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
Click to expand...
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

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

Does your network charge for WiFi?

Ever since I purchased one of my previous phones about a year ago I noticed that the carrier I was about to sign up for stated that they offered free wifi as part of the package. So basically you could connect to a wifi signal and they wouldn't charge you for it. At the time I said to the sales person that surly that's always the case as the wifi signal is not apart of the data usage and its and external source the data. The sales person said that some carriers do change for this though.
Is this true? I still do see carriers advertising this as part of the package so wondered it some contracts don't come with "free wifi"

My network (T-Mobile US) does not charge for data or calls (providing you have the "Free WiFi Calling" addon) over WiFi, however, I think texts are still charged.

On O2 in the UK it's free use of The Cloud at it's hotspots, and supposedly BT Openzone hotspots (can I use them? like bugger can I!) where as otherwise their use would be chargeable

Sparksltd said:
Ever since I purchased one of my previous phones about a year ago I noticed that the carrier I was about to sign up for stated that they offered free wifi as part of the package. So basically you could connect to a wifi signal and they wouldn't charge you for it. At the time I said to the sales person that surly that's always the case as the wifi signal is not apart of the data usage and its and external source the data. The sales person said that some carriers do change for this though.
Is this true? I still do see carriers advertising this as part of the package so wondered it some contracts don't come with "free wifi"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're talking about their hot spots right, asnd not say, your own personal wireless network?

Sparksltd said:
Ever since I purchased one of my previous phones about a year ago I noticed that the carrier I was about to sign up for stated that they offered free wifi as part of the package. So basically you could connect to a wifi signal and they wouldn't charge you for it. At the time I said to the sales person that surly that's always the case as the wifi signal is not apart of the data usage and its and external source the data. The sales person said that some carriers do change for this though.
Is this true? I still do see carriers advertising this as part of the package so wondered it some contracts don't come with "free wifi"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I imagine they are talking about Hotspots coming with their network. For example I can connect for free to any SFR xDSL box in France if its Hotspot function is enabled.
Evidently if you connect your phone to your personal WiFi Network your phone provider can't charge you for anything...

Ya, I believe hotspots talking about too. Ie, here in Canada a provider called bell has wifi hotspots I believe at Starbucks and they are free with some plans, if not all. Don't think anyone can limit wifi access, although I think with blackberrys they maybe able to, not with androids tho, and why would they limit you.

On AT&T if at an at&t hotspot at like starbucks or something the data used from the hotspot is free and not counted against your plan.

For T-Mobile, minutes/texts are still charged when you are on WiFi if you don't purchase the WiFi hotspot plan - which is a additional $10 a month. Texts are still charged if you are on WiFi with the plan but not minutes.

crawler9 said:
My network (T-Mobile US) does not charge for data or calls (providing you have the "Free WiFi Calling" addon) over WiFi, however, I think texts are still charged.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wifi calling DOES use minutes and texts (texts are ONLY charged if you, pay per text or have a limited bucket, ie: 500 texts per month)
T-Mobile USA ( I'M in Jersey City NJ) does NOT charge for wifi usage, only mobile data usage.
Pipsqueak approved this message.

Babydoll25 said:
Wifi calling DOES use minutes and texts (texts are ONLY charged if you, pay per text or have a limited bucket, ie: 500 texts per month)
T-Mobile USA ( I'M in Jersey City NJ) does NOT charge for wifi usage, only mobile data usage.
Pipsqueak approved this message.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
T-Mobile told me that WiFi Hotspot Calling feature is a free add-on for most plans. They added it for me and when I'm using WiFi, minutes don't come out of my rather limited bucket of anytime minutes. Texts are not affected by WiFi calling. You'll pay (or not) just as you normally would. Without the add-on, WiFi calling will use minutes, but with it, it won't. Sorry I took so long to respond, but I just hadn't been following this thread.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using Tapatalk

crawler9 said:
T-Mobile told me that WiFi Hotspot Calling feature is a free add-on for most plans. They added it for me and when I'm using WiFi, minutes don't come out of my rather limited bucket of anytime minutes. Texts are not affected by WiFi calling. You'll pay (or not) just as you normally would. Without the add-on, WiFi calling will use minutes, but with it, it won't. Sorry I took so long to respond, but I just hadn't been following this thread.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you should call T-Mobile back and get a clarification, you seem to have been given wrong information.
WiFi calling on T-Mobile DOES eat into your minutes. T-mobile has provided WiFi calling as a way to make up for their ****y network and dead spots in many areas. However, using wifi calling still uses your minutes.

Hi xaccers
xaccers said:
On O2 in the UK it's free use of The Cloud at it's hotspots, and supposedly BT Openzone hotspots (can I use them? like bugger can I!) where as otherwise their use would be chargeable
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BT Openzone and BT Fon is free if you have a BT Total Broadband account.
Which is an unlimited amount of data usage up-to your monthly package, i.g. 10GB, 40GB, or Unlimted.
Which as you say, other wise it must be purchased.
Take Care
TheQuest

SamsungVibrant said:
I think you should call T-Mobile back and get a clarification, you seem to have been given wrong information.
WiFi calling on T-Mobile DOES eat into your minutes. T-mobile has provided WiFi calling as a way to make up for their ****y network and dead spots in many areas. However, using wifi calling still uses your minutes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My bad, perhaps you were right. I just had multiple T-Mobile employees telling me otherwise. Apparently they don't know what they're talking about and at least now I do.

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.
Click to expand...
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!
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
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.

[Q] grooveip and n7hspa

Hi everyone-
I have a nexus 7 hspa and am posting because I am getting ready to travel with it and want have fun but be safe.
1. I use the voip feature with a paid version of grooveip and am trialling it as my primary phone. I purchased the hspa version because I didnt want to rely on being near accessible wifi to make a call. Currently when I am within wifi range, it works great, although there is not the spontaneity associated with walking around talking on a phone.. I recently activated a $30 tmobile data plan and am somewhat confused. Will grooveip automatically check for both data and wifi and move to whatever is available? When I activated the $30 dollar service I got a telephone number that I have added to google voice, yet all calls seem to keep going through my old google voice number. What am I missing?
2.I have security concerns about walking around with a gps signal open and plan to travel with both data and wifi off unless I need them. Can the n7 be tracked even when I turn off the wifi, location and data plan services? With a cellphone, if I had these concerns I would simply pull out the battery, that is not possible with this device.
3. I will be using a lot of public wifi. Is there a vpn app that will automatically engage when grooveip is enabled or will it always be a two-step process of opening the vpn then opening grooveip to flow through it?
3. How does this scenario change if I am in europe? I plan to get a european micro-sim when traveling.
Thanks for any info you can offer.

First off the N7 will not work on T-Mobile's $30/mo plan. T-Mobile is blocking the N7 IMEI's. Secondly yes when you go out of range of wifi grooveip will switch to the HSPA connection.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app