and messages and no voice minutes

The link in post 2 says that documentation is required though... think that means you need proof that you are deaf or hard of hearing... so unless you have this they probably won't even give you that..

necosino said:
I bought an off-contract Incredible and have it as a house phone using Google Voice and GrooVe IP. Works perfectly, too.
No plan required, just a wifi connection.
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How do you do this as when you try to use google voice it wants the number associated with the phone right?

don't have a clue about the plan, I've never heard of such being offered though. Speeds will depend on what college you're at. Most major universities have at least a T1 line in my experience. YMMV

your best bet is to just visit your local verizon store and see if you get a tech who is nice enough to activate the service listed in post #2

I had the unlimited text/data activated over the phone with the corporate #. 800-922-0204. They didn't ask questions.
i like the $50 loyalty plan better. Its cheaper, u get 50 emergency minutes a month and u can text unlimited with google voice.
Sent from my ThunderBolt using XDA App

..

Has anyone tried Wifi Calling when not having service?

By service, I don't mean signal, I mean actual phone service.
For example, you don't pay your bill for a month and t-mo suspends your service, can you still use Wifi-Calling even though the service isn't on?
Just curious.

durps said:
By service, I don't mean signal, I mean actual phone service.
For example, you don't pay your bill for a month and t-mo suspends your service, can you still use Wifi-Calling even though the service isn't on?
Just curious.
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You can use something like grooveip. It's a voip that uses GV to connect the calls. I heard it works well, I dont use it. I use csipsimple which is more complex to set up that's why I recommended groove. I am able to make/place calls over wifi. the sim in the phone is deactivated. I actually use my g2x as my house phone. it operates purely on wifi calling. But if you're asking if you can use the built in app that you use with TMO now? No, you cant

graffixnyc said:
You can use something like grooveip. It's a voip that uses GV to connect the calls. I heard it works well, I dont use it. I use csipsimple which is more complex to set up that's why I recommended groove. I am able to make/place calls over wifi. the sim in the phone is deactivated. I actually use my g2x as my house phone. it operates purely on wifi calling. But if you're asking if you can use the built in app that you use with TMO now? No, you cant
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+1 on everything said above. WiFi calling checks your sim card to make sure you can access it since it uses your minutes.

swellthekitty said:
+1 on everything said above. WiFi calling checks your sim card to make sure you can access it since it uses your minutes.
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actually it doesnt use your minutes anymore

piimp said:
actually it doesnt use your minutes anymore
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Please don't give out any false info.. It does use your minutes unless you are on the even more plus plan, which then you already have unlimited minutes so it doesn't matter. If you are on a minute plan still it WILL indeed use your minutes.
GrooveIP is actually pretty good and does its job. Tried it out and while it did give a bit of echo for the other party and a bit of delay, it is indeed free.

piimp said:
actually it doesnt use your minutes anymore
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Really? The app lies to us when it says it uses plan mins? lol....

MarlinFF said:
Please don't give out any false info.. It does use your minutes unless you are on the even more plus plan, which then you already have unlimited minutes so it doesn't matter. If you are on a minute plan still it WILL indeed use your minutes.
GrooveIP is actually pretty good and does its job. Tried it out and while it did give a bit of echo for the other party and a bit of delay, it is indeed free.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should also stop giving out false info. You don't have to be on an unlimited plan, you just need the free wifi calling service added to your line by either calling to chatting with a T-Mobile rep. I have it on both my lines on my family account and it doesn't charge me for my wifi calls. It's great because we only have 750 minutes to use between us.

wpbcubsfan said:
You should also stop giving out false info. You don't have to be on an unlimited plan, you just need the free wifi calling service added to your line by either calling to chatting with a T-Mobile rep. I have it on both my lines on my family account and it doesn't charge me for my wifi calls. It's great because we only have 750 minutes to use between us.
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+1 just call TMobile and they will add it to your account. I have four lines and they all have the free wifi calling service
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App

I can confirm the above two posters info. I have an Even More family plan and I have free WiFi calling.

Just added the free Wi-Fi calling to my account. Never knew about this until I saw this thread, thanks!

