Database Users

Force Roam to Verzion?

I love my Epic. Just switched from Verizon and have found I roam a lot on verizon. Which is fine, but when I'm home it's half a bar or sometimes no bars at all but still sprint. Time without a signal right now is 97%. This is draining my battery and causing me to drop calls. Is there a setting to prefer use of strongest tower regardless if it's roaming? If I roam to Verizon it's Full bars.
Thanks,

See if you can get an airwave.

why would you switch to verizon when it has no 4g?

@rawsoup. So 4G does exsist?? Not available here. I was curious if there was an app to use strongest tower regardless if it's roaming. Wherever I go it's always half a bar with sprint. So calls will connect but then they drop. I guess I'll just get an airwave for my house, work and the grocery store.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App

toddman said:
@rawsoup. So 4G does exsist?? Not available here. I was curious if there was an app to use strongest tower regardless if it's roaming. Wherever I go it's always half a bar with sprint. So calls will connect but then they drop. I guess I'll just get an airwave for my house, work and the grocery store.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
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hmmm. thats funny what area (not specific address, i'm not a stalker) do you live in?

I have to agree with OP on this...the ability to flop over to roaming would be awesome. It's amazing..this same post has shown up for a ton of different phones throughout the years and the first response is always "why?".
I live in Queens in a basement apartment, 15 minutes from Manhattan. If I go outside my building, I get 2-4 bars service. Depending on where I leave my phone in my house, I get 0-1 bars, 1 if I'm really, really lucky and have been a good boy all year.
Currently, without paying stupid amounts of money for an airave (I don't even make that many phone calls, just need to be available for work), I have to turn the phone radio off, load up sipdroid to use with my gizmo5 account, and rely on google voice completely. I don't get texts, but since I have GV I get those texts and that suffices for now...but it's a lot of work to simply be able to be reached.
Verizon has 5 bars in my apartment. I shouldn't have to pay sprint whatever ridiculous amount they're asking for the airave hardware and the service when sprint already has roaming deals with verizon, and I pay for these roaming contracts in my monthly plan. I should be able to switch over to roam in my house for the off chance that I do get a phone call, and so that my battery isn't drained completely by two hours of trying to aquire sprint's signal.
The Palm Pre had a roam only hack, and it was beautifly done. Can someone get the ball rolling for an android app? I know there have been three billion posts in relation to this feature on android...but it would be really, really helpful.

I agree but airwaves hve been mostly free for people calling in needing help with ****ty service inside. Especially if you can be nice but still be fcirm with pleading your case.
Now sometmes new accounts need to wait 90 days for new free hardware to establish payment history and if you don't pay your bill or in general are a pain in the balls don't expect them to help you.
However many people get them without the monthly fee and free hardware.

Looks like roam control from the market will work on Samsung phones nextweek
Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk

Sweet, just what I'm looking for. Thanks!
I guess if I root my phone, sprint won't let me return it with their 30day worry free program. I guess I'll just have to just trust it works. (unless there's a unroot option)

bblanski said:
Looks like roam control from the market will work on Samsung phones nextweek
Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk
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Where did you see that update at?

Wait wait. I'm lost. Roaming on VZ network is free on Sprint?

fazooley said:
I have the solution for all android phones. PM me for details!
fazooley
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This loser stole my app from the market and is trying to sell it. No one wants you here. Plus, quit spreading bad information, it doesn't work for *all* android phones...take the Droid X for example.

