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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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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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Click to collapse
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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Click to collapse
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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Click to collapse
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.

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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Click to collapse
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

..

[Q] Verizon Galaxy Tab 7.7 incoming phone calls?

Hi,
Using Google Voice and Groove IP, I am able to place ourgoing calls with no problem.
Is there a way or a setting that I don't see that would allow incoming phone calls as well. When I dial the google # from a standard cell phone, it goes right to VM.
Any help would be most appreciated.

Access Google voice with a browser. login and under settings add Google chat as another forwarding line. Then edit your forwarded mobile phone number and under advanced settings have Google voice ring your other lines if it can't reach your mobile phone. Now when someone calls your mobile number and u don't pick up, it will ring your tablet.

Should have gotten an international voice+3g tab, much better than going through all these steps. just saying.....
Sent from my GT-P6800 using xda premium

I realize most everyone on here tries to find a work around from having to pay for anything.. but in this case why not just make it easy on yourself and use Skype? I have been paying VZW 100.00 per month, 1200.00 per year! for my smart phone for about 6yrs but recently suspended it in favor of trying something different.
I got the idea when I had my Xoom and and it worked so well that I sold that and recently purchased the much lighter, pocketable, portable Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7
I still pay VZW 30.00 for a 2GB data plan per month but Id have to pay that with my smart phone anyway.. I then use (free) google voice for all my text and pay a subscription to Skype of 2.99per month or 30.00 for the whole year for unlimited calls.. I also purchased a number from them which is another 30.00 per year so people can call me. So it comes out to under 70.00 for the whole year! rather than 1200.00
I know that may not work for everyone.. it's not ideal having to use two different numbers and if your data strength is so so it may not work so well.. I also know there are probably many many other ways to do this.. but for me I don't think 70.00 per year is a lot to pay plus the convenience of not having to set much up totally works for me..

@bioshock22, you can achieve what you just described using what OP is using... And you don't pay the $70/yr. GrooveIP/Google voice gives you a free phone number of your choice and free unlimited incoming / outgoing calls to any US/Canadian number. OP has a single phone number for texting and calls all for free. He just pays verizon for the data plan.
@aximtreo, I don't have a forwarding number enabled for Google voice. I just have Google chat checked for forwarding so I can receive calls on the tablet.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Xparent ICS Blue Tapatalk 2

As I said in my post I am sure there are many many ways to do this but for me it is all about convenience.. I have no desire to spend a whole day looking through hundreds of these forum posts reading what app this guy recommends only to have another guy say this one is better or this one is better or this one is better.. THEN have to figure out how to forward from google voice, google talk, google this, google that etc. etc.
Like Denzel say's in the movie Philadelphia.. "Explain it to me like I'm a four-year-old"
Rarely does anyone ever do that on here.. everyone assumes you already have an idea what to do so if you don't you better free up a whole day because you'll be spending that time digging through post, after post, after post..

interesting thread. been thinking about this for weeks.
what I wonder is whether anyone is making use of their bluetooth headsets? can calls from either skype or gvoice/grooveip be initiated and answered this way? if yes, I'm almost sure to give up my cellphone entirely! otherwise, I don't think I'd like holding up a 7.7 inch tab up to my noggin like I would my smartphone.

ZenNook said:
interesting thread. been thinking about this for weeks.
what I wonder is whether anyone is making use of their bluetooth headsets? can calls from either skype or gvoice/grooveip be initiated and answered this way? if yes, I'm almost sure to give up my cellphone entirely! otherwise, I don't think I'd like holding up a 7.7 inch tab up to my noggin like I would my smartphone.
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Click to collapse
I'm using an international version though, but skype works through bluetooth dunno if you can initiate it though.

The Infused T-Mobile Alliance

Sometimes I feel like it's just me and maybe one other poor soul using this resilient device on T-Mobile's network.
If there's anyone else out there, let's use this thread to share advice and any experience we may have gathered individually.
Some things you could share:
- T-Mobile Plan
- Amount of time with T-Mobile and general review of service
- Why did you leave At&t and have you tried other mobile providers?
- Current ROM on your Infuse
- Do you use Wifi calling or Voip of any kind?
- Do you use T-Mobile apps (visual voicemail, etc..)
- Do you plan on upgrading from the Infuse anytime soon?
- Do you have any tips for other Infusers on the T-Mobile network?

