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

Discussion in 'GENERAL Wireless Discussion' started by walou, Jul 23, 2010.

  1. walou

    walou New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 23, 2010
    Messages:
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    Location:
    Atkinson, NH
    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-mob:)ile stuff that can do what I am looking for?
     
    #1 walou, Jul 23, 2010
  2. bakeec

    bakeec Junior Member
    Junior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 11, 2008
    Messages:
    74
    Likes Received:
    2
    Location:
    Hyndman, PA
    My Phone:
    Blackberry Curve 8320
    Wireless Provider(s):
    T-Mobile, AT&T, Nextel, Sprint
    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.
     
    #2 bakeec, Jul 24, 2010
  3. bakeec

    bakeec Junior Member
    Junior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 11, 2008
    Messages:
    74
    Likes Received:
    2
    Location:
    Hyndman, PA
    My Phone:
    Blackberry Curve 8320
    Wireless Provider(s):
    T-Mobile, AT&T, Nextel, Sprint
    ...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 ;)
     
    #3 bakeec, Jul 24, 2010
  4. rjniles

    rjniles Member
    Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 18, 2003
    Messages:
    226
    Likes Received:
    83
    Location:
    Georgetown,South Carolina
    My Phone:
    MOTO E4 Plus
    Wireless Provider(s):
    AT&T
    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
     
    #4 rjniles, Jul 29, 2010
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