Database Users

PPP over Cellular

Since some companies charge insane amounts for GRPS and not minutes, is it possible to work around this by using dialup PPP over the cellular (not GRPS) modem in the connections area?

YES, BUT I THINK DEPENDING ON WHICH SERVICE U USE; THEY WILL STILL CHARGE U FOR THE AMOUNTS OF DATA TRAVELING BAK N FORTH

The various carriers in Australia (except Virgin, which don't support any data at all yet) all charge data calls over GSM as standard peak/off peak calls, just like voice.
So to answer your question, here in Oz I'll often switch back to Analogue CSD line type and dial into my office via our RAS server (ie. use the GSM line) if I plan to browse / download large content, because the peak call works out cheaper than would downloading the data via GPRS (albeit significantly slower!).
8)

Thanks for the responses
Here's what I've decided to do (USA). I am keeping my AT&T GSM plan for use with voice only. Don't let them scam you into buying a data plan. T-Mobile offers an unlimited internet plan at about 50% of what AT&T and Cingular offer. Once mobileplace lets me know if they have planned for a better dual sim solution than the ghost or cutting, I will switch between sims based on my needs at the time.

CSD Connection Is Beautiful!
JUICEe said:
YES, BUT I THINK DEPENDING ON WHICH SERVICE U USE; THEY WILL STILL CHARGE U FOR THE AMOUNTS OF DATA TRAVELING BAK N FORTH
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Click to collapse
I presume otherwise, i.e. most service providers charge air time as if it were a voice call. This is the case with T-Mobile US at least. Nights and weekends are free data time - nice! 9kbps is not too bad to surf the net without graphics.
I posted detailed set-up in thread
http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=4723

Unlimited dataplan for Magic?

First off I live in Sweden, im about to buy a HTC Magic and just today when I was in the store and played with it a little the seller in the store told me that I have to have buy a unlimited dataplan from my provider Tele2 becasue the phone always connects and sends/recievs data and I would get a real juicy bill at the end off the month...
If this is true, is there any way to turn off the services that all the time connect to the internet?

I'm on a 500MB data plan, didn't go any where near the limit. (like 65MB or something) You have to remember it will jump on WiFi whenever it can. So if you in a WiFi hotspot or at home (sure you have WiFi?) than it's not using your data plan. But yes you can shut off the "Enable always-on mobile networks" option if you want.
Clinton

Hmm ok... I have WIFI at home and at work so I guess it wond be much data cost but still I found a datapackage deal from my provider that costs about 8 euro and gives you 1 gb data, guess that should do it

Can you disable data, and use a voice plan only?

Greetings All,
After some disagreement with Bell, I've tried to find some truth regarding smart phone plans and the OMNIA II. The Bell representatives stated the Omnia II will only work with a smartphone plans (which conveniently start at $50 Ouch!)
Supposedly if I outright buy the phone (full price) I won't be forced into a contract. Assuming I'm contract free... can I subscribe to a cheaper monthly voice plan only?
The goal is to use the phone as a WM 6.5 PDA and surf only when in the vicinity of WIFI (home and office etc). For the few phone calls I make (which avg 4-5 a month - yes I hate talking on a cell phone), a simple voice plan with basic text messaging should suffice?
The issues surrounding this are:
A. Has this been done successfully before - is anyone doing it now???
B. When a WIFI hotspot isn't available, will the browser fail or will it secretly connect to the cellular network and ding me with data charges?
C. Having no prior experience with a GPS enabled cell phone - this "A-GPS" needs the data package to work? Or can I use it with a voice plan only?
D. I've heard stories of smartphones constantly talking to the cellular network, is this an issue? or is there a way to disable the data connections forcing it to use WIFI only?
E. Would any of this warrent unlocking the phone? Bell stated it comes locked with a Bell SIM card (its on their HSPA+ network).
Again, the goal is to use it as a suped' up PDA, surf only on WIFI and subscribe to a bare bones phone package for that occasional call I might make.
Suggestions? Comments? Advice?

