[Q] Traveling to Japan for week - help & suggestions - AT&T Samsung Galaxy S II SGH-I777

i will be spending a week in japan (narita/ tokyo) next month and would like to stay connected (voice, texting, data) while there. however, i'd like to do this in the most cost-effective (ie cheap as possible) way.
i am currently with an AT&T plan. my SGH-i777 is rooted, running CM7, and is sim-unlocked.
where do i go from here?
will i be able to use this phone at all?
can i buy a prepaid sim and use that instead for the duration of the week?
rental phones? (i have read about rental phones, etc, but it seems you may be required to present local (japanese) id.)

sweetrobot said:
i will be spending a week in japan (narita/ tokyo) next month and would like to stay connected (voice, texting, data) while there. however, i'd like to do this in the most cost-effective (ie cheap as possible) way.
i am currently with an AT&T plan. my SGH-i777 is rooted, running CM7, and is sim-unlocked.
where do i go from here?
will i be able to use this phone at all?
can i buy a prepaid sim and use that instead for the duration of the week?
rental phones? (i have read about rental phones, etc, but it seems you may be required to present local (japanese) id.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My guess would be a prepaid SIM. I THINK the I777 has support for the bands that NTT DoCoMo uses.
I don't know how much prepaid SIMs in Japan cost or their cost effectiveness though. Probably better to ask in a forum related to travel/tourism in Japan since that's a generic non-phone-specific question once you go beyond band support.

I have used this:
http://www.wireless.att.com/learn/international/roaming/travel-guide.jsp
Click on "Use the Travel Guide" and select your country and phone. It says the I777 is compatible with both voice and data.
But prepaid SIM is definitely the way to go.

stone_ship said:
. . . But prepaid SIM is definitely the way to go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
10char

Forget about a prepaid sim from docomo they want all sorts of paper work. Either long term stay or id papers (Japan is rather xenophobic) softbank does have prepaid but you will need a Japanese friend to get it for you. Other than that check with some sellers online that sell multi national prepaid sims. Att will screw you over with international charges
I forgot to mention you may be able to find a raku raku phone ( prepaid ) not sure if it comes with a sim or not though
Go to Howardforums.com and look in the Japanese phone section. They may have some more answers for you

Check out xcom global WiFi hotspot. Easiest way to stay connected.

hexproject said:
Check out xcom global WiFi hotspot. Easiest way to stay connected.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Damn! Wish i saw this earlier- leaving in a few hours.
I will 100% keep it in mind.
Anyway, definitely not going the prepaid phone or sim way, as the rates, aside from all the paperwork as mentioned, are higher thant he romaing rates i will gfet by simply using at&t. also, at&t will work on nttdocomo and softbank networks, which have the biggest presence in the regions i will be visiting.
thanks for the suggestions and ideas!

so, i just got back.
first, after calling at&t, i had to enable roaming on my account (free setting so one can connect to the carriers while romaing), which enabled me to connect to either softbank or ntt docomo, both of which had equally great signal in tokyo- ginza area. worked well in shibuya, and roppongi as well.
i had disabled data while roaming, and also disabled the auto-retrieve of sms. for some reason, sms messages came through anyway... is that an issue with my rom (cm7)?
since we had wifi in our room, i used the Viber app for voip calling, text and picture messages, while google voice via the Groove IP app for calling anyone who didn't have Viber, including landlines in the US and canada. Groove IP is a must if you plan on calling any US/ canada numbers while away- the voice quality was nearly flawless, and you can also receive calls if you enable call-forwarding on your carrier, and set google voice to forward calls to google chat (which end up in Groove IP).
if anyone else is travelling, and needs some suggestions, just post a reply. i think now, after the fact in my case , i have it all down.

I'm deploying to Kuwait. Definitely keeping this thread in mind!

