Hi all!
I've decided that instead of getting a phone contract,
I will just buy an android phone, and buy Verizon's 3GB a month for 35 dollars for their Mifi, and carry it around with my phone.
I will then use Google Voice to text, and make calls.
So I have a few questions.. Will this plan work?
Will the phone have to be unlocked?
Can I make calls with this?
If I only use GV, (I'm guessing around 1,500 texts a month, max 100 minutes of calling), and some apps which require internet on the android market.. like youtube, or other stuff, will it fit in 3GB?
Will their be any way for me to check how much data is remaining from the phone?
And are there any flaws in this plan?
Thanks for answering in advance !
Anybody know anything about this?
Or maybe if somebody is currently doing this, or something similar, they could share their experiences.
Connecting a mifi to your phone to use internet is not possible. The mifi needs to install drivers on a desktop or laptop in order to work.
magicriggs said:
Connecting a mifi to your phone to use internet is not possible. The mifi needs to install drivers on a desktop or laptop in order to work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know this thread is a little old, but seriously? I just got my mifi and, with no modifications I connected to my tablet, android phone, and linux laptop. Just need to know the password
I just found out that my tmobile contract is over today. Therefore I'm looking to switch over to another carrier. I recently moved and the tmobile and AT&T coverage near my new home is horrible. (Besides, I'm not a big fan of AT&T)
I'm in interested in the SGIII. So started looking at either Verizon or Sprint. I like sprint, but their family plan doesn't quite fit into my cost requirements. Therefore Verizon seems to be the best bet for me in terms of monthly cost. (3 lines, unlimited talk + data).
First Question - Does Verizon still route Skype via their own voice network? I remember couple of years ago, they were blocking Skype calls via Wifi and forced the calls through their network. Not sure if they're still doing that. I travel outside of the country occasionally and would like to make Skype-Out calls via WiFi back home. Plus, I also make frequent international calls, therefore would like to use Skype-Out from home over wifi.
Second - How hard is it to side load apps without rooting on the SGIIII? Such as installing third-party apps for tethering or WiFi-sharing?
thanks
nirav82 said:
I
First Question - Does Verizon still route Skype via their own voice network? I remember couple of years ago, they were blocking Skype calls via Wifi and forced the calls through their network. Not sure if they're still doing that. I travel outside of the country occasionally and would like to make Skype-Out calls via WiFi back home. Plus, I also make frequent international calls, therefore would like to use Skype-Out from home over wifi.
Second - How hard is it to side load apps without rooting on the SGIIII? Such as installing third-party apps for tethering or WiFi-sharing?
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would like to know the answer to that first question also, I am leaving the country in 3 weeks and will only have WiFi.
As to tethering, you need to be rooted for that on the original plans, but I believe the new data plans include that as part of the plan.
jmorton10 said:
I would like to know the answer to that first question also, I am leaving the country in 3 weeks and will only have WiFi.
As to tethering, you need to be rooted for that on the original plans, but I believe the new data plans include that as part of the plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need to be rooted to tether. There are several programs out there. Foxfi, easy tether, and a few more I would think.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium
1. Skype actually didn't come preloaded on the phone. you can check the play store and find 2 versions, 1 from verizon - which only works on the verizon network. and 1 that's actually from skype and works with either wifi or verizon's network.
And I can confirm it works great over wifi - use it almost daily.
2. You don't have to root to tether, but you need root access for some apps.. like adblockers.. etc.
Hope this helps.
I have been a customer of Virgin Mobile for years. When I purchase my new LG Volt they said I had to move to a new plan that went from $25/mo to $35/mo because it uses 3G or 4G or some such thing. The plan was for 300 minutes a month and unlimited data and supposedly stayed the same when moving to the new plan.
Anyway, on my old phone I could tether and since I had unlimited data in both cases I thought that I could tether my new phone to my pc like I did the old one. Didn't happen. Seems VM is now blocking tethering unless you purchase something call HOTSPOT for more money.