Wow. You people need to stop wondering why and just answer the question. Clearly OP doesnt have any type of good signal.
I live in the bronx in a basement apartment and i get 2 bars if im lucky. But its always switching between sprint and verizon killing my battery, lagging my phone and dropping my calls. F the airwave. I had force roaming with CM6 on my hero and would use it when im home and get full bars with no interuption and then switch to sprint when i step outside my door where i get full bars.
But anyways, nah i dont think the epic has force roaming yet...when someone ports CM6 over it should have it.
You can go into settings/wireless & networks/ mobile connection and set it to home only and it should be able to hold onto that 1 sprint bar you have and it wouldnt constantly switch to vzw and back, killing your phone.
It sucks. I remember i would hope i started roaming before i got the option for force roamong lol
Sent from my HERO200 using XDA App

And yeah roaming is free and unlimited on verizon. But apparently theres a data cap of 300mb on 3g and unlimited 4g roaming (which is bs cuz sprint is the only one using WiMax) with the 4g phones....but im not entirely sure...
Sent from my HERO200 using XDA App

Just so people know, there is an app in the market called "Roam Control" that allows you to force roaming on your Epic. Disclaimer: I am the developer.
Otherwise, with HTC phones, you can run CM6 which has the roaming option built in.
The joker above (fazooley) pirated my app and is trying to sell it to people for $1. I think you're better off ignoring him.

yes it does but requires root dang

churro7 said:
yes it does but requires root dang
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Yeah, sorry man. Not into the rooting thing?

well of course i am but i want to root froyo instead

Thanks guys for your help. I figured out the Forcing Roam issue by just switching back to Verizon. Problem Solved

toddman said:
Thanks guys for your help. I figured out the Forcing Roam issue by just switching back to Verizon. Problem Solved
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Lol
Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk

[Q] Is it possible to use data on the phone while on a voice call?

Long time AT&T customer probably switching to Sprint, been eyeing the Epic..
If I get a voice call, is it possible (if I'm using a BT headset or speakerphone) to fire up a web browser on it and use that while I'm in-call? To look things up, or whatever?
If it can't do that, are there any other Sprint phones that can (EVO, for example?)
Thanks!

if i remember right, you can use data and voice only when you are connected onto 4G and WIFI, but not 3G. i have not tested this out yet to confirm but i remember reading that somewhere if i read it right. i also came from att (iphone) and being able to use data (3G) and voice at the same time was a major plus. ill have to try it out though later on my epic.

Yes u can use data while on a call only if you are on WiFi or 4g. Tested and verified.
Sent from deep in a volcano using XDA App

Well, drat. Thanks fellas. Not that I do that very often, but it does come in handy. I checked and EVO "suffers" from the same problem.
Again, thanks, that's handy to know.

Its a cdma limitation, not a device one. Both sprint and verizon have this issue.

Aridon said:
Its a cdma limitation, not a device one. Both sprint and verizon have this issue.
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Some might say it is a "limitation", however is it the reason why cdma networks do not suffer from dropped calls like gsm networks do.
For more information, you can check out this rather lengthy post about why cdma is better than gsm.

yeah, i experience the same thing. it's becoming pretty much a deal breaker for me, as often i am on the phone for an hour or more and am trying to look things up at the same time. no joy. plus the abysmal battery life has me glad that i am still in the 30 day window ?; i like the phone a lot otherwise. wish i could get it for ATT. i have never had problems with their service, and would love to be able to talk and surf at the same time.

On 3g only voice.
On 4g voice n data simultaneous
Sent from my Epic

remedy22 said:
Some might say it is a "limitation", however is it the reason why cdma networks do not suffer from dropped calls like gsm networks do.
For more information, you can check out this rather lengthy post about why cdma is better than gsm.
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+1 you can thank the iPhone and this great "feature" for the ****ty network over at ATT

[Q] T-Mobile Wi-Fi calling app

Now that the update for the G2 is out in the wild, enabling tethering/hotspot and wi-fi calling....I was wondering if it would be possible to rip the Wi-fi calling app off the phone and use it on the Nexus One.

Give the dev some time, they will have something for us by the end of next week.
I feel like this is a slap in the face. I am a little teed off at Tmo for this.

305buddyluv said:
Give the dev some time, they will have something for us by the end of next week.
I feel like this is a slap in the face. I am a little teed off at Tmo for this.
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After reading more about it I doubt it's worth the time. It still uses your minutes while calling via wifi. Seems silly that t-mo would use my Comcast internet connection and still charge me for it.