MaxRabbit said:
I'm deploying to Kuwait. Definitely keeping this thread in mind!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Foremost, no matter the country you represent, thanks for your support!
Now, this sounds like you will be there a while. I'm guessing you will have some basic wifi access while at base. If that's the case, I recommend a few things:
1. Get Viber. It's completely free. No ads, no signup! It automatically scans your contact list and will tell you what other users in your existing contact list have Viber installed. It works on Android and iOS, so be sure to tell those you most often talk to to also get Viber. It's by far one of the most transparently integrated applications I've used in that it has no learning curve, and works immediately out of the box.
The downsides are: requires a data connection (in your case, wifi), and both parties must have the app installed. Other than that, sending pictures and texts is a breeze, and voice quality is superb over wifi. Keep in mind, the other party can receive your communication via Viber simply over their 3g/4g, and don't necessarily have to be on wifi themselves.
2. Assuming you are based in the US or Canada, get yourself a Google Voice account setup asap, if not already done. This allows you to call any phone (mobile or landline) in those regions entirely free. You can call using your computer while on wifi.
3. Get Groove IP. Grovoe IP requires a Google Voice account. Pairing the two allows you to make and receive calls on your mobile, using data, or wifi.
The power of using Google Voice paired with Groove IP is that, while you're on wifi when abroad, you can call a mobile or landline directly- unlike in Viber's case, whereby you can only call another Viber user on their mobile. Also, this combination, allows you to send sms, though not any picture messages- can always use email for that.
Additionally, you can receive calls via the Groove IP setup from any number(you must setup GV to forward to Google Chat- this step is in the setup instructions of Groove IP).
So, the ideal setup is this:
Get Viber, and tell all your family members and friends to get it as well
Setup Google Voice and Groove IP
Before leaving, get your phone setup to forward all calls to your GV number, and in turn, setup GV to forward calls to Google Chat (which ends up in Groove IP on your mobile).
So, when you are at the base, and have your handset connected to wifi, as long as GrooveIP and Viber are running, you will be fully connected. Anyone calling your regular number as if you had never left will be able to reach you, as will any of the Viber users calling via mobile.
Sorry for the long-winded rant, but I hope I've covered some useful ground, which worked well through my experience anyway.
UPDATE
Just to mention the obvious- don't forget google chat- as long as you are on wifi, and so is the other party, you can do voice or video chat. There is modded version of google talk so at least the other party with 3g/4g access does not have to also use wifi.

MaxRabbit said:
I'm deploying to Kuwait. Definitely keeping this thread in mind!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lucky, we aren't allowed to bring cell phones.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda premium

sweetrobot said:
Foremost, no matter the country you represent, thanks for your support!
Now, this sounds like you will be there a while. I'm guessing you will have some basic wifi access while at base. If that's the case, I recommend a few things:
1. Get Viber. It's completely free. No ads, no signup! It automatically scans your contact list and will tell you what other users in your existing contact list have Viber installed. It works on Android and iOS, so be sure to tell those you most often talk to to also get Viber. It's by far one of the most transparently integrated applications I've used in that it has no learning curve, and works immediately out of the box.
The downsides are: requires a data connection (in your case, wifi), and both parties must have the app installed. Other than that, sending pictures and texts is a breeze, and voice quality is superb over wifi. Keep in mind, the other party can receive your communication via Viber simply over their 3g/4g, and don't necessarily have to be on wifi themselves.
2. Assuming you are based in the US or Canada, get yourself a Google Voice account setup asap, if not already done. This allows you to call any phone (mobile or landline) in those regions entirely free. You can call using your computer while on wifi.
3. Get Groove IP. Grovoe IP requires a Google Voice account. Pairing the two allows you to make and receive calls on your mobile, using data, or wifi.
The power of using Google Voice paired with Groove IP is that, while you're on wifi when abroad, you can call a mobile or landline directly- unlike in Viber's case, whereby you can only call another Viber user on their mobile. Also, this combination, allows you to send sms, though not any picture messages- can always use email for that.
Additionally, you can receive calls via the Groove IP setup from any number(you must setup GV to forward to Google Chat- this step is in the setup instructions of Groove IP).
So, the ideal setup is this:
Get Viber, and tell all your family members and friends to get it as well
Setup Google Voice and Groove IP
Before leaving, get your phone setup to forward all calls to your GV number, and in turn, setup GV to forward calls to Google Chat (which ends up in Groove IP on your mobile).
So, when you are at the base, and have your handset connected to wifi, as long as GrooveIP and Viber are running, you will be fully connected. Anyone calling your regular number as if you had never left will be able to reach you, as will any of the Viber users calling via mobile.
Sorry for the long-winded rant, but I hope I've covered some useful ground, which worked well through my experience anyway.
UPDATE
Just to mention the obvious- don't forget google chat- as long as you are on wifi, and so is the other party, you can do voice or video chat. There is modded version of google talk so at least the other party with 3g/4g access does not have to also use wifi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Groove IP sounds awesome! That seems like the most practical solution since everyone already has my Google Voice number!
And thank you for YOUR support!
skatin707 said:
Lucky, we aren't allowed to bring cell phones.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Who is "we"?