MarlinFF said:
Please don't give out any false info.. It does use your minutes unless you are on the even more plus plan, which then you already have unlimited minutes so it doesn't matter. If you are on a minute plan still it WILL indeed use your minutes.
GrooveIP is actually pretty good and does its job. Tried it out and while it did give a bit of echo for the other party and a bit of delay, it is indeed free.
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Click to collapse
Lol, learn ur facts before u post. U have to call tmob to get it added to ur account, (doesnt matter what ur plan is) its free. I know when u turn it on it says it uses ur plan minutes bt if u have it added it doesnt.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA Premium App

wpbcubsfan said:
You should also stop giving out false info. You don't have to be on an unlimited plan, you just need the free wifi calling service added to your line by either calling to chatting with a T-Mobile rep. I have it on both my lines on my family account and it doesn't charge me for my wifi calls. It's great because we only have 750 minutes to use between us.
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that is because you are calling t-mobile to t-mobile, so it don't use any min from your 750 plan. Try to call other carriers!

piimp said:
Lol, learn ur facts before u post. U have to call tmob to get it added to ur account, (doesnt matter what ur plan is) its free. I know when u turn it on it says it uses ur plan minutes bt if u have it added it doesnt.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA Premium App
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It does matter what plan you have. I've called and chatted several times and they said I had to upgrade to one of the newer plans to get the feature. I'm on FamilyTime 700 with free myFaves.

A TMOBILE question

Ok this is not vibrant at all but i didn't know where else to post this besides TMO forum, which is pure ****.
I have a family plan, 4 phones on it. and 1 home phone.
we are on a plan that offers unlim text, 750 minutes talk.
Does the home phone get unlimited minutes? I've heard it does, can someone confirm or deny?

I prototyped the @home phone system and also have it.
Anyway, the [email protected] phone gets unlimited minutes yes, and from my experience it also is considered under mobile-mobile (free) if your one of the people whom have that option.

Yes, If you are on a grandfathered plan. I have the the same plan with 3 lines and [email protected] which is not offered anymore. If you upgrade to any of the new family plans the home phone will use the pool of minutes. That's the reason i'm gonna keep my grandfathered plan as long as I can.

First off no disrespect to badaphooko01 I am no guru by any means...
Anyway don't confuse [email protected] with [email protected] which many do. The @home service uses a special router (Hi-point) to connect regular land-line calls to their network via the internet. The [email protected] service uses any router to connect (reroute) your cell via wifi to their network, think old style wifi calling. Even the CS reps at T-mobile get these confused and will quote the pulling from mobile pool info, although it is incorrect.
Anyway the @home service has unlimited calling anywhere in the US, while the [email protected] service was unlimited but later transitioned to using mobile minutes (early adopters were grandfathered). Also the @home land-line service is no longer offered to customers, but they will continue to support those of us who already have it.
I am going to call and find out for sure but it would very stupid for one to have a land-line replacement which pulls minuted from their pool of mobile minutes.
****
Ok so I called and spoke with a friend at T-Mobile and it turns out that if one changes plans, then the @home Service price will increase to $15 per month, but will still be unlimited. But one benefit of changing to a new plan will be that wifi-calling will be free (not pull from pool). They also will increase the price on my grandfathered unlimited messaging plan to $20 per month.
*****
Anyway here is some info, but it is hard to find any official information from [email protected] due to them no longer offering it to new customers.
[email protected]
[email protected] land-line info

daenigma said:
First off no disrespect to badaphooko01 I am no guru by any means...
Anyway don't confuse [email protected] with [email protected] which many do. The @home service uses a special router (Hi-point) to connect regular land-line calls to their network via the internet. The [email protected] service uses any router to connect (reroute) your cell via wifi to their network, think old style wifi calling. Even the CS reps at T-mobile get these confused and will quote the pulling from mobile pool info, although it is incorrect.
Anyway the @home service has unlimited calling anywhere in the US, while the [email protected] service was unlimited but later transitioned to using mobile minutes (early adopters were grandfathered). Also the @home land-line service is no longer offered to customers, but they will continue to support those of us who already have it.
I am going to call and find out for sure but it would very stupid for one to have a land-line replacement which pulls minuted from their pool of mobile minutes.
****
Ok so I called and spoke with a friend at T-Mobile and it turns out that if one changes plans, then the @home Service price will increase to $15 per month, but will still be unlimited. But one benefit of changing to a new plan will be that wifi-calling will be free (not pull from pool). They also will increase the price on my grandfathered unlimited messaging plan to $20 per month.
*****
Anyway here is some info, but it is hard to find any official information from [email protected] due to them no longer offering it to new customers.
[email protected]
[email protected] land-line info
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Click to collapse
No disrespect taken...
It's funny how things always change at Tmobile or how all csr's are not all on the same page. I called about this 2 months ago because I maybe wanted to up my wife's data but I was told that it would $20 more unless i changed my whole plan at that point my [email protected] would be considered an extra line and would take minutes from our family plan. That would be ridiculous as we make and receive many call on our home line so at that point I declined.