I need some advice from the XDA Community. I purchased a Nexus 4 the day it was released and have it on Solavei ($49/mnth with pretty much unlimited everything). My company just purchased me an iPhone 5 on Verizon, however, I'm limited to a shared pool of minutes, 500 text messages, and 2 GB data. I'm not sure what the company policy on MMS is, but I heard they don't like it when lots of MMS's are sent/received.
I would love to move to just one phone (the company phone), but the limitations are killing me. I was previous with Spring for 10 years, and I sent an average of 4,000 text messages per month, used only about 500 minutes per month, and used less than 1 GB data per month. So, it's the text messages that are holding me back.
I explored looking at using Google Voice with the Verizon (work) phone, but a big issue is the MMS. I have some MMS happy friends sharing some great stuff, so I don't want to miss out. However, with GV, we all know MMS disappears into the Never Never.
Lots of my friends do have iPhones, so iMessage won't count against texts, but my wife texts me the most - she is on Android on Verizon, so that would kill the 500 message limit.
The last thing I want to do is carry around two phones, so if I could migrate all to the iPhone that would be ideal.
How would you handle this?
My best advice would be to have the wife get some kind of app that's compatible with something you can have on iOS.
I'm not sure what messengers iOS has - but things like IM+ or maybe Whatsapp depending on what you have available.
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Here's the long story (SEO version):
I recently switched from an iPhone to an Inspire. Started getting texts and emails from AT&T that I was required to switch to a 4G data plan (this is the case if you switch from any 3G phone to any 4G phone - Inspire, Atrix, Infuse, etc). I ignored these for a while because I didn't want to lose unlimited data, but finally decided to call customer care. I was able to switch to an unlimited 4G data plan without arguing with them - which I thought I was going to have to do. Cool!
The problem was that while messing with my account, the rep also changed me from 'iPhone Messaging Unlimited' to 'Unlimited Text Messaging'. I didn't realize for a few days, but this feature does not include MMS, so I wasn't receiving picture messages. My wife was mad at me because she thought I broke my phone and couldn't receive the cute pictures of our daughter that she was sending. I spent good chunks of the past three days messing with my APN settings, re-flashing my ROM (AR3.1), updating to a newer ROM (AR3.3), etc, etc.
So today I thought, 'I wonder if this has anything to do with my switching data plans..." Like I said, it took me a few days to realize it, so I didn't make the connection at first; I had, after all, also changed from Inspired to Revolution around the same time, so I thought that - and the ROMs' different APN configs - could be the issue.
So I logged into my AT&T account online and saw the problem with the messaging plan. Changed it to "Messaging Unlimited" (same price - $20 - as the Unlimited Text feature) and within a couple of minutes I was able to send and receive MMS!
Short version:
If you recently upgraded to a 4G AT&T phone (Inspire, Atrix, Infuse, or whatever), and are experiencing issues with MMS messaging, or text or data features, make sure AT&T got your features right.
I know from searching that a few other people have experienced MMS problems on their Inspires, so I hope this helps at least one other person!
got my inspire today and popped my sim card in...within 5 minutes i had a text and an email telling me to switch lol. I really want to stay on my iphone data though because i have a backup iphone 3g i keep around for when i'm flashing or if something happens.
buddy17 said:
got my inspire today and popped my sim card in...within 5 minutes i had a text and an email telling me to switch lol. I really want to stay on my iphone data though because i have a backup iphone 3g i keep around for when i'm flashing or if something happens.
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I really don't know if they will ever enforce it, or if it makes any difference to your service, but you will continue to get the texts and emails saying that you have to switch. That's why I finally gave in, and like I said, I didn't have to fight to keep my unlimited data, which was a relief!
When I had to move to a "4g" data plan they removed text messaging entirely from my account, not even pay per use so none of my texts were getting through. Gogo AT&T CSRs.
Edit: Oh, and to make it better, when I called to have it restored they gave me a hard time about putting the $4.99 200 texts plan back on since they don't offer it anymore, though they did eventually restore it.
does moving to "4g" actually do anything? like is it a price increase or anything or is it just something they do on paper?