MaxRabbit said:
Groove IP sounds awesome! That seems like the most practical solution since everyone already has my Google Voice number!
And thank you for YOUR support!
Who is "we"?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I keep finding these threads trying to make calls out of mexico.
THE SOLUTION IS NOT TO USE GOOGLE VOICE GOOGLE VOICE DOES NOT WORK OUTSIDE OF THE US
bobsled sounded like a good alternative but no one can hear me on the other end

redking117 said:
I keep finding these threads trying to make calls out of mexico.
THE SOLUTION IS NOT TO USE GOOGLE VOICE GOOGLE VOICE DOES NOT WORK OUTSIDE OF THE US
bobsled sounded like a good alternative but no one can hear me on the other end
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you need to necro this 4 month old thread though?
Sent from my SGH-I777 using Tapatalk 2

redking117 said:
I keep finding these threads trying to make calls out of mexico.
THE SOLUTION IS NOT TO USE GOOGLE VOICE GOOGLE VOICE DOES NOT WORK OUTSIDE OF THE US
bobsled sounded like a good alternative but no one can hear me on the other end
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why did you have to tell them that. I don't think they need to know that since it's been 4 months.

The answer is, people don't look at dates. They just see a problem and think "hey, my post count could use a boost...feck it!" And dive right in. In all fairness he could be blind and have everything being read to him. In which case maybe he missed it telling him how old the thread was.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda premium

Related

Stable VOIP Solution for calls over 3G?