So my question is:
Is it possible to override the blocking of tethering on a phone and use your data plan with your pc tethered to your phone? I would think with a rooted phone there would be a way to fake out the phone to make it think the data is from the phone rather than a tethered device.
Anyone have any ideas?
JimReid said:
I have been a customer of Virgin Mobile for years. When I purchase my new LG Volt they said I had to move to a new plan that went from $25/mo to $35/mo because it uses 3G or 4G or some such thing. The plan was for 300 minutes a month and unlimited data and supposedly stayed the same when moving to the new plan.
Anyway, on my old phone I could tether and since I had unlimited data in both cases I thought that I could tether my new phone to my pc like I did the old one. Didn't happen. Seems VM is now blocking tethering unless you purchase something call HOTSPOT for more money.
So my question is:
Is it possible to override the blocking of tethering on a phone and use your data plan with your pc tethered to your phone? I would think with a rooted phone there would be a way to fake out the phone to make it think the data is from the phone rather than a tethered device.
Anyone have any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pda net can be used for tethering.. If ur phone doesn't support tethering...
Yes pda net will be perfect for you but its a pc software and it will be perfect for you only then if your phone doesn't support tethering
Sent from my Magicon Mnote using Tapatalk
JimReid said:
I have been a customer of Virgin Mobile for years. When I purchase my new LG Volt they said I had to move to a new plan that went from $25/mo to $35/mo because it uses 3G or 4G or some such thing. The plan was for 300 minutes a month and unlimited data and supposedly stayed the same when moving to the new plan.
Anyway, on my old phone I could tether and since I had unlimited data in both cases I thought that I could tether my new phone to my pc like I did the old one. Didn't happen. Seems VM is now blocking tethering unless you purchase something call HOTSPOT for more money.
So my question is:
Is it possible to override the blocking of tethering on a phone and use your data plan with your pc tethered to your phone? I would think with a rooted phone there would be a way to fake out the phone to make it think the data is from the phone rather than a tethered device.
Anyone have any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's a few different options, but USB tethering with PdaNet is the easiest and probably the best, so long as you only need the one connection. It doesn't require root, and USB tethering takes far less juice than wifi tethering does. It uses a companion app on your PC, and there's an option to "hide tether usage", which creates a sorta VPN which prevents the provider from knowing how you're using the data. This should work for you, but I can't confirm for certain. PdaNet is $8 (well worth it), but there's a free trial version so you can test before purchasing (it cuts your connection off after ~10 minutes and you have to reload the app).
Any method to bypass wifi tether provisioning will require root plus using the hotspot generates a ton of heat and will nuke your battery in very short order. Which is all well and good if you want to root anyway. I use Fabio Grasso's Wifi Tether Router. It's $2.50 (and well worth it). It can be a bit tricky to set up, as different phones require different settings. Plus he's Italian, so his English isn't the best. But he'll respond to an email if you're having difficulty, and it's regularly updated for new Android versions, new devices, and bug fixes. PdaNet should be your main method, but it never hurts to have both in case you need a hotspot for a laptop or tablet while away from home. You can actually use both simultaneously, which I do at home to provide a connection to my PC, tablet, and any phone that doesn't have the SIM card in.
Thanks to all of you responding. It seems to work find with USB tethering which will serve my purposes but the wifi tethering didn't seem to work right off so I'll have to play with it. It gave the same error about contacting my provider because it doesn't support HotSpots and I need to purchase that option. But the like I said the USB option seems to work fine and will serve me well. Thanks again to all of your responses.