- T-Mobile Plan: $30 / month unlimited text and web (5gb full speed) and 100 minutes talk
- Amount of time with T-Mobile and general review of service: I've been with T-Mobile since January 2013. Service is decent in Southern California and I always get H+ while driving which is great for streaming music. In buildings I'll often get no service at all, especially older buildings. Luckily there is usually Wifi anywhere indoors. The 100 minutes of talk is awful and I always go over it which means 10 cents a minute, but you can't really beat that $30 / month price. I never really get passed 2GB of data even when I tether to my chromebook (yeah, Google sent me a Cr-48) or playbook.
- Why did you leave At&t and have you tried other mobile providers? I left At&t because I was on a family plan paying $35 / month for unlimited talk and text with 200mb / month. 200mb / month was absolutely terrible and I often had to go with no data for that last week. I believe that you should support a company that has a pricing model you agree with even there is a quality drop. I'm also a broke college student who doesn't have a steady job so T-mobile fits me well.
- Current ROM on your Infuse: I'm using SlimBean 7.8 on my Infuse right now. I usually use CM10, but I always liked the DPI of paranoid but hated the rest that came with it, so SlimBean is like my wet dream and it's been working fine so far. I was using GB roms for stability in the past, but nothing beats the beauty of JB on the Infuse.
- Do you use Wifi calling or Voip of any kind? I tried to set up VOIP in a few different ways when I first switched to T-mobile but I was never happy with the quality of calls. I'm sure there is a reliable way to set it up but I may be too lazy. I've never tried Wifi calling, even when I was on GB. It's tempting now, but I'm not ready to go back to GB right now.
- Do you use T-Mobile apps (visual voicemail, etc..): I use visual voicemail. It's actually pretty well done and makes me a little less upset that Google Voicemail doesn't work on prepaid T-Mobile plans.
- Do you plan on upgrading from the Infuse anytime soon?: I'm planning on getting the Nexus 4 when it's released (supposedly right after my birthday). My Infuse has a horribly cracked screen and it's time for an upgrade.
- Do you have any tips for other Infusers on the T-Mobile network?: Not really, that's why I made this thread. I'm only going to be around this forum for another month or so (ironic because I've been lurking sense I got the Infuse two years ago and now all of the sudden I have ten posts under my belt) and I want to get the most out of my Infuse T-Mobile combination before it's too late.

I saw this in the Dev section:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1455264
The unlimited data plan is a good deal for $30/month.
Have you tried setting up a Google Voice account and use an app like GrooveIp?
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gvoip&hl=en
These apps uses your mobile data and your google voice number to make calls using data without using your minutes
ymmv
gl

qkster said:
I saw this in the Dev section:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1455264
The unlimited data plan is a good deal for $30/month.
Have you tried setting up a Google Voice account and use an app like GrooveIp?
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gvoip&hl=en
These apps uses your mobile data and your google voice number to make calls using data without using your minutes
ymmv
gl
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
qkster,
Thanks for the reply. I have considered that wifi calling build.prop change. It's very tempting, but I'm not ready to give up JellyBean (specifically the dpi on SlimBean, it makes the Infuse screen look amazing even when super cracked).
And yes I have a GV and have used GrooveIP. I made a post asking for advice back when I first got the plan, but no one replied. It seems the best VOIP options are paid and I'm not sure any of them are worth it.
I was going to go the route of setting up a routing server on my vpn and using an open source SIP client - the built in internet calling present in post Ice Cream Sandwich, but I never got around to it and eventually canceled that vpn, oh well.
By the way, I've always wanted to ask what you run on your Infuse specifically? I really appreciate your contributions of Heimdall and the EFS backup script. Both have saved my ass in the past.
Even though it's not always the most organized, this community has really made the Infuse what it is.

bokonon9 said:
qkster,
Thanks for the reply. I have considered that wifi calling build.prop change. It's very tempting, but I'm not ready to give up JellyBean (specifically the dpi on SlimBean, it makes the Infuse screen look amazing even when super cracked).
And yes I have a GV and have used GrooveIP. I made a post asking for advice back when I first got the plan, but no one replied. It seems the best VOIP options are paid and I'm not sure any of them are worth it.
I was going to go the route of setting up a routing server on my vpn and using an open source SIP client - the built in internet calling present in post Ice Cream Sandwich, but I never got around to it and eventually canceled that vpn, oh well.
By the way, I've always wanted to ask what you run on your Infuse specifically? I really appreciate your contributions of Heimdall and the EFS backup script. Both have saved my ass in the past.
Even though it's not always the most organized, this community has really made the Infuse what it is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the ROM really depends on how things suit your needs to tinker or to experiment.
ICS and JB offers more options for the i997. The costs are battery life, video recorder @ 720 and ?.
For the Infuse, I still prefer GB with Zen's Synthesis kernel.
(Nothing wrong with CM10+ - and I'M GLAD of work that has been done for it. After trying CM9 and CM10 for a brief period, I find myself falling back to the TW interface as a matter of preference.)
I have an older ATT voice plan with plenty of minutes so I have not had to search other alternatives.
I have a limited data plan, 200mb. I've done ok limiting my data use to email, IM etc.
It's not available on GB, but I do like the data management of JB and the ability to limit certain apps background data usage though.
I've tried GV with Groove IP and found it acceptable on home wifi. It's not the greatest but works well enough.
If you haven't, I would suggest trying the modded build prop for data calling.
Nothing to lose really. Just save a back up of the old build.prop.

