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Android Phone without cell phone plan

Hi guys,
Was wandering if someone could help me out with, rather, strange question.
I want to use an Android phone to make calls, but do not want to sign up with any cell phone company. I live in New brunswick, Fredericton, we have free wireless internet.
I want to make use of it, but so far I have not found a concrete answer.
I have started a thread about this on another android forums, if you want more details, or just ask me:
http://forums.androidandme.com/topic/how-to-use-free-internet-with-android-without-cell-plan
Any help is Great appreciated!

http://www.techradar.com/news/phone...e-accused-over-android-skype-app-block-628218
maybe if they get it to work
with skype you still of cause are charged to pay when you call normal phones

Yeah, that's interesting.
I find the whole situation with cell phone companies stupid, charging outrageous rates for what should really be included in your home internet fee.
In any case, I was wandering if a solution exists for right now It doesn't have to be free, but at least cheaper than buying an unlimited plan from rogers or what-not.

Or are there other phones (except Android) that can do this instead?
Thanks

yes skype is out for
windows mobile
heck even iphone got it
but you have to remember that if you call normal phones
cell or land-line you have to pay skype as they offer the link to
gsm and land-line which have no connection to the Internet you get
when you connect to wifi
just wanted to make sure you didn't have the impression that it was 1 big network
it's not
kinda like one can't send an email to a person with not computer and expect a free service
which print the email and put it in the physically mailbox of the person

I understand that I have to pay skype or someone else for calling landlines. That is Fine with me.
However, with Skype (for example and iphone/windows mobile?), can I use the phone even if I don't have a SIM card/cell phone plan?
Rudegar said:
yes skype is out for
windows mobile
heck even iphone got it
but you have to remember that if you call normal phones
cell or land-line you have to pay skype as they offer the link to
gsm and land-line which have no connection to the Internet you get
when you connect to wifi
just wanted to make sure you didn't have the impression that it was 1 big network
it's not
kinda like one can't send an email to a person with not computer and expect a free service
which print the email and put it in the physically mailbox of the person
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

yes you can even use a non phone pda with wifi or an ipod touch
when you have wifi you have the same possibilities as with a computer

That sounds cool. Thanks,
Another question:
Is there a way I can use my phone/pda as a Gps device?
If I have no plan, I can't connect to satelite either?
Or do some phones provide some kind of tom-tom enabled capabilities?

[Q] Will the Nexus S have wifi calling?

As we all know the the Nexus S has VoIP/SIP support and can be turned into a wifi hotspot, does this mean it will also support wifi calling?

What exactly do you think voip/sip are!?
Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk

I've heard about it but I'm not really sure what it does exactly, that I'm here asking.

i'd be sold if this was able to do a uma-like wifi calling.

it'll probably do UMA/t-mobile wi-fi calling once someone ports the app over.

Yes, it will support Wifi calling. I have been running a beta GV with the sip stacks for about a month and works great.

VOIP and UMA are NOT the same thing. One might use Google voice which is VOIP but not UMA. I could care less about Voip but if the Nexus S can't do UMA it is a deal breaker and will just pick up the Mytouch 4G. Already sad that the Nexus isn't 4G and doesn't have external storage but with no UMA support I will just get the Mytouch and wait for gingerbread to make its way to that.

UMA would be nice, but i'm good without it, but i seriously think it'll get ported somehow.

i think what the original poster is getting at, will it be able to use the tmobile wifi calling app.
i have a nexus one with it now so i can make phone calls. i am interested in this as well because i really don't want to pay another provider to make calls on top of what i am currently paying tmobile.

I'm wondering the same thing and this is actually the only feature that has me wanting this phone if it does in fact allow wifi calling.
My Nexus one has a broken usb port and i've been forced to swap batteries the last few months while waiting for the first gingerbread phone to arrive. I was already hoping for so much more like 720p display, dual core, new ui, because it barely feels like it's an upgrade over my N1 as is.
When the official specs were announced I almost considered going to the iphone4 or Samsung Focus but I just can't do AT&T, lol.

