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[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.

[Q] Wifi Calling- Anything minutes

So I understand that when you make a call over wifi that you are using your plan minutes (I have no problem with that). My question though is when does it know to pull from your anytime minutes as oppose to your unlimited off peak?
Case in point I have a plan with 500 anytime minutes. After 9pm my calls are free (off peak). Now if I travel from Boston (where I live) to San Diego...my off peak minutes do not kick in until 9pm local San Diego time (again makes sense as I am using the network there).
But lets say I travel to Ireland and decide to make a call using the wifi option....T-mobile will have no way of knowing (I presume) or care for that matter that I am using internet in Ireland to make the call...Also, Ireland is 5 hours ahead of Boston (my home town)so my question is....will they pull minutes from my account based upon what time it is in Boston or when you make a wifi call will they always pull those minutes from your anytime bucket?
Thoughts?

Kilmurry said:
But lets say I travel to Ireland and decide to make a call using the wifi option....T-mobile will have no way of knowing (I presume) or care for that matter that I am using internet in Ireland to make the call...
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Customer service told me that they go by IP address. If it's an international IP address they claim they will charge international rates. Not sure if it's just a bluff but that seems to be their official response to international wifi calling.

That would be nuts if they were to charge you international rates when you are using a hotspot oversees. Presumably it is costing them nothing for the call to be routed back to the US.

Kilmurry said:
That would be nuts if they were to charge you international rates when you are using a hotspot oversees. Presumably it is costing them nothing for the call to be routed back to the US.
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Yeah, and they still charge us a butt-load for a few KB of SMS/MMS, when it should be cheap data. just sayin...

Wifi calling is all billed as domestic. If you call from germany, it shows up as a call originating from the united states. As long as you're on wifi, it's a domestic call. This is direct from t-mobile confirmed through their higher level customer service(the people who actually give out correct information), as well as posted on their website.
Also, I spent 3 days last week in Düsseldorf for work and I returned to no international fees. They don't need to charge international fees because they're not using anyone's towers.
Turn off data. Turn on wifi. Make some calls. Laugh at everyone else's bill. That's what I do.

InGeNeTiCs said:
Wifi calling is all billed as domestic. If you call from germany, it shows up as a call originating from the united states. As long as you're on wifi, it's a domestic call. This is direct from t-mobile confirmed through their higher level customer service(the people who actually give out correct information), as well as posted on their website.
Also, I spent 3 days last week in Düsseldorf for work and I returned to no international fees. They don't need to charge international fees because they're not using anyone's towers.
Turn off data. Turn on wifi. Make some calls. Laugh at everyone else's bill. That's what I do.
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Could you provide a link for this? I can't find it anywhere (which seems to be the reason for so many posts about this)...

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.

[Q] CANADIANS: Which provider for me?

Ok so im on fido right now
Unlimited local calling
Unlimited canada wide text
35$
however Im thinking about winds 40$ unlimited plan. What are your thoughts?
please help, dont wanna go big three. there plans too expensive for me

What do you want to know?
I'm in Vancouver too and I have been with WIND since a few days after they launched here...never had issues with them except lack of coverage in some places (i.e basements, Canada Line, a few random shops).
Go with them and switch later on if you are not happy, its pretty simple to do so.

zivan56 said:
What do you want to know?
I'm in Vancouver too and I have been with WIND since a few days after they launched here...never had issues with them except lack of coverage in some places (i.e basements, Canada Line, a few random shops).
Go with them and switch later on if you are not happy, its pretty simple to do so.
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I want data but the problem is i dont want to leave fido becuase i have been with them for a long time but they are not makin any effort to keep me. How is call qualitY?

I'm with wind here in toronto. coverage is OK, but I'm not too happy with the network speed, even with full signal. I would check out koodo. They just launched some pretty good plans and you get the great Telus coverage (plus LTE, now that we can get it working on the N4 )
https://shop.koodomobile.com/plans/plans/index.html

FaDeGFX said:
i dont want to leave fido becuase i have been with them for a long time but they are not makin any effort to keep me
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Why are you being loyal to company that isnt making an effort to keep you?
If wind's coverage area is enough for you then switch.

peachpuff said:
Why are you being loyal to company that isnt making an effort to keep you?
If wind's coverage area is enough for you then switch.
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Yea i think i will be going with Wind on dec 15 when my contract is over. The problem with koodo is there plans are expensive for me

It really depends on your usage. For me, I don't use much minutes and roughly 150 minutes with unlimited @5 and weekends will do perfectly fine. However, I do love data and will need it.
I did switch around between carriers but needed one that has reception up at the high mountains, which Fido does wonders. Anyway, you can call retentions and ask to match koodo's promotion plan of $30, which includes 150 minutes, unlim @7 and weekends, CID, VM and most importantly 200mb of data. If you want more, you can move up to the $45 range, but data in Canada is still ridiculously priced. If you want 6gb, you will have to call retentions and match other carriers there and it should be around $60 or so.
If you have coverage within Wind or Mobi, it's a no brainer to switch. If not, the above is one option.
Good luck!