KevinStraight said:
Greetings All,
After some disagreement with Bell, I've tried to find some truth regarding smart phone plans and the OMNIA II. The Bell representatives stated the Omnia II will only work with a smartphone plans (which conveniently start at $50 Ouch!)
Supposedly if I outright buy the phone (full price) I won't be forced into a contract. Assuming I'm contract free... can I subscribe to a cheaper monthly voice plan only?
The goal is to use the phone as a WM 6.5 PDA and surf only when in the vicinity of WIFI (home and office etc). For the few phone calls I make (which avg 4-5 a month - yes I hate talking on a cell phone), a simple voice plan with basic text messaging should suffice?
The issues surrounding this are:
A. Has this been done successfully before - is anyone doing it now???
B. When a WIFI hotspot isn't available, will the browser fail or will it secretly connect to the cellular network and ding me with data charges?
C. Having no prior experience with a GPS enabled cell phone - this "A-GPS" needs the data package to work? Or can I use it with a voice plan only?
D. I've heard stories of smartphones constantly talking to the cellular network, is this an issue? or is there a way to disable the data connections forcing it to use WIFI only?
E. Would any of this warrent unlocking the phone? Bell stated it comes locked with a Bell SIM card (its on their HSPA+ network).
Again, the goal is to use it as a suped' up PDA, surf only on WIFI and subscribe to a bare bones phone package for that occasional call I might make.
Suggestions? Comments? Advice?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Re: Disabling GPRS - try NoData from Modaco - its a freeware, just google for it and disable all your data plans.

O2 will work with just voice plan
A. Omnia 2 will work with just a voice plan, I used mine in the Cook Islands last week with just a voice plan SIM.
B.The problem is that Bell offers data with the phone setting so you would have to make sure you disable the data, not just with Opera or the GPS, or you will incur data charges and they will roll up quickly. Most likely they offer the bundle (I have it and fine it a very reasonable plan for my phone use) because people regularly use data by mistake.
C. GPS Worked just fine. I couldn't use google maps but no problem, there's only one real road
D. As long as you are not using push email or any application that accesses the internet automatically you should not incur charges.
E.You don't have to unlock the phone unless you want to go with a different provider than Bell.
Are you set on having an Omnia 2? Perhaps a better option would be to purchase an unlocked Omnia 2 and a pay as you go SIM from a provider that does not have data.
Good luck.

post deleted

That rep was full of ****. Buy the phone outright, and call Bell and ask them to disable the data for you so you never have to second guess or accidentally use data on your phone. Be careful, you must disable data on every sim card you decide to use.

KevinStraight said:
Greetings All,
After some disagreement with Bell, I've tried to find some truth regarding smart phone plans and the OMNIA II. The Bell representatives stated the Omnia II will only work with a smartphone plans (which conveniently start at $50 Ouch!)
Supposedly if I outright buy the phone (full price) I won't be forced into a contract. Assuming I'm contract free... can I subscribe to a cheaper monthly voice plan only?
The goal is to use the phone as a WM 6.5 PDA and surf only when in the vicinity of WIFI (home and office etc). For the few phone calls I make (which avg 4-5 a month - yes I hate talking on a cell phone), a simple voice plan with basic text messaging should suffice?
The issues surrounding this are:
A. Has this been done successfully before - is anyone doing it now???
B. When a WIFI hotspot isn't available, will the browser fail or will it secretly connect to the cellular network and ding me with data charges?
C. Having no prior experience with a GPS enabled cell phone - this "A-GPS" needs the data package to work? Or can I use it with a voice plan only?
D. I've heard stories of smartphones constantly talking to the cellular network, is this an issue? or is there a way to disable the data connections forcing it to use WIFI only?
E. Would any of this warrent unlocking the phone? Bell stated it comes locked with a Bell SIM card (its on their HSPA+ network).
Again, the goal is to use it as a suped' up PDA, surf only on WIFI and subscribe to a bare bones phone package for that occasional call I might make.
Suggestions? Comments? Advice?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just signed a three year contract with Bell, a few weeks ago i was surfing on their site and like you said , impossible to get a Omnia 2 without a data plan, last week i went back on, and I dont know if its a bug, but you can order one with a regular voice plan, i took the 30$ plan ( cheapest) got the phone by mail , free.
If i click on my connections on top you can disable all data, and only use wifi. If it does want to use data it warns you before activating it.
Hope this helps