Pretty sure G-Voice via VOIP would be better than the original wifi-calling app, anyway. I wasn't all that impressed with the wifi-calling app on N1, honestly.

How so? The T-Mobile app is free and uses your minutes from the calling plan. Gvoice requires payment ontop of your calling plan. I don't want to pay twice for the same service.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App

emctwo said:
VOIP and UMA are NOT the same thing. One might use Google voice which is VOIP but not UMA. I could care less about Voip but if the Nexus S can't do UMA it is a deal breaker and will just pick up the Mytouch 4G. Already sad that the Nexus isn't 4G and doesn't have external storage but with no UMA support I will just get the Mytouch and wait for gingerbread to make its way to that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want uma you will have to get a blackberry, currently the android devices just have gan.
makelegs said:
Pretty sure G-Voice via VOIP would be better than the original wifi-calling app, anyway. I wasn't all that impressed with the wifi-calling app on N1, honestly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wifi calling sucked on the n1, the only device that was usable was the mt4g

robot_agenda said:
How so? The T-Mobile app is free and uses your minutes from the calling plan. Gvoice requires payment ontop of your calling plan. I don't want to pay twice for the same service.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been using google voice for a year, and I've never paid a dime for anything. Unless you know something I don't know about some new service fee for g-voice when used in concert with VOIP, you may wanna re-assess g-voice altogether. It's flippin' AWESOME!.....
....AND FREE!!!
In all fairness, though.... call quality on the wifi app was poor for me. Volume was really low. Could be the fact that I was using an N1 hacked version, but I doubt it. If g-voice is only using the data you already paid for, then I don't see how it could cost anymore. Maybe I'm missing something though.

robot_agenda said:
How so? The T-Mobile app is free and uses your minutes from the calling plan. Gvoice requires payment ontop of your calling plan. I don't want to pay twice for the same service.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GVoice doesn't require any payments. Calls to USA & Canada are free. Any other country have their rates, however. We still don't know how exactly is the VoIP implemented on the Nexus S, so can't say how it'll work as of now.

greenstuffs said:
If you want uma you will have to get a blackberry, currently the android devices just have gan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
UMA and GAN are the same thing...in 2005 UMA specs were incorporated into the 3GPP rel. 6 specs and were renamed "Generic Access Network" or GAN.
The current list of phones that are UMA/GAN can be found here at
www .umatoday.com/smartphones.php
Currently the Nexus S is not there but that could just be because it is not out yet. Just have to see if after the release date if they update the list

Superfrag said:
GVoice doesn't require any payments. Calls to USA & Canada are free. Any other country have their rates, however. We still don't know how exactly is the VoIP implemented on the Nexus S, so can't say how it'll work as of now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I was able to figure out how to use Google Voice to make calls over wireless LAN with mobile number, that will be a good alternative to wifi calling.

Wifi calling works fine on Vibrant

Blackberry supports wifi to cell handoff, Android handsets don't. Not sure whether Android is technically UMA or not. Either way the key is being able to receive calls over wifi. If you're stuck in the bowels of some massive office building and you have zero signal, being able to receive text messages and calls fluidly would be awesome. Especially if they're able to call or text to your regular number.

mingkee said:
If I was able to figure out how to use Google Voice to make calls over wireless LAN with mobile number, that will be a good alternative to wifi calling.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GVoice on Android isn't VoIP, it just routes through your GVoice number. You need a SIP account like Gizmo5 etc to set it up. GVoice in GMail on your desktop IS VoIP. Hopefully they bring something like that soon..
As for how SIP/VoIP calling will work on the Nexus S, we'll just have to wait a few more days to find out, with concrete details.

[Q] Wi-Fi Calling?