Jim
I've been searching all over the web trying to find the answers to my dilemma, but I'm still can't decide which is better. Paying monthly for LTE or Bluetooth version is better. So far I know that with LTE you can make calls, text, etc. without connected to your phone. As for the Bluetooth version, Can it make call and text over Bluetooth? And can it also make calls and text over Wifi when my phone is on the same network but not connected via Bluetooth? Is it possible to connect the S3 to Google voice and make calls that way as long as I'm on wifi? I hope someone out there could help me answers these questions. Thank you all!!!
same thing i've been wanting to ask before i get one. if i get the wifi/bluetooth version of the frontier, will i be able to use the watch to make a phone call as long as my phone is paired with the watch? how about if my phone is currently paired with my car stereo? do i need to manually switch the pairing from car stereo to watch when i get home? i'm still debating whether i really need the LTE version or just the regular one. any help would be appreciated. ty!
beryenbeh said:
same thing i've been wanting to ask before i get one. if i get the wifi/bluetooth version of the frontier, will i be able to use the watch to make a phone call as long as my phone is paired with the watch? how about if my phone is currently paired with my car stereo? do i need to manually switch the pairing from car stereo to watch when i get home? i'm still debating whether i really need the LTE version or just the regular one. any help would be appreciated. ty!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I know research, you can pair to both your car and watch at the same time and able to switch back and forth similar to pairing a headset and watch at the same time. but then, its from an LTE watch connected via bluetooth.
I have the LTE version and when it is connected to the phone via Bluetooth it actually disconnects from LTE. So while connected to the phone it is using the phone to make/receive calls and send/receive texts instead of the cellular network. I'm not sure about wifi.
I have the non LTE version. I can make and answer calls as well as make, receive and reply to text messages when connected to my phone via Bluetooth.
I can still make, receive and respond to text messages when my watch is connected via Wifi, but I can't make or receive phone calls from the watch. This is a little disappointing, but it is not enough of a reason for me to get the LTE version and pay the monthly fee.
Not able to make call via WiFi is disappointing but I don't think it's enough to convince me to pay more and commit to monthly for the LTE version.
dungtran88 said:
Not able to make call via WiFi is disappointing but I don't think it's enough to convince me to pay more and commit to monthly for the LTE version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For many they never leave their cell phone so a BT/WIFI version is perfect (and a little cheaper). I am a runner and also tend to leave my phone on my desk at work when I am going to meetings, etc... The LTE version has been great.
I am on T-Mobile so it only cost an additional $5 per month for a wearable plan.
Good luck either way you will enjoy the watch.
The funny thing with our T- Mobile $5/month plan, is that $7 taxes are added, making it $12/month. A bit crazy to think that a service costs less than regulating taxes for it. Thank you Uncle Sam...
Sent from a TMo V20
vagelis said:
The funny thing with our T- Mobile $5/month plan, is that $7 taxes are added, making it $12/month. A bit crazy to think that a service costs less than regulating taxes for it. Thank you Uncle Sam...
Sent from a TMo V20
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm so tempted to get the LTE because it said if I do Autopay(EasyPay? something like that) then its only $5 a month but then taxes doesn't make sense and plus I have to pay $100 extra for the LTE version. It hurts not having the LTE version, but I think I will just have to bite my tongue and endure the pain and get the BT/Wifi version. :crying::crying::crying:
i have the frontier lte version through tmobile and i pay a monthly bill of $20 for unlimited data.
i dont have a line other than my watch through tmobile which is why its $20 ($15 for a data allowence). i actually like the lte version, i origianlly had the bluetooth version ordred through samsung. They kept changing my delivery dates so i got irritated and on a whim called tmobile and they had one more left. LTE version gets its on phone number and can have call fowarding set up through the gear app. only real difference between the two is one has the ability to act as a completely stand alone device and the other needs to have BT or wifii connection. I guess the question to ask is, how busy or how often do you NOT have your phone on you that a data plan for a watch is needed?
I am nvr without my phone. So i plan on getting the bt version
With LTE carrier controls the firmware, they may take forever to update when there is an update.
beryenbeh said:
same thing i've been wanting to ask before i get one. if i get the wifi/bluetooth version of the frontier, will i be able to use the watch to make a phone call as long as my phone is paired with the watch? how about if my phone is currently paired with my car stereo? do i need to manually switch the pairing from car stereo to watch when i get home? i'm still debating whether i really need the LTE version or just the regular one. any help would be appreciated. ty!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
with bluetooth version: (I have an old gear 2 neo).