Using Google Voice When Throttled (T-Mobile USA)

So, yeah, I used 5GB and got throttled to 2G speeds by TMO. I'm not really complaining since this wasn't a normal month for me. What does suck, however, is that now when I get a Google Voice call, it keeps cutting out during the conversation which is really, really bad. This is because the 2G connection simply doesn't provide enough bandwidth for GV to work well. (When I'm not on wifi and using the throttled 2G.) I know there isn't really anything to be done about it, just pointing out that it sucks.

Word ^^^^

You'll just have to wait until you get a computer, then you can listen to it.

c00ller said:
You'll just have to wait until you get a computer, then you can listen to it.
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Click to collapse
He's talking about phone calls over google voice it looks like, not voice mails. This would most likely be the reason he hit the limit.

Damn! I'm soooo tempted to chuck t-mobile and go with sprint's truly unlimited plan. Its just way to much money though! $99.99 (before tax) + $10 4g speed upgrade - man that can break me!
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using xda premium

lawalty said:
Damn! I'm soooo tempted to chuck t-mobile and go with sprint's truly unlimited plan. Its just way to much money though! $99.99 (before tax) + $10 4g speed upgrade - man that can break me!
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Click to collapse
Its only that expensive if you want unlimited minutes to land lines. Their base plan is $70 and has unlimited calling to any mobile (not just sprint, but any mobile phone) along with unlimited text and data. Its actually a really good deal, but CDMA/WiMax sucks so bad... I really don't think I can pay more for worse speed and locked devices lol.

brfield said:
He's talking about phone calls over google voice it looks like, not voice mails. This would most likely be the reason he hit the limit.
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Click to collapse
Oops, my bad! That is certainly a bummer.

Yep, I'm talking about voice calls through Google Voice. The thing is - I'd be willing to pay like $30 to get another 5GB of high-speed data until my next billing cycle, but there is no way to do that, I'm just stuck! (The data this month was definitely an exception - I'm typically around more like 2.5 GB for the month.) The funny thing is (as Lawalty mentioned) that I've been watching Sprint closely and am seriously considering switching to them in 2012. I guess I'm not the only one.

Originally Posted by lawalty
Damn! I'm soooo tempted to chuck t-mobile and go with sprint's truly unlimited plan. Its just way to much money though! $99.99 (before tax) + $10 4g speed upgrade - man that can break me!
Its only that expensive if you want unlimited minutes to land lines. Their base plan is $70 and has unlimited calling to any mobile (not just sprint, but any mobile phone) along with unlimited text and data. Its actually a really good deal, but CDMA/WiMax sucks so bad... I really don't think I can pay more for worse speed and locked devices lol.
I haven't ever gone over my 5 GB cap, but i'm looking to get away from T-Mo bcause of their impending merger with the Evil Empire. I originally left AT&T and took my iPhone (original 2G) to T-Mo cause I was fed up with AT&T's crappy coverage and high fees, so I certainly don't want to give them any more of my monies.
I just haven't found a plan similar to T-Mo's Flexpay on any other carrier. I don't want a 2 year contract. That was the thing I loved most about T-Mo, I never had a contract with them, and sometimes I skip whole months without paying for service, but I still get to keep the same plan. Plus, they pro-rate the cost of my monthly bill.
If I could find something like that with Sprint or Verizon, then I would certainly switch.

I had flexpay and it was a pita! Eventually had to make a new account just to upgrade! Now they think I've only been with then a year when I've been with them 7! Oh well.

You must be using GV + SIP to make VOIP calls instead of 'regular' use of GV, which uses a cellphone connection and so your minutes. I've used GV on T-Mobile for business for years, thousands of minutes a month, and with negligible impact on data usage. GV only uses data to login to my GV account and to download the voicemail audio files.
T-Mo's unlimted voice, text, and data (1st 2GB unthrottled, plenty for me) for $50/mo is by far the best deal available.
From HTC G2 with xda premium.

