The Infused T-Mobile Alliance - Samsung Infuse 4G

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.

Related

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!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
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%.
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
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?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
3G. AT&T. Tried it pretty much all over SoCal, primarily LA, San Diego and Santa Barbara.
Just doesn't work.

So if Verizon charges this much for data plans...

First off I dont have to worry about it because I already have the TBolt.. However, if friends or family ever switch over, it could be an issue for them...
That being said - if they are going to have this implemented, they need to make some changes to the android OS.
First off - when you buy a new phone, the employee types in your gmail address and syncs your phone. This is done over 3/4G since they rarely bother to put you on wifi for doing this. Not to mention you probably want to leave the store... Therefore you will be syncing all your apps on your wireless account consuming your bandwidth.
There are too many instances that the OS contacts the net for this to be viable and pointless if you turn them off. My iPhone on at&t never went over 900mb a month and I use it the same amount as this android phone. The difference? The iPhone doesnt sync over the web and pull all of your apps back down for you if you factory reset or load a custom rom. On the TBolt, I regularly hit over 10gb per month.
I believe Verizon must limit bandwidth after you reach your paid allowance, not charge overages. The FCC really needs to step in here as this is literally the internet form of rape.
I guess Sprint is smiling now?
psufan5 said:
First off I dont have to worry about it because I already have the TBolt.. However, if friends or family ever switch over, it could be an issue for them...
That being said - if they are going to have this implemented, they need to make some changes to the android OS.
First off - when you buy a new phone, the employee types in your gmail address and syncs your phone. This is done over 3/4G since they rarely bother to put you on wifi for doing this. Not to mention you probably want to leave the store... Therefore you will be syncing all your apps on your wireless account consuming your bandwidth.
There are too many instances that the OS contacts the net for this to be viable and pointless if you turn them off. My iPhone on at&t never went over 900mb a month and I use it the same amount as this android phone. The difference? The iPhone doesnt sync over the web and pull all of your apps back down for you if you factory reset or load a custom rom. On the TBolt, I regularly hit over 10gb per month.
I believe Verizon must limit bandwidth after you reach your paid allowance, not charge overages. The FCC really needs to step in here as this is literally the internet form of rape.
I guess Sprint is smiling now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
most people aren't loading custom roms (not to mention it's not Verizon's problem, technically they don't condone it), or downloading them over 3G/4G, but rather via the computer and transferring over USB. How you hit 10 GB without netflix is beyond me. If you're using LTE as a home internet sub than that's a whole different topic.
Streaming music for ~2hours a day except on the weekend, and moderate use each day, only puts me at max around 4GB.
psufan5 said:
First off I dont have to worry about it because I already have the TBolt.. However, if friends or family ever switch over, it could be an issue for them...
That being said - if they are going to have this implemented, they need to make some changes to the android OS.
First off - when you buy a new phone, the employee types in your gmail address and syncs your phone. This is done over 3/4G since they rarely bother to put you on wifi for doing this. Not to mention you probably want to leave the store... Therefore you will be syncing all your apps on your wireless account consuming your bandwidth.
There are too many instances that the OS contacts the net for this to be viable and pointless if you turn them off. My iPhone on at&t never went over 900mb a month and I use it the same amount as this android phone. The difference? The iPhone doesnt sync over the web and pull all of your apps back down for you if you factory reset or load a custom rom. On the TBolt, I regularly hit over 10gb per month.
I believe Verizon must limit bandwidth after you reach your paid allowance, not charge overages. The FCC really needs to step in here as this is literally the internet form of rape.
I guess Sprint is smiling now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well several things. No one has to let the vzw employees set up their phones. No one is required to sync their apps or even download any. And why should vzw, if /once they go to tiered plans simply throttle instead of charge overage. Go over you cell minutes you pay extra. Same for txt. And how is it any concern of the FCC if vzw changes their plans?