Yes, it would suck coyote balls if it still uses your minutes while calling via wifi (except for those with unlimited minutes).
I absolutely cannot wait for the new whitespace to be filled with "superwifi" so we can all end this cellular carrier Kim Jong-Il madness.

I heard from a T-mobile employee that there is some discussion on internal corporate forums about bringing WiFi calling to T-Mobile 3G versions of the phone through Google. It will absolutely use your minutes (I don't see why they would change this), and will most likely be a while before we see it pushed (if at all).
I am sure there will be an .apk leaked as soon as the new myTouch launches.

[IO]ERROR said:
After reading more about it I doubt it's worth the time. It still uses your minutes while calling via wifi. Seems silly that t-mo would use my Comcast internet connection and still charge me for it.
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In theory, because your comcast connection is only the air interface and the last mile backhaul, the call still gets routed over T-Mobile's phone network.
In reality, the air interface (which uses limited and expensive spectrum) and the last-mile backhaul is the most expensive part of a wireless network. So, no, they shouldn't charge you a full minute for calling on wifi. Maybe 0.1 "plan minutes" per minute of wifi calling would be fair, but would probably confuse old and stupid people.
However, the simplistic theoretical argument is what you'd get if you asked T-Mobile.

Honestly, I don't understand why people are so 'peeved' that "WiFi Calling" with TMO:
#1. It isn't out for the N1 yet.
#2. Uses your existing minutes/plan.
For the people who are grandfathered under the @Home UMA plans, it's probably still unlimited.
The majority of people who are hanging onto their BlackBerry and Nokia handsets with UMA are the ones collectively holding their breaths, including myself with a BB 9700.
If you compare with the other carriers and the way they solved "coverage" issues with femtocells, T-Mobile's solution is the most elegant and inexpensive. Are you going to carry your femtocell to a public WiFi hotspot and find an ethernet cord, power, and a clear window so the femtocell can get a GPS lock to make sure you're in the United States so it'll allow you to use the femtocell?
There's nothing like being able to make a 'normal' call, SMS, MMS, etc. (i.e. Non-Skype) where:
#1. Someone with a Verizon, AT&T or Sprint handset has no coverage.
#2. Being at a public WiFi hotspot outside of the United States (i.e. Europe, Asia, etc.) where your phone has UMA/WiFi Calling, SMS, MMS, etc. access and billing as if you're in the U.S. without paying outrageous Int'l roaming or purchasing a pre-paid SIM-card for the country you're in.
You guys have no idea...
Cheers,
Kermee

I don't care if it uses my minutes or texts, I just want some damn cell service in my apartment!

dionysos911 said:
I don't care if it uses my minutes or texts, I just want some damn cell service in my apartment!
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agreed, it will be nice to actually be able to use my minutes

I just want to be able to call back home when I am overseas without extra fees

People that need this service dont give a rip if it uses minutes. I barely get enough coverage in my condo to send a text message (with ANY carrier). At this point I'd be willing to let it cost me double minutes. That's right I said it.
Also, as noted above, its the shiz for international calling. When we go to Mexico, I take my old BB curve so I can avoid the international rate shaft.
I'm desperate to get wifi calling on my Nexus.

smot13 said:
People that need this service dont give a rip if it uses minutes. I barely get enough coverage in my condo to send a text message (with ANY carrier). At this point I'd be willing to let it cost me double minutes. That's right I said it.
Also, as noted above, its the shiz for international calling. When we go to Mexico, I take my old BB curve so I can avoid the international rate shaft.
I'm desperate to get wifi calling on my Nexus.
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Amen. 10Char.