I looked around some hands on videos of the Sensation and looked closely at the App Drawer... and did not see a Wifi Calling app.... maybe im wrong...
Anyone know if this device includes Wifi Calling?

i would guess that it will have it. In Barcelona earlier this year T-Mo stated it's commitment to wi-fi calling and that it planned on having it on all future smartphone devices.

yeah i would be pretty upset if it didn't have it since all the recent smartphones they've put out have this. I just got the feature added to my plan and im always in wifi areas, well i make alot of calls from home and with this i would rarely ever use my minutes.

Android 2.3 has integrated SIP call function in dailer. Otherwise, you can use free SIP software from market. You also can use GTalk for internet call.

Use Fring to make calls (video and voice). support conference call.

Yes the Sensation does in fact have WiFi Calling. I use it every day.

I was wondering if any of you can tell me if the wifi calling takes away from your plan minutes? I am hearing no from third parties and I am hearing yes directly from tmobile. Really thinking about switching to tmobile due to sprints horrible service where I recently moved to. It just might make sense to do it with this option.

Yes, With WiFi calling you use up your plans minutes.

thats dumb lol, using plan minutes when using wifi calling..wtf is the point!

thanks for the reply. That is pretty stupid. This would be a great option for those who don't have to best coverage and the extra option of not using minutes would make it over the top. Oh well, maybe I will get a airave from sprint and stay where I'm at.

I've heard that if you have a newer plan (not a grandfathered plan) with T-Mobile, they can add on free WiFi Calling which does not take away minutes from your plan.

Originally, and by default, it used to be that wifi calling deducted minutes from your regular plan... im not sure if the newer plans come with the wifi calling free plan.... but for me, since I already had a grandfathered plan, I just had to call Tmobile up, and request Free Wifi Calling, and then they enabled it, for free.

If you talk to tmobile customer support online or over the phone you can have a service added to your plan so that WiFi calling does not use your minutes. It will say "uses plan minutes" on your phone still but it actually will not.
EDIT: Haha caliber177 beat me to it!

SOB double post... whoops...

Here is what the wirefly website says. I know they are not tmobile but I'm just saying.
"WiFi Calling will allow you to make calls over a Wi-Fi network without deducting from your plan minutes. Android handsets will continue to display a message that indicates that calls will be deducted from plan minutes. However, if this feature is active, calls will be free and unlimited over Wi-Fi."

Capable device and Wi-Fi connection required. Wi-Fi calling decrements plan minutes. Except for UMA devices, device will not transition between Wi-Fi and the wireless network.
Thats what it says when you go to the wifi calling page on the t-mobile site! If you go to this link here http://smart-wi-fi.com/mobileHandsetsHTCSensation.php Its a UMA device.

I'm stoked to finally have cell service at my house. I doesn't bug me one bit having to use my minutes and Wifi calling is a great feature most carriers don't use.
I feel like people are picking this device apart under a microscope just to find things to complain about. Yes we all know s-off will be the day it really comes out to shine but in the mean time just enjoy the phone.

[Q] Data via. Wifi

Basically I'm wondering, if I could buy a WP7 phone (probably HD7) and use wifi for data and use apps for making calls and such over wifi. If not, I'm looking for WP7 on a prepaid service.
Thanks in advanced!

I can answer the first one but not the second one. I got both a samsung focus and a HTC inspire 4g.
For the first three weeks of ownership I keep the sim card in the HTC and used both wifi date and mifi data for the focus. now as for makeing calls on the focus using an app over wifi I haven't tried that yet. I do not know if there is an app for that nor have I looked for one. however, att's go phone now has a smart phone plan that you can also use. hope this helped

Thanks, but the GO Phone doesn't have any smart phones. It's OK, I'll look for some WP7 apps
EDIT: I think I'll just buy the full price HD7, and get skype. Thanks!

Before you go out wasted your money, you should know that currently there is no Skype for WP7. The API is not there yet to support any VoIP apps.