My main issue with the plans as rumored is that they do not include tethering. Most normal users will be fine with a 2g cap. My gf, on a rooted DX with Netflix, has used 700 megs this month. Just for example.
das BAMF sense 3.0 rocking the bolt
JBAeroEngineer said:
most people aren't loading custom roms (not to mention it's not Verizon's problem, technically they don't condone it), or downloading them over 3G/4G, but rather via the computer and transferring over USB. How you hit 10 GB without netflix is beyond me. If you're using LTE as a home internet sub than that's a whole different topic.
Streaming music for ~2hours a day except on the weekend, and moderate use each day, only puts me at max around 4GB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? I haven't been able to stay under 10 gigs since Amazon Cloud / Google Music came out. And that is about 2-3 hours a day. Although I do use TuneIn Radio the other 90% of the time...
Yeah, lucky for most of us TB users, we are grandfathered in to the "unlimited" plans. I have been a VZ customer for over 15 years now, and there is no question that their services is the best....
But when the time comes for me to sign another contract, if these are the terms I will probably be forced to switch carriers...
Sprint looks appealing, they have strong data coverage in my area...and I am not concerned about "dropped calls" because I almost never use the phone any more...
Hopefully this kind of pricing will force more competition. Maybe if they offered unlimited texting and cheaper (lower than 450 minute) phone plans along with it, that would soften the blow.
I am also finding that 4G speeds really only matter to me when tethering, other than that 3G does everything I need just fine with better battery life. I could definitely do with "slower" 4G speeds with another carrier.
JBAeroEngineer said:
most people aren't loading custom roms (not to mention it's not Verizon's problem, technically they don't condone it), or downloading them over 3G/4G, but rather via the computer and transferring over USB. How you hit 10 GB without netflix is beyond me. If you're using LTE as a home internet sub than that's a whole different topic.
Streaming music for ~2hours a day except on the weekend, and moderate use each day, only puts me at max around 4GB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FTP transfer for work on the fly while traveling around town. My phone is on the car charger or my desk charger most of the day. And I have an Unlimited Verizon 3G mobile modem for my laptop, so no it isn't tethering.
turbosrrgood said:
Yeah, lucky for most of us TB users, we are grandfathered in to the "unlimited" plans. I have been a VZ customer for over 15 years now, and there is no question that their services is the best....
But when the time comes for me to sign another contract, if these are the terms I will probably be forced to switch carriers...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why switch carriers? Since they did away with the 1-year commitment earlier this year, I made the decision just to buy my phones without a subsidy. Therefore, no need for a new contract. I got my TBolt on eBay for a pretty decent price and it's like new.
bogatyr said:
FTP transfer for work on the fly while traveling around town. My phone is on the car charger or my desk charger most of the day. And I have an Unlimited Verizon 3G mobile modem for my laptop, so no it isn't tethering.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
way to use a completely off base scenario
JBAeroEngineer said:
way to use a completely off base scenario
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well you did say:
How you hit 10 GB without netflix is beyond me. If you're using LTE as a home internet sub than that's a whole different topic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was just giving you an example that doesn't involve tethering I use 50-70GB/mo on my phone. A lot less on my grandfathered laptop modem - mostly VPN/Remote desktop/Console work.
10GB a month? wtf?
I just averaged up my last 6 months and i average .21 GB a month. and i stream pandora, have all my accounts syncing and look on the net, facebook and twitter all day. When i get my tablet (hopefully the amazon hollywood) this will go down evenmore bc i'll be using it at home on my wifi.
I use mine heavily with netflix....and i was around 4 gigs this month
I also call shenanigans on 10gigs a month just by synching. I use about 6gigs a month but I use my LTE for a lot of things.
turbosrrgood said:
Yeah, lucky for most of us TB users, we are grandfathered in to the "unlimited" plans. I have been a VZ customer for over 15 years now, and there is no question that their services is the best....
But when the time comes for me to sign another contract, if these are the terms I will probably be forced to switch carriers...
Sprint looks appealing, they have strong data coverage in my area...and I am not concerned about "dropped calls" because I almost never use the phone any more...