I have a Google Voice number local to my area code that forward to my pbxes.org account, which in turn takes the call and sends it to my phone via the SipDroid app. I can make incoming/outgoing calls all day long for free, but have a problem with call quality.
I have linked two voicemail files. I placed a call from SipDroid out to the same number in both cases, but one was done over WiFi and the other over 3G (2-3 bars, average signal). The WiFi one is acceptable, but the 3G one is not. Listen for yourself (For the message, I read one of the opening paragraphs from the US Declaration of Independence, same on both so you can compare accurately.)
Setup: Google Voice number -> pbxes.org -> SipDroid app
Wifi VOIP Voicemail: http://www.corusa.com/public/voip-wifi.wav
3G VOIP Voicemail: http://www.corusa.com/public/voip-3g.wav
Now, with that said you need to understand my intent. I am wanting to use my Google Voice number for work, as my off-hours support phone, so I do not accrue charges on my personal cell plan (not covered by employer, and they do not provide work mobile phones). So, since I am usually on the go, I will not be connected to WiFi, thus I need a reliable VOIP option that will get acceptable call quality over 3G. There are multiple options out there, and I do not have a problem with a monthly fee, but they all come with caveats. For example, if I got an "Online Number" from Skype, and just forwarded my Google Voice number to that, it would work through the Skype app, no SIP app needed; however, the Skype voicemail cannot be disabled, so I can no longer use the Google Voice app to easily see my support calls/messages from my home screen. I have use the Skype app (or website) to listen to voicemails. Skype would solve my quality problem (based on reviews of other users that use it over 3G), but introduce the new voicemail issue. The setup I have now (GV->pbxes->SipDroid) allows me to use the GV voicemail, but quality is lacking...catch 22. Is there a better more reliable solution out there for VOIP on Android? I am fine with paying
There's also the Google Callback app, that I have been trying to avoid at all costs, since it is kind of hokey, and I tried the GrooVe IP app, but it has a lot of echo for the person I am calling, and no setting change could fix it.
p.s. - I will be updating my phone from the DroidX (3G only) to the Bionic (4G). If you think that will make a difference, and make all my concerns moot, then just say so, and that's what I'll do
Thanks!!
Since you mentioned GrooVe IP, figured I'd respond. Did you try the echo canceler setting in the GrooVe IP audio/echo settings? Enabling that should get rid of echo heard by the person you're talking to. And/Or reducing the mic gain & speaker volume.
snrb Labs said:
Since you mentioned GrooVe IP, figured I'd respond. Did you try the echo canceler setting in the GrooVe IP audio/echo settings? Enabling that should get rid of echo heard by the person you're talking to. And/Or reducing the mic gain & speaker volume.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Already tried that, and every option in between, including the manual millisecond settings.
Viber has amazing quality...not sure if you can use it over 3g or 4g though.
lowandbehold said:
Viber has amazing quality...not sure if you can use it over 3g or 4g though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Viber is not a true VOIP solution, as you can only call other people using the Viber app. Here's an excerpt from the Viber FAQ...
Q: Can I call people who don't have Viber?
A: Yes, if the person you're calling doesn't have Viber, the call will be placed like *regular call, but don't forget to invite your friends to Viber so your next call is free . *Regular calls are calls placed through your cell phone service provider, using your cell phone rate plan.
That's pointless...I need to call any phone number (land line, mobile, cell, work, etc) in the USA from my Google voice number using only a 3G/4G connection. I really need to find that one or two providers that use a low enough bitrate for voice that can work fine on 3G without being echoey or choppy (this is why I posted the 3G sample voice-mail above). I would just install the Google Voice callback app, but I do not have a 'Friends & Family' option for my cell plan to add my GV number to, which is essential for that to be feasible.
Is this really not something a lot of people have dealt with? I know I am not the first person in the world who has tried to call via VOIP over 3G - the technology has been around forever. Anyway, still need an answer if anyone has one
crobs808 said:
Viber is not a true VOIP solution, as you can only call other people using the Viber app. Here's an excerpt from the Viber FAQ...
Q: Can I call people who don't have Viber?
A: Yes, if the person you're calling doesn't have Viber, the call will be placed like *regular call, but don't forget to invite your friends to Viber so your next call is free . *Regular calls are calls placed through your cell phone service provider, using your cell phone rate plan.
That's pointless...I need to call any phone number (land line, mobile, cell, work, etc) in the USA from my Google voice number using only a 3G/4G connection. I really need to find that one or two providers that use a low enough bitrate for voice that can work fine on 3G without being echoey or choppy (this is why I posted the 3G sample voice-mail above). I would just install the Google Voice callback app, but I do not have a 'Friends & Family' option for my cell plan to add my GV number to, which is essential for that to be feasible.
Is this really not something a lot of people have dealt with? I know I am not the first person in the world who has tried to call via VOIP over 3G - the technology has been around forever. Anyway, still need an answer if anyone has one
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm also an early adapter of GV voip service.
I'm using Dell streak 7 (dual core 512 mb ram, horrible software config, honeycomb 3.2)
I manage to have stable voip quality with clear portable 4g hotspot connected through wifi. Unlimited calls and data, pretty cool. However, talking through a bluetooth device and 3GHSPA+ have been horrible. My friends keep complaining about bad call quality until I find this issues. If calling through wifi (I use groove ip) with internal mic and speaker, everything is fine. I guess it's either due to bad hardware coding of the streak 7 or due to the narrow bandwith of the bluetooth 2.1 or 3G. I'm not familiar with the tech details of streak 7.
I'm gonna try the new nexus 7 and sony xperia z ultra to see if any issues above can be solved.

[Q] free minutes from wifi?