smot13 said:
People that need this service dont give a rip if it uses minutes. I barely get enough coverage in my condo to send a text message (with ANY carrier). At this point I'd be willing to let it cost me double minutes. That's right I said it.
Also, as noted above, its the shiz for international calling. When we go to Mexico, I take my old BB curve so I can avoid the international rate shaft.
I'm desperate to get wifi calling on my Nexus.
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Wait... if I'm overseas and have wifi, I can call back to the U.S. using the app and ONLY be charged my minutes?!

uansari1 said:
Wait... if I'm overseas and have wifi, I can call back to the U.S. using the app and ONLY be charged my minutes?!
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Hold on there partner. I'm only speaking from experience with UMA and Mexico to US. They may have closed this loophole with the change from UMA to Wifi calling *shrug* idk.
On the other hand, it very well could be identical and they only changed the name. That would be ideal, as it worked perfectly before... just nobody knew what a UMA was

From what I've seen so far, I'm guessing it's UMA-Lite (GAN). The only functionality that's missing is the seemless hand-off from WiFi to a GSM tower when you leave a WiFi area. The call would just drop instead of being properly handed off to the nearest tower.
I doubt TMO would treat UMA-Lite any different from how they handle existing UMA handsets.
Cheers,
Kermee

T-mobile really needs to push this feature onto all their phones and start advertising it. It will really give them a leg up on the competition, and people will stop associating tmobile as being the cheap carrier with lousy reception.

I am LOVING the wifi calling!

That OTA update came just in the nick of time. I pushed it myself after I read about how to do it and still hadn't received the update. I left for Manila on Friday the 12th and have been loving the wifi calling here!! It has been a life saver in terms of paying for international calling. There is zero lag and the call sounds just as good as if I were on the network in the states. I can't really imagine a use for it while in the country since it still takes minutes, but I guess if you are in an area without TMobile but yet still has a wifi connection with a fast enough speed to carry the call, then it could be useful. I just don't know where that place is... All I can tell you is that it has been working amazingly well in the Philippians and I have been able to make and receive calls without interruption all week. My colleagues who have needed to pack an extra phone with international calling abilities have been absolutely green with envy as I'm still able to do business easily in the office without needing to be on a landline or paying extra to use my cell phone in the hotel. What a great innovation!!! Even texting has worked just as if I were still in the states. Everybody I call and text have had a hard time remembering that I'm out of the country since it is still not totally normal to be receiving calls and texts from the same US number even though I'm abroad.
Anyway, I thought I'd share. I tried it while I was in the states, but didn't know if the clarity or quality of the call was influenced by being near the TMobile network anyway. I can tell you for sure that it is a great thing with no downside. You do need more than just a wifi signal though. If the signal isn't strong enough then the phone won't register to the TMobile network and it won't work. Oddly enough, when it says the signal isn't strong enough to make calls, they still come in just fine. Maybe just a couple bugs to work out, but this has definitely made me glad I went with TMobile and not Sprint when I was shopping for a new Android.

Are you sure you're not still paying for international calling? I thought T-Mo was going to charge you.
As for "getting an international phone", the G2 probably could have been unlocked (barring S-OFF issues) to work with the GSM there just fine.
I just took my G1 to Australia after getting the unlock code from T-Mo, and it worked great there, 3G with an Australian SIM.

dancingwombat said:
Are you sure you're not still paying for international calling? I thought T-Mo was going to charge you.
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I remember someone on this forum confirming that if you use Wi-Fi calling, your phone is treated as though it's roaming in the states, which makes it extremely useful for those who commute internationally, like the OP.