Hopefully this kind of pricing will force more competition. Maybe if they offered unlimited texting and cheaper (lower than 450 minute) phone plans along with it, that would soften the blow.
I am also finding that 4G speeds really only matter to me when tethering, other than that 3G does everything I need just fine with better battery life. I could definitely do with "slower" 4G speeds with another carrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sprint coverage maps are a joke, yes they have coverage but the towers are so overloaded you are lucky to break 200/kbps (yes, 200k) downstream on rev A. EVDO during the day.
WiMax is great if you are on top of your roof or in an open field, but as soon as you get into any structure with more integrity than a tree house your signal tanks (Charlotte, SC has the best Wimax from my observation) because it operates at such a high frequency.
After being a customer for 11 years I jumped ship from Sprint over the weekend and picked up two TBs to replace my 2 EVO's. Sprint 3G is horrendous, not just in South Carolina, but in NYC, Charlotte, Atlanta, San Francisco, Detroit---I have traveled to all of these places in the last 6 months, and in each location I test between the hacked Verizon PRL for the EVO and the most recent Sprint PRL both in a Sense ROM and on Cyanogen...without fail, the year old hacked Verizon 3G PRL is faster, and more consistent. I was hoping my contract would just be canceled for having 5+ gigs of roaming data every month (not supposed to exceed 300 megs), but alas I was grandfathered into unlimited roaming data.
Sprint has been "upgrading its network" for years now yet the service still seems completely overburdened. I'm going to spend 40 bucks more a month going to Verizon for two lines, but I don't really care at this point, I would rather pay to play than save and suffer...
bogatyr said:
Well you did say:
Was just giving you an example that doesn't involve tethering I use 50-70GB/mo on my phone. A lot less on my grandfathered laptop modem - mostly VPN/Remote desktop/Console work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that's something that most companies should/would/could pay for. you're clearly an outlier in phone usage.
velopirate said:
Why switch carriers? Since they did away with the 1-year commitment earlier this year, I made the decision just to buy my phones without a subsidy. Therefore, no need for a new contract. I got my TBolt on eBay for a pretty decent price and it's like new.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you have a 4g plan or is the unlimited data plan independent of 3/4g? Are you able to use the 4gon th e TB without having upgrade?
I use 6-8GB per month.
I know I could cut that more than in half if I wasn't ROM Flash happy and dl'd them on my PC instead of the phone.
I have 12 down and 1 up at home...I often get faster with my LTE/Bolt.
I can survive...somehow...with downloading ROMs, etc., on my PC...lol.
Update via Droid-Life
Hopefully this is the case:
http://www.droid-life.com/2011/06/2...-by-tiered-data-only-new-customers-and-lines/
The prices for data are criminal. The prices for tethering are even more so. I'm happy I'm grandfathered in, but I doubt I'll ever go over the 2GB since I'm on WiFi 99% of the time. I didn't even want a data plan because I have so little use for one.
Taykiin said:
Hopefully this is the case:
http://www.droid-life.com/2011/06/2...-by-tiered-data-only-new-customers-and-lines/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope this is truth I barely got my TB for the same. Reason
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk
Well I drive a truck and use the phone for everything, on my imago I was lucky to stay under 8gigs, with the bolt I am at 20gigs
Transmitted using my Sagem 835 mobile communication device.

Couple of questions regarding Verizon and SGIII

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.

[Q] A few questions regarding VoIP and Google Voice

I have a Infuse running the Unofficial CM10.1 - 1/14/2013 build on T-mobile's $30 unlimited web, text, and 100 minutes plan and I'm trying to find the best solution to using VoIP with Google Voice. Since I only have 100 minutes I'm looking to take advantage of the 5GB of 4G data with which I don't even get 3G apparently with an Infuse on T-Mobile as I understand it.
I have searched all infuse forums and elsewhere to the best of my ability and have found these options:
- A possibly outdated method for getting Wifi calling with T-mobile. I was looking for confirmation that this would work with CM10.
- Sipdroid
- GrooveIP
- Skype.
- Talkatone sucked so I'm not considering it.
I'm basically just wondering if there are any other options out there for VoIP or if anyone has any recommendations.
Thanks in advanced.
Edit: Also, I've been looking for anyway to improve my mobile data speeds and service in general with T-Mobile. If any other Infuse owners on T-Mobile have suggestions that would be great.

[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.

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