Crashdamage said:
You must be using GV + SIP to make VOIP calls instead of 'regular' use of GV, which uses a cellphone connection and so your minutes. I've used GV on T-Mobile for business for years, thousands of minutes a month, and with negligible impact on data usage. GV only uses data to login to my GV account and to download the voicemail audio files.
T-Mo's unlimted voice, text, and data (1st 2GB unthrottled, plenty for me) for $50/mo is by far the best deal available.
From HTC G2 with xda premium.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I should have clarified that - my data usage was not due to GV, I went over the 5GB limit due to tethering during an internet outage at home for a couple of days. GV seems to still use some type of control connection or something that causes the calls to cut out frequently when you are on a really slow connection. (My speed tests while I've been throttled have always shown less than 64kbps.) I'm not sure how it works, I just know that GV worked great for me until I got throttled.

Makes no sense. I often make perfectly good GV calls out in the boonies with no data connection at all. GV uses a standard cellphone connection like any other call. Your data speed has zero to do with call quality.
From HTC G2 with xda premium.

Crashdamage said:
Makes no sense. I often make perfectly good GV calls out in the boonies with no data connection at all. GV uses a standard cellphone connection like any other call. Your data speed has zero to do with call quality.
From HTC G2 with xda premium.
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Click to collapse
I'm not sure about that, The Google Voice troubleshooter states:
"If you’re using a mobile device, ensure that your carrier network connection is strong."
Which would indicate to me that you do need a data connection. I've only noticed this on incoming calls, so maybe outgoing calls are different. In any case, later tonight I'll run some bandwidth tests on my router at home and make some GV calls while on wifi to see how much bw it looks like it is using (if any.)

mralexsays said:
I'm not sure about that, The Google Voice troubleshooter states:
"If you’re using a mobile device, ensure that your carrier network connection is strong."
Which would indicate to me that you do need a data connection. I've only noticed this on incoming calls, so maybe outgoing calls are different. In any case, later tonight I'll run some bandwidth tests on my router at home and make some GV calls while on wifi to see how much bw it looks like it is using (if any.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Crashdamage is correct.
Google Voice only uses data for two things:
1) text messaging
2) whenever you place an outgoing call, it will ask the Google servers what "Voice" number it should call (instead of whoever's regular number) so that it will display as your Google Voice number on the receiving end's caller ID. If your GV app is updated, it should only have to do this once per person. Once it has that number, it places a call to it through your regular cell phone connection.
Incoming calls don't use the data at all; Google's servers will receive a call placed to your Google Voice number, and they will reroute the call instead through your cell phone connection to your cell number.
The clarity problems you're having have to do with your service provider and the signal strength you have at any given location. It has nothing to do with your throttled data connections. I only get 2G service where I live, and I've never had any problems using Google Voice for making calls.

skmpowdjy said:
Crashdamage is correct.
Google Voice only uses data for two things:
1) text messaging
2) whenever you place an outgoing call, it will ask the Google servers what "Voice" number it should call (instead of whoever's regular number) so that it will display as your Google Voice number on the receiving end's caller ID. If your GV app is updated, it should only have to do this once per person. Once it has that number, it places a call to it through your regular cell phone connection.
Incoming calls don't use the data at all; Google's servers will receive a call placed to your Google Voice number, and they will reroute the call instead through your cell phone connection to your cell number.
The clarity problems you're having have to do with your service provider and the signal strength you have at any given location.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, that's good to know, thanks. It's just weird that someone can call me on GV and it is all cut-out sounding, then call me right back on the regular number and it is fine (same location.)

Possible (but unlikely) GV itself is having some kinda technical problem cleanly routing your calls. But your data connection has nothing to do with it. Also could be a problem with the service of the person calling you. Make sure the issue exists with all GV calls, not just from certain people using your GV number.
From HTC G2 with xda premium.

Yep, ran a few tests while connected to wifi - bandwidth graph on tomato showed no real bandwidth usage during the call. Will have to figure out if my problem lies elsewhere.