1. I can make calls when paired with the phone.
2. I don't need to manually switch the pairing from car to watch.
3. I ordered the Classic model (please make sure that you buy the international one), since I like how it looks, and don't want to pay to the cellular company. The Frontier has 2 variants, if you like it more than the classic - you should make your choise.
Thank you so much, guys. I've finally decided to get the BT version of the watch. No matter how much I convince myself, I can't seem to go with the LTE with $100 more and commitment to a monthly payment without much benefits other than not the stand alone function. Love yall Love the community. :victory::victory::victory::victory::victory:
Y0sHii said:
I guess the question to ask is, how busy or how often do you NOT have your phone on you that a data plan for a watch is needed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a little bit like, which came first, the chicken or the egg? We always have our phone because there is no other viable option. When there is another option, we'll find numerous reasons to leave our phone behind.
afblangley said:
It's a little bit like, which came first, the chicken or the egg? We always have our phone because there is no other viable option. When there is another option, we'll find numerous reasons to leave our phone behind.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True i went for the LTE version because i just hate not getting the most out of a device. Im going to Try to leave my phone home one day and go a complete day with just a watch.
Y0sHii said:
True i went for the LTE version because i just hate not getting the most out of a device. Im going to Try to leave my phone home one day and go a complete day with just a watch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Having a 3G allows me to keep my phone nearby but not on me. So it's somewhere in the house when I'm at home, it's left in the car when I'm out and about, it's in the desk when I'm running around at work...
I would prefer the LTE version, if it was available in Germany. The reason is that my phone as well as the Gear S3 can hold only ONE bt connection. My phone, however, needs the bt connection. This means that every time I enter my car I must disable the bt connectivity in the Gear S3. Very complicated and time consuming. If the Gear S3 has an own LTE modul, a wifi connection (hotspot open in the phone) suffices in order to receive and reply to notifications (WhatsApp, SMS and others). I am wondering whether I can find a solution for my problem in IFTTT...
tommy1945 said:
with bluetooth version: (I have an old gear 2 neo).
1. I can make calls when paired with the phone.
2. I don't need to manually switch the pairing from car to watch.
3. I ordered the Classic model (please make sure that you buy the international one), since I like how it looks, and don't want to pay to the cellular company. The Frontier has 2 variants, if you like it more than the classic - you should make your choise.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for this! i'm leaning towards getting the LTE version. the extra $100 i dont mind paying. but i thought it was only $5/month? how come someone else said $12/month. is this true?
i'd like to try not having my phone with me all the time. problem with this is, i have a few group chats with friends through whatsapp and also have to be on my phone to check my fantasy basketball league lol
beryenbeh said:
thanks for this! i'm leaning towards getting the LTE version. the extra $100 i dont mind paying. but i thought it was only $5/month? how come someone else said $12/month. is this true?
i'd like to try not having my phone with me all the time. problem with this is, i have a few group chats with friends through whatsapp and also have to be on my phone to check my fantasy basketball league lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought a Gear S3 classic (no LTE). I don't think that the watch could replace the phone. By the way - the Classic has GPS and WiFi connections.
I scoured the internet for the last few hours trying to determine if there is still a way to use an app, or some other method to essentially hotspot my phone, without a hotspot plan. My phone is network unlocked from OnePlus directly, and I have unlimited everything (not even cap throttling) through US Mobile, but they changed their hotspot services (afaik) after they moved to "WARP 5G." Last year I switched to them from Google Fi SPECIFICALLY because of the hotspot capability, and I don't want to start paying for it now, especially considering the Warp 5G capability is on their SUPER LTE (Verizon) specific sim, while I can only use their GSM (T-Mobile) sim.
I digress. Is there an app or ROM/Root method that will let me share my phones data with say, an iPad, or other phone? PDAnet and Foxfi only repeat whatever Wi-Fi signal my phone is connected to, and this is not what I'm looking for. (Woe 2012 3g pdanet)
Edit: it appears im a fool and just didnt figure out how to tether via BT to an ipad. In the mean time, if any of you have some decent ideas, im still all ears for if/when i need a back up plan