I'm looking into getting an inspire but I really don't want to if its gonna end up costing me more monthly...
I want to switch to AT&T for the One X soon and am looking for ways to reduce my bill. I don't want to pay $20/mo for texting so using Google Voice is a good idea for that. I initially wanted to port my number to GV so that I wouldn't have to give people a new number, but after some testing I feel like the voice lag in calls through GV is a little too significant to use it for all my calls, so now I'm considering porting my number to AT&T like normal and using my separate GV number for texts.
I'd like to know what you guys do and how it works out for you.
Thanks.
Just keep in mind that GV texting doesn't support short codes, nor MMS (although Google said it is coming).
I'd switch to google voice full time if it had two features that it's currently missing. 1. Obviously mms. 2. Threaded group SMS (which I found out the One X doesnt support either)! I really miss group SMS coming from the iPhone as that's how I communicated with a bunch of my friends and colleagues.
Telling people to just email me is definitely worth the $20 savings...
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
Google plus messenger?
Cryosx said:
Google plus messenger?
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Not even sure what this means.
I am in the same boat and I had tried to use Google Voice. Does not work simply because the lack of a dedicated SMS agent.
I use text plus. Didn't want to pay 20 dollars
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
NextNexus said:
Not even sure what this means.
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Google+ messenger. The stand alone messaging client for Google+.
I've been debating getting a new number through Google Voice and switching to that. Cutting the unlimited texting from my plan would sure be nice. I don't make more than 10-20 minutes in calls most months, so the latency issue is not major for me. I suspect it's related to the inherent latency on the 3G/HSPA network. I think this is one of the areas where LTE is supposed to be a major improvement over HSPA+. Has anybody tried GV over 3G and wifi/LTE. If so, was it any better?
lilhyper said:
I am in the same boat and I had tried to use Google Voice. Does not work simply because the lack of a dedicated SMS agent.
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Can you explain what you mean by an "SMS agent"?
mesasone said:
Google+ messenger. The stand alone messaging client for Google+.
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Yea but isn't that like using Facebook messenger or whatsapp? It's not an SMS replacement unless everyone you text actually has it installed.
Pretty much. I'm not really sure how that works out as a replacement for a texting brand. Maybe they will elaborate.
I use Google Voice and save my money, not work the 20 bucks for MMS and short code. I fill in the blanks of those with twitter/facebook etc etc.
I have unlimited via a family unlimited plan.
EDIT: Can you use GV without a SIM? Like I have an account set up but I can't send SMS or Make calls on the One X at all. Am I doing something wrong or does it just not work that way?
I chose the unlimited text because that gives you unlimited mobile to mobile calls, any carrier.. That allowed me to drop down from unlimited minutes to 450 minutes with rollover. I'll never talk 450 minutes to a landline during peak i dont think. I dont know anybody with a landline, all mobile. That dropped the Minutes from $69 to $39. I', going to give it a try...We'll see
nugzo said:
I chose the unlimited text because that gives you unlimited mobile to mobile calls, any carrier.. That allowed me to drop down from unlimited minutes to 450 minutes with rollover. I'll never talk 450 minutes to a landline during peak i dont think. I dont know anybody with a landline, all mobile. That dropped the Minutes from $69 to $39. I', going to give it a try...We'll see
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Yeah, I'm used to having unlimited mobile to mobile on Sprint, but I think I can get by without it and still only 450 minutes. A lot of calls happen on nights and weekends, and then I can take advantage of the rollover (not sure how long those minutes last before expiring).
voluptuary said:
I have unlimited via a family unlimited plan.
EDIT: Can you use GV without a SIM? Like I have an account set up but I can't send SMS or Make calls on the One X at all. Am I doing something wrong or does it just not work that way?
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You should be able to SMS through GV by just being on WiFi I think, but you won't be able to make calls without the SIM since it goes over the cell network and uses minutes like normal. However, if you use something like GrooVe IP, you should be able to make calls with just WiFi.