FaDeGFX said:
I want data but the problem is i dont want to leave fido becuase i have been with them for a long time but they are not makin any effort to keep me. How is call qualitY?
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Call quality is just like on any other network...I didn't notice a difference when switching from Fido. It is a standard UMTS codec as other networks use. WIND also supports HD Voice if the other side supports it.

[Q] Sprint LS980 GSM Data Roaming

Can anyone shed some light on this? When I'm on the subway in Boston, I'm admittedly in awe of those that can use there phones while deep under the streets of Boston. The tunnels here are wired for the GSM carriers (and Verizon too think). The day I got my phone I was riding home enjoying going through all the features and settings of my brand new phone.Under the roaming section in settings, I noticed an option for GSM Data Roaming. Out of curiosity, I checked it off and within seconds, I had a 3G signal! Trust me when I say, for where I was in the tunnel, that NEVER happens. I tested it by sending texts and even making a call and both seemed to work.
Can anyone shed some light on this? Is this something new that maybe I've just never noticed in a Sprint phone before? How much is Sprint going to soak me for if I used it on a regular basis?

whouston.jr said:
Can anyone shed some light on this? When I'm on the subway in Boston, I'm admittedly in awe of those that can use there phones while deep under the streets of Boston. The tunnels here are wired for the GSM carriers (and Verizon too think). The day I got my phone I was riding home enjoying going through all the features and settings of my brand new phone.Under the roaming section in settings, I noticed an option for GSM Data Roaming. Out of curiosity, I checked it off and within seconds, I had a 3G signal! Trust me when I say, for where I was in the tunnel, that NEVER happens. I tested it by sending texts and even making a call and both seemed to work.
Can anyone shed some light on this? Is this something new that maybe I've just never noticed in a Sprint phone before? How much is Sprint going to soak me for if I used it on a regular basis?
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Weird, have you asked sprint to unlock the phone? I've been trying to use my LS980 on GSM and have not had any luck until now. Sprint won't help either which sucks...

I haven't been able to confirm what and when roaming charges would apply. I was talking with a tech in a corporate store and he said there are no charges for roaming. Not sure I believe that though.
Sent from my LG-LS980 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

whouston.jr said:
I haven't been able to confirm what and when roaming charges would apply. I was talking with a tech in a corporate store and he said there are no charges for roaming. Not sure I believe that though.
Sent from my LG-LS980 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
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Yeah I'm not sure I believe there isn't a cost on roaming. Hopefully when a sprintless unlock comes out I can just use a local SIM card internationally.

I'd love to know if this will work. I may have a chance to tell next week when I'm in an area with not much Sprint coverage.....

arehm said:
I'd love to know if this will work. I may have a chance to tell next week when I'm in an area with not much Sprint coverage.....
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Please keep us informed. I live in North Texas, an area known for temperamental Sprint service. I get the roaming messages all the time. Even call Sprint to make sure its not a problem. I don't question the roaming with them, I just show concern as a customer that they won't charge me (Shoot Verizon sure did). But the reps get all hush hush when I ask about what service level is truly available in my area. Often, they refer me to a coverage map. If I wanted that I'd just Google it.
Sent from my LG-LS980 using Tapatalk

Yeah Sprint is really annoying when it comes down to unlocking their devices,I'd like to know if anyone has unlocked theirs
Sent from my LG-LS980 using Tapatalk

Have not had any luck yet. Does not want to register on the gsm network.
Sent from my LG-LS980 using xda app-developers app

Been with sprint for years and never paid for roaming once. Look at your plan and see if roaming is included. It means domestic roaming. I believe if you talk on roaming for an exorbitance amount of hours or use a large about of data while roaming. I think if you google the amount for roaming that is excessive you'll find the answer. So use the roaming if it's available but don't watch an online movie well roaming.

Roaming is not the issue. The phone doesn't want to connect to it even when forced.
Sent from my LG-LS980 using xda app-developers app