I'm also on the T-Mobile $30 plan. Great plan especially with discounts at Target + Redcard so the monthly price often works out to about $25 a month. No "maintenance fees" either.
For VOIP, I use:
Google Voice forwarding to a Callcentric number for inbound calls
Voice+ (callback) for outbound calls
Native Android SIP client connected to Callcentric
This is a free implementation. VOIP quality over 3G is good even in low signal areas. The only weaknesses to this solution are due to Android's poor SIP stack: no echo cancellation and limited codec support (G.711/PCM). CSipSimple solves both of these issues but I still prefer the native dialer for integration and overall user experience.
As far as T-Mobile service on the Infuse goes, go to airportal.de to check HSPA+ coverage. With a strong signal, I can pull 12-15Mbps, much better than the 6-8Mbps max on ATT. YMMV of course.

[Q] New Nexus 5: Which ATT MVNO Shall I get?

Greetings all!
I've been a very satisfied and loyal supporter of Ting for nearly two years now. However, I've decided to get myself a 32gb Nexus 5 from the playstore (arrives tomorrow, yaay!) with the hopes that I'll eventually be able to BYOSD to Ting. For now, I'm trying to settle on an ATT MVNO since TMO coverage is awful around here for miles.
Here is my usage on Ting:
under 100 mins
no texts (I use Google voice for SMS)
150mb average data use
I pay about 15-25ish per month depending on usage.
What I'm looking for in an ATT MVNO:
Decent Customer Service
Unliminted (or even decent amount) SMS/MMS/VOICE
Decent amount of data, say 250mb-1gb.
Reliable autopay and number porting.
No more than $40/month
I would like to port my Ting number once I feel "safe" and satisfied with the ATT MVNO.
I'm thinking of going with red pocket for now since I can get a free sim from callingmart.com with 39.99 of service. However, I'm nervous about the repeated complaints about inconsistent data throttling with Red Pocket. If I like the ATT service, I'd like to port my "real number" over to AIO because I've heard they have better CS, LTE, and a more reliable data throttle of 256kbps after the plan cap. I wish they had more LTE data (in my price range), but I can deal with the 256kpbs throttle if I breach 250mb.
I like the larger data pools of Airvoice and RP but the strange stories about having to call in to reset data or restore service are unsettling. I've never had an issue with my Ting service. Ting CS kind of spoils you.
Am I being paranoid?

Aside from you owning a nexus 5, I think this thread belongs over at the Howard forums because it has nothing to do with the Nexus 5
Sent from my LG-D801 using xda app-developers app

Dang, was wondering the same thing.
I'm in the same boat, but migrating from Sprint. I was hoping to hear what the community had to say on the matter of AT&T MVNOs. XDA is my trusted source. :fingers-crossed:

I would also like to see what the community here thinks on this matter. I'm currently with Sprint, was considering Republic Wireless, but when the Nexus 5 came out decided that I prefer that to the MotoX and so was looking at Ting. Hopefully they will come around to allowing a Play Store Nexus on Ting, but until then I'd sure like to get away from my $85 per month plan I have with Sprint towards something in the $20-$40 range. ATT and Sprint have decent coverage where I am, T-Mobile is not an option, unfortunately.

heroisnotdead said:
What I'm looking for in an ATT MVNO:
Decent Customer Service
Unliminted (or even decent amount) SMS/MMS/VOICE
Decent amount of data, say 250mb-1gb.
Reliable autopay and number porting.
No more than $40/month
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would highly recommend Aio Wireless. Their $40 plan fits all of your criteria, and I've been really satisfied with them after 2 months. I currently use the $70 plan and the speeds and coverage are great. I would also recommend installing their MyAio app to keep track of data/pay/etc and their Visual Voicemail app which is really great to use. I can't comment on their Autopay feature because I like to manually pay my bills to keep track of where all of my money goes, but their payment method via app and desktop is painless and quick.

About 18 months ago, I left Sprint for Straight Talk. They have everything unlimited* for $45. You get unlimited 2.5GB of 4G (LTE & HSPA+ for at&t SIM, HSPA+ for T-Mobile SIM), then 2G until the end of the month. I only had to call them once after i ported a secondary Google Voice number to them (I couldn't add a service card online). I read that the customer service is bad, but it seemed fine to me. I usually get around 5Mbps, but sometimes its faster/slower too.

I'll second Straight Talk. I've had no problems whatsoever with them. I did have to call to activate my SIM card (the online process messed up somehow), and I had to talk to the manager as the first rep had no idea what I was talking about, but overall it's been great.