Moto X pure with international wifi

I use my pure with t-mobile and will travel to Japan next month for 1 week. I read that wifi calling is not available on this phone at all. I plan to rent a portable hotspot anyhow, so does the sms or mms still work?
I was also checking out how to turn off data roaming on my phone and noticed it was already off but hasn't affected anything so far. Is that normal? I was hoping to at least have text working or would have to revert to email to keep in contact with my family if we separate.

I'm not entirely sure what you are asking here... SMS and MMS will need a connection to T-Mobile, the later will require data connection.
WiFi isn't really "international" or US or Japan, it is just WiFi... although there are some regulatory aspects to it (and channel restrictions in the US), your WiFi should work just fine in Japan. Before getting or renting a hotspot, check out where you are going and look into Softbank's Free WiFi Passport and Travel Japan WiFi, they require registration but can get you free WiFi at almost 500,000 locations in Japan for 2 weeks, there are also paid WiFi networks you can subscribe to. http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2279.html
You might want to look into a Google Voice account, set it up before you go, or get a local SIM.
You could also change your T-Mobile plan to T-Mobile ONE and Simple Choice North America for the term you are there, it would likely cost more but offers free data, text and 20 cent/min voice calls.

chitin said:
I use my pure with t-mobile and will travel to Japan next month for 1 week. I read that wifi calling is not available on this phone at all. I plan to rent a portable hotspot anyhow, so does the sms or mms still work?
I was also checking out how to turn off data roaming on my phone and noticed it was already off but hasn't affected anything so far. Is that normal? I was hoping to at least have text working or would have to revert to email to keep in contact with my family if we separate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
By chance did you end up testing your data speeds in Japan? I am going there in a month and am trying to avoid a pocket wifi unless absolutely needed.

jjchdc said:
By chance did you end up testing your data speeds in Japan? I am going there in a month and am trying to avoid a pocket wifi unless absolutely needed.
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Click to collapse
I leave on Friday and may end up getting a pocket wifi for 1 week @ $50. T-mobile said my data and all text is still unlimited over there but it caps at 3G speed and I prefer to to have something with us instead of looking for wifi hotspots. Voice calls are $.20/minute, so wifi will have to be enough.
acejavelin said:
I'm not entirely sure what you are asking here... SMS and MMS will need a connection to T-Mobile, the later will require data connection.
WiFi isn't really "international" or US or Japan, it is just WiFi... although there are some regulatory aspects to it (and channel restrictions in the US), your WiFi should work just fine in Japan. Before getting or renting a hotspot, check out where you are going and look into Softbank's Free WiFi Passport and Travel Japan WiFi, they require registration but can get you free WiFi at almost 500,000 locations in Japan for 2 weeks, there are also paid WiFi networks you can subscribe to. http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2279.html
You might want to look into a Google Voice account, set it up before you go, or get a local SIM.
You could also change your T-Mobile plan to T-Mobile ONE and Simple Choice North America for the term you are there, it would likely cost more but offers free data, text and 20 cent/min voice calls.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does google voice use data only? I have a Voice acct and if I rent a personal hotspot, that would work out nicely. I'm a little worried about not being able to make any voice calls in Japan since there's a T-mobile charge. But if our hotspot covers text and google voice, I think we're all set.

chitin said:
I leave on Friday and may end up getting a pocket wifi for 1 week @ $50. T-mobile said my data and all text is still unlimited over there but it caps at 3G speed and I prefer to to have something with us instead of looking for wifi hotspots. Voice calls are $.20/minute, so wifi will have to be enough.
Does google voice use data only? I have a Voice acct and if I rent a personal hotspot, that would work out nicely. I'm a little worried about not being able to make any voice calls in Japan since there's a T-mobile charge. But if our hotspot covers text and google voice, I think we're all set.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It can... Install the Google Voice app or use the Hangouts Dialer plugin.and it can run completely on data.

thats what i am planning to do when i go to the carribean for a few months. i dont have tmobile but when i get there im going to do google voice on one of my phones and a simcard from there for another. check your prices though because what i found is amazing over there. so which ever works cheapest i may go with, but i have been integrated with google voice for years with sprint
30 Day 10 GB $30.00 a month/US