There's a google voice app...free version and paid are kinda the same. Main difference is a big one. Paid offers push notifications while the free version does not.

ms79723 said:
There's a google voice app...free version and paid are kinda the same. Main difference is a big one. Paid offers push notifications while the free version does not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google Voice uses your phone's voice minutes to communicate/dial out. You can't use it just over wi-fi.

foxbat121 said:
Before you go out wasted your money, you should know that currently there is no Skype for WP7. The API is not there yet to support any VoIP apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know, but Microsoft bought Skype, so it's inevitable.
And is there Google Voice for WP7?

Google Voice is never designed to be VoIP, even on Android phones. Probably Google's way to not piss off carriers.
Mango will have socket API that is needed for VoIP apps. But with current schedule, you probably won't see such app until early next year.

Where's the Voice Calling?

According to Samsung's website the tablet can make phone calls...anyone knows how? I am in the US by the way. Thank you,

chogau1 said:
According to Samsung's website the tablet can make phone calls...anyone knows how? I am in the US by the way. Thank you,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The version from best Buy cannot.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium

u got a link to featured voice calling? sounds to me like it may be some 3rd party app.

http://www.samsung.com/global/microsite/galaxytab2/7.0/features.html?type=find
Scroll down... clearly says voice calling...maybe the 3g version?
Anyway i found groove ip an app that works nicely

Image

I think you have to move to Brazil to make calls with your tablet.
Pp.
Delivered to you via microwave technology .

I believe it is only for the 3G version. You may be able to use your tablet though as a bluetooth speakerphone though if you have the wifi version, but don't hold me to that.

I can make voice Skype calls with no problem.... I would guess that you would need a radio for cellular use though..... I would buy a 3/4 g. Version to replace my phone, and if I could.
Sent from my GT-P3113 using Tapatalk 2

Well the voice calling goes over wifi or 3g, using like a VOIP service that allows to make cheap or free calls, Samsung advertise that service on their page and its nowhere to be found in the tablet. Anyway, a google voice account + groove ip can be used to call over wifi free to the us and canada, but its weird that they offer something and don't deliver

chogau1 said:
Well the voice calling goes over wifi or 3g, using like a VOIP service that allows to make cheap or free calls, Samsung advertise that service on their page and its nowhere to be found in the tablet. Anyway, a google voice account + groove ip can be used to call over wifi free to the us and canada, but its weird that they offer something and don't deliver
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The voice calling feature on the site is only for the 3G model. Do you have a 3G model? If not, then you are complaining about a feature the WiFi model never had. The model featured on Samsung's site is clearly the 3G version. If you don't like the tablet just because it can't make phone calls why not just take it back?

imnuts said:
The voice calling feature on the site is only for the 3G model. Do you have a 3G model? If not, then you are complaining about a feature the WiFi model never had. The model featured on Samsung's site is clearly the 3G version. If you don't like the tablet just because it can't make phone calls why not just take it back?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Clearly the 3g version? I dont think its clear at all in that web page...return for that? Not at all, not the main purpose of the tablet to make calls, just pointing a marketing tactic

It actually works quite well as a SIP phone, The WiFi version of the 7.7 has a Bluetooth phone profile by default, it is best used that way unless you want to use it as a speaker phone.
I have been told that tethered to a LTE razr it actually has better voice quality then the Verizon LTE codec.
But yes it doesn't come with an app as they tend to be branded for most consumer directed VIOP services.

I would by a 3g version, and replace my phone.... If it worked on tmo and was available. Fortunately for me, I bought mine from Costco, so I have a 90 day return period.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G with Beats Audio using Tapatalk 2

chogau1 said:
Clearly the 3g version? I dont think its clear at all in that web page...return for that? Not at all, not the main purpose of the tablet to make calls, just pointing a marketing tactic
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe not specifically that one page, but their micro-site is meant for the 3G version. Go to specifications and it lists HSPA connectivity. Also, if you look at that one page, half of the images show 3G cell service. On the images page, it shows 3G cell service as well.