Does wifi calling/texting count as data charge (becouse if it does, I'll be able to text for free anywhere there is wifi)
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App

WiFi Calling feature uses plan minutes and plan txt messages... there are no extra charges unless you go over your limit

I was unaware it used plan minutes. Sounds pointless now unless I have bad signal in the house

greengoldmello said:
I was unaware it used plan minutes. Sounds pointless now unless I have bad signal in the house
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As soon as you turn it on, it says it uses plan minutes.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App

Yeah, unless you just don't get a good signal in your house, there isn't much point to the wifi calling since it still uses your plan minutes. From here it works just like I'm in my office at home. I can call and text local numbers without having to dial any other weird country codes or anything. And people at home don't even need to know I'm out of the country since they just call my number and my phone rings just like normal.
Typically I have just used skype to call for free computer to computer since using it to call a phone number costs money. But now I can use the wifi and that is so much better! However, my hotel doesn't allow the phone to register with Tmobile, so some servers are going to put the kabosh on using this type of thing. I'm just wondering if it would work from the plane when I'm flying domestically and have the wifi available to me... FCC regulations prohibit using a phone during flight even if you are connected to wifi, so it doesn't really matter I guess.

Delta105RUS said:
Does wifi calling/texting count as data charge (becouse if it does, I'll be able to text for free anywhere there is wifi)
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
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The texting still counts as texting and not as a data charge. So it basically just uses whatever you already have on your plan. If you are out of text messages or minutes, then you will get charged for going over just like usual. I've got an unlimited plan for all that, so it isn't something I really keep track of.

dancingwombat said:
Are you sure you're not still paying for international calling? I thought T-Mo was going to charge you.
As for "getting an international phone", the G2 probably could have been unlocked (barring S-OFF issues) to work with the GSM there just fine.
I just took my G1 to Australia after getting the unlock code from T-Mo, and it worked great there, 3G with an Australian SIM.
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I'm sure it could have been, but that is why I'm glad the wifi calling update came when it did. It saved me the trouble of needing to do it. Anytime I've been away from the office where I haven't had a wifi signal to attach to has been times when I don't really want to talk on the phone anyway. Especially here... I really don't want people seeing me with a G2 in my hand when it is a pretty lusted after phone here. Everything is uber cheap here, but I was at a less than legitimate item mall yesterday and they had a G2 in the same case as an iPad. I can get a 32GB ipad for less than a G2 here.

Google inflight and wifi calling

Writing this at 36000 ft up in the air, connected to inflight.
Just tried wifi calling and it worked. Only thing is low voice on my end and echoing effect on the receiver end. That's freaking awesome.
Question is when using wifi over google inflight, is it roaming or any additional charges besides calling minutes?
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App

Nice! I'm going to have to try this out if I get on a wifi-connected flight; what airline and route are you on?
One of the biggest uses of UMA was to prevent long-distance charges while overseas, etc. I don't forsee the flight being any different; it's the same internet, and you're connecting to T-Mo's servers the same way.

hipertec said:
Writing this at 36000 ft up in the air, connected to inflight.
Just tried wifi calling and it worked. Only thing is low voice on my end and echoing effect on the receiver end. That's freaking awesome.
Question is when using wifi over google inflight, is it roaming or any additional charges besides calling minutes?
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
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Is that an app? Google inflight? I couldn't find it in the market...
Edit: nevermind I googled it lol... its avalible for free from november 20th to jan 2nd on airtran, delta and virgin america... usually the wifi cost around $6 to $13 per flight...

WarBird87 said:
Is that an app? Google inflight? I couldn't find it in the market...
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I'm pretty sure he just means he's connected to wifi during the flight.

EfemaN said:
I'm pretty sure he just means he's connected to wifi during the flight.
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I'm pretty sure you're wrong, he edited and said he found the app...

papeshfoo said:
I'm pretty sure you're wrong, he edited and said he found the app...
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Nah he was right, its not a specific app its just wifi that's offered for free right now on airtran delta and virgin america airlines... it usually cost money to use it during flights...

Yup. Inflight is a wifi service that google offers. Right now they are free on the airlines mentioned. US airways is also free with a promo code so google it and you'll find it. Free wifi and calling via wifi calling from tmo.
I'm on US air Boston to ontario, ca flight.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App

I use the UMV on a blackberry in jamaica and in DR and I was using my regular minutes I don't with wifi callin but if any body know let me know
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App