im not sure i asked this correctly on another post..
using tmo prepay plan of 100 miin and 5gb data , and unlimited text,
if i use wifi to call, will it charge my phone minutes?
i get conflicting info from reps.
thanx much
If you are using the wifi calling feature from T-mobile, it uses your minutes. If you're using some sort of voip solution while on wifi it will not. I have the same plan as you and I use GrooveIP for all calls while on wifi. The sound quality is OK. Some people complain about it, but it's definitely usable, and it keeps me under the 100 minutes of the plan. The other thing about it is that it uses google chat to complete the calls, so you have to have a google voice account (free) and people calling you will have to dial your google voice number. This wasn't a big deal for me since I was already using google voice and everyone used that number to reach me anyway, but if all your contacts have your cell #, you'll have to get them to start using a different number to call you. You can set up google voice so that it forwards all calls to your cell and to google chat simultaneously. Then set up GrooveIP to only work when on wifi. This way you'll get your calls whether on wifi or not. It also works on 3g/4g, or is supposed to. I didn't need to even try as unloading the calls when on wifi keeps me well under the 100 cell minutes, so I can't tell you about the quality of that.
pcassaro said:
If you are using the wifi calling feature from T-mobile, it uses your minutes. If you're using some sort of voip solution while on wifi it will not. I have the same plan as you and I use GrooveIP for all calls while on wifi. The sound quality is OK. Some people complain about it, but it's definitely usable, and it keeps me under the 100 minutes of the plan. The other thing about it is that it uses google chat to complete the calls, so you have to have a google voice account (free) and people calling you will have to dial your google voice number. This wasn't a big deal for me since I was already using google voice and everyone used that number to reach me anyway, but if all your contacts have your cell #, you'll have to get them to start using a different number to call you. You can set up google voice so that it forwards all calls to your cell and to google chat simultaneously. Then set up GrooveIP to only work when on wifi. This way you'll get your calls whether on wifi or not. It also works on 3g/4g, or is supposed to. I didn't need to even try as unloading the calls when on wifi keeps me well under the 100 cell minutes, so I can't tell you about the quality of that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well tyvm..
i put up thanx for you.. when im ready, i would like to PM you to get all the hoops in line..
i do have google voice , so i have a jump start
amkaos said:
well tyvm..
i put up thanx for you.. when im ready, i would like to PM you to get all the hoops in line..
i do have google voice , so i have a jump start
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
glad to help. just let me know if / when you have questions.
That $30 plan is awesome, isn't it!
amkaos said:
im not sure i asked this correctly on another post..
using tmo prepay plan of 100 miin and 5gb data , and unlimited text,
if i use wifi to call, will it charge my phone minutes?
i get conflicting info from reps.
thanx much
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It depends on where the call was started from. If your call originates on wi-fi and you have the feature on your plan then it is free to you. If the call originates on the T-Mobile network and you then go to a wi-fi call it will be using your minutes. YOU MUST have the free wi-fi calling feature on your account as well for it not to use your minutes.

[Q] wifi calling unlocked note on tmobile?