Unlimited text family plan for $20 FTW!
I just got a Lumia 900. I only do about 100-200 texts a month, so I am disappointed by AT&T's only texting option of $20 (as opposed to $5 on VZW)
Are there any apps that I can use to text using data instead?
I know that Text+ has come out for WP, but it looks like you can't keep your existing phone number. I dont want people to have to keep two mobile numbers for me, and I dont want to have to pay $20 a month for something I dont use that much. Any suggestions/alternatives?
ballanda123 said:
I just got a Lumia 900. I only do about 100-200 texts a month, so I am disappointed by AT&T's only texting option of $20 (as opposed to $5 on VZW)
Are there any apps that I can use to text using data instead?
I know that Text+ has come out for WP, but it looks like you can't keep your existing phone number. I dont want people to have to keep two mobile numbers for me, and I dont want to have to pay $20 a month for something I dont use that much. Any suggestions/alternatives?
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Whatsapp dude!! it's the best
ballanda123 said:
I just got a Lumia 900. I only do about 100-200 texts a month, so I am disappointed by AT&T's only texting option of $20 (as opposed to $5 on VZW)
Are there any apps that I can use to text using data instead?
I know that Text+ has come out for WP, but it looks like you can't keep your existing phone number. I dont want people to have to keep two mobile numbers for me, and I dont want to have to pay $20 a month for something I dont use that much. Any suggestions/alternatives?
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There's whatsapp, viber and heytell.
I have tried the first two, very low data usage and work very well. Honestly can't believe you haven't heard of whatsapp.
I need too....
Want it too..
Would love to have it .. i live in india so i would prefer to have my country specific app for sending SMS .. there is already such apps for Androids over here .. didnt find any thing for WP7 .
Whatsapp requires that the people you are texting also have the app.
It's not a data-sms to text-sms app.
If you live in US, you can use Google Voice service for your texting needs. There is an app called GoVoice, which uses data, but lets you communicate to others via texting through your Google Voice number.
That means that if you are comfortable giving everyone an alternate number for texting, then this should do the job for you. Unlimited texting (till the end of 2012, i think) for free.
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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I'm using an international version though, but skype works through bluetooth dunno if you can initiate it though.
http://www.informationweek.com/wireless/drop-your-cell-plan-and-still-use-your-phone/d/d-id/1107537?
Is there a way to talk and/or text without a phone plan or for free with a plan like freedompop?
If so, how could you receive calls? Is it possible to keep your number?
I typically leave my phone at home, so it's always on wifi. I'm currently paying for data and have unlimited everything with a family plan ($55/m for the three of us, with T-Mobile).
I do not like contracts, especially this one since upgrading phones cost, that used to somewhat offset the fact they charge more for contracts than no contracts.
If we can get rid of the $165 bill all together, that'd be wonderful.
Thank you all in advance.
UKTone said:
http://www.informationweek.com/wireless/drop-your-cell-plan-and-still-use-your-phone/d/d-id/1107537?
Is there a way to talk and/or text without a phone plan or for free with a plan like freedompop?
If so, how could you receive calls? Is it possible to keep your number?
I typically leave my phone at home, so it's always on wifi. I'm currently paying for data and have unlimited everything with a family plan ($55/m for the three of us, with T-Mobile).
I do not like contracts, especially this one since upgrading phones cost, that used to somewhat offset the fact they charge more for contracts than no contracts.
If we can get rid of the $165 bill all together, that'd be wonderful.
Thank you all in advance.
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If you live in US, then Google Hangouts is now your best friend.
If it is on wifi only then you don't need a contract in the first place... you get your data from your home internet, and as was said you can use hangout + google voice number to send texts and receive/make calls via Hangouts.
If you add FreedomPop (Sprint phone only) you will be able to get data/texts/calls without wifi.
My setup is a S3 on FreedomPop with a google voice number & Hangouts, without the FreedomPop app installed. Instead I have Hangout set up to make and receive calls through voiceip.