NORTHEAST U.S. -- Looking for WiFi voice phone and service

[walou]

I am NOT looking for a Vonage type package, where I need to be home and connected to my computer. If I do not have a strong cell tower signal, I want to be able to use wifi to make a voice call (either using my wireless router at home, or at a wifi location). I do not want to pay for a signal extender that I can only use at home. I understand that T-Mobile has the service that I am looking for, but I do not believe that they have the coverage and signal strength that others may have (Also, I want a touch phone, their voice wifi only works on their blackberry phones with the tiny screens and even smaller buttons) . Yes, the new IPhone has an agreement with a service to do this, but it is only to others that have the same service (I cannot call to anyone that is not a member of the service (service name slips my mind right now), and that service has an additional charge). Yes, you can purchase your own phone # from that service, and you can call anyone using that #, but who needs another phone #. I understand that there is an application for the iphone that you can purchase and install, (icall, or something like that), but while that wifi application is running, regular cell tower calls will not get through, and vice verse. Any suggestions, are there any other carriers and phones besides the t-mobile stuff that can do what I am looking for?

[bakeec]

I had T-Mobile for a few years, and the wi-fi service is great - it extends as far as your wireless router can take you. But I switched to AT&T because of my work, so now, I have AT&T's Microcell (which is femtocell technology and not UMA, but stills hooks into your Internet connection) AT&T 3G MicroCell™ ...and that works really well too, but the only problem is they aren't as popular (obviously).... that is, it was easier to get access to any wi-fi connection then it is to find a Microcell or other femtocell device like what Verizon has.... Network Extender ...which also hooks into your Internet connection. I know someone who has that and they say it works great, but here again with AT&T and Verizon you have to pay $150 or $200, respectively. Not to mention, with the femtocell technology, it's not currently a "public" option in that your phone number has to be added to a "granted access" list for the device - which is fine if you really just need it at one or two locations where wireless reception from the tower isn't very strong. Both AT&T and Verizon have touch screen phones. As far as I know, T-Mobile doesn't currently have any touch phones that work with UMA/wi-fi calling (and data/messaging of course). Word of warning, just because the phone is wi-fi capable, doesn't mean it works with the UMA option with T-Mobile.... but check into that if you haven't already - they might have one now! Lastly, Sprint had their Airave device (femotocell) but you have to pay a monthly fee. I don't think you have a monthly fee with Verizon, but I know with AT&T you just pay for the device (no purchase necessary with T-Mobile) and then if you want unlimited calling, then you can add it to your plan.

[bakeec]

...I checked online with T-Molbie, their "Wifi and Mobile Calling" phones just exist for Blackberrys and the Nokia Mode (which I wouldn't recommend). Haha, personally I love my Blackberry Bold 9700... the screen might be smaller than other phones, but bigger isn't always better

[rjniles]

There are older phones that you can buy (eBay) that will work with T-MO's UMA (Wifi) calling"

Nokia 7510
Samsung t339
and there are others