ok so i bought this phone and it's delightful. I dont get the speeds i would normally get on a native tmobile 4g phone, but most of the time i'm either working or at home so wifi is always available
however, i've recently moved into a new apartment with my fiance and i only get about 1 bar of reception in my bedroom, and pretty much no bars in my living room and bathroom. Unfortunately, it dosen't appear as though this phone has any native wifi calling, and was wondering if anybody had some sort of resolution for this?
Yes i thought of some of the other apps out there but what i dont like is the fact that i either have to subscribe a new number, or there are advertisements before ringing, or how i have to disable an app when i go out because my data connection isn't as fast as a native tmobile 4g, so im kind of in a bind... i really love the phone and would prefer to keep using it, i just wish that i had something that would be able to run as smoothly as any of my previous tmobile android phones...
anyways i know it's probably asking for alot, but if someone has a solution, please let me know, i tried searching but i didn't come up with much
This would be awesome.
tekhnologia said:
ok so i bought this phone and it's delightful. I dont get the speeds i would normally get on a native tmobile 4g phone, but most of the time i'm either working or at home so wifi is always available
a
however, i've recently moved into a new apartment with my fiance and i only get about 1 bar of reception in my bedroom, and pretty much no bars in my living room and bathroom. Unfortunately, it dosen't appear as though this phone has any native wifi calling, and was wondering if anybody had some sort of resolution for this?
Yes i thought of some of the other apps out there but what i dont like is the fact that i either have to subscribe a new number, or there are advertisements before ringing, or how i have to disable an app when i go out because my data connection isn't as fast as a native tmobile 4g, so im kind of in a bind... i really love the phone and would prefer to keep using it, i just wish that i had something that would be able to run as smoothly as any of my previous tmobile android phones...
anyways i know it's probably asking for alot, but if someone has a solution, please let me know, i tried searching but i didn't come up with much
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would like to recommend this:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...ch_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwyLDEsImNvbS5ndm9pcCJd
It will do everything you are wanting, plus you can make calls and save your minuets even if you have service, if your in an area where your data is fast enough. It integrates with the phone well and even uses the built in dialer.
I bought this app back when i got my first tablet that didn't even have cell capabilities and I've used it on various devices since. i think you will find the call quality is excellent.
tekhnologia said:
ok so i bought this phone and it's delightful. I dont get the speeds i would normally get on a native tmobile 4g phone, but most of the time i'm either working or at home so wifi is always available
however, i've recently moved into a new apartment with my fiance and i only get about 1 bar of reception in my bedroom, and pretty much no bars in my living room and bathroom. Unfortunately, it dosen't appear as though this phone has any native wifi calling, and was wondering if anybody had some sort of resolution for this?
Yes i thought of some of the other apps out there but what i dont like is the fact that i either have to subscribe a new number, or there are advertisements before ringing, or how i have to disable an app when i go out because my data connection isn't as fast as a native tmobile 4g, so im kind of in a bind... i really love the phone and would prefer to keep using it, i just wish that i had something that would be able to run as smoothly as any of my previous tmobile android phones...
anyways i know it's probably asking for alot, but if someone has a solution, please let me know, i tried searching but i didn't come up with much
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, this is like 99% of what i want, i just want people to call my NATIVE phone number to call me when im on wifi.
I dont want to hand out an alternative number, that's my biggest issue at the moment
for example:
if my family is in an accident, and they have my native number listed in their emergency contact, and they try calling, then that could be rather bad...
but yea, if you have any other ideas, i'm all open to it
When you set up your Google Voice number, you put your "native" number in google voice, when someone calls it, your google voice number will ring, the person calling is not aware of your real number... i'll give my google voice number out... 731-412-0080. When you call it, it automatically rings my house and my cellphone and which ever one i pick up on, you will have no clue, all that matters is when you call my google voice number you get me, I have several forwarding filters set up...
You would simply set up your native number calls forward to your Google voice automatically.
So If your native number was 555-121-1234 and I called it, I would be silently fowarded to your GV number and your cell would ring... (google voice it's self is completely free) go here to see: https://www.google.com/voice
tekhnologia said:
Ok, this is like 99% of what i want, i just want people to call my NATIVE phone number to call me when im on wifi.
I dont want to hand out an alternative number, that's my biggest issue at the moment
for example:
if my family is in an accident, and they have my native number listed in their emergency contact, and they try calling, then that could be rather bad...
but yea, if you have any other ideas, i'm all open to it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i already have google voice but never considered forwarding my tmobile number to it... hmm.. you may have made my day =)
Glad I could help... Google voice + that app oi told you about in my 1st post = awesomeness
tekhnologia said:
i already have google voice but never considered forwarding my tmobile number to it... hmm.. you may have made my day =)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use google voice on that app but the call quality is not decent at all. Ive only used it on wifi and its terrible. Voce gets distored some lag, and even some echoing.
ok so here was my ultimate solution
got the app that was mentioned and also got tasker
i set it so that whenever i would enter my home wireless network exclusively, tasker would make my phone forward calls to my google voice number, which in turn forwarded the calls to my app =)
also set it so that when i leave my network, it would automatically disengage the ipgroove app, so all in all i gotta say it worked out ok, thanks!
I use groove ip
Sent from my BAMF Samsung G/Note
Yup that's what I recommended I have had it for a year now.
Felinos11 said:
I use groove ip
Sent from my BAMF Samsung G/Note
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if anyone chooses to go this route and there's no wifi calling app in the future, just let me know, it was a wonderful way to get to do what i needed to do, and with the help of tasker, it will auto engage/disengage features, almost as if we did have the native wifi calling feature that the s2 has, but yea, i'd be glad to help anytime =)
Taking up on technologia's offer to help
@tekhnologia: When you are at home connected via wifi, are you forwarding your t-mobile number to your google voice number (perhaps using "conditional call forwarding")?
Otherwise, I think I more or less understand your setup, but a brief list of steps would be awesome!
Thanks for the offer to help.
tekhnologia said:
if anyone chooses to go this route and there's no wifi calling app in the future, just let me know, it was a wonderful way to get to do what i needed to do, and with the help of tasker, it will auto engage/disengage features, almost as if we did have the native wifi calling feature that the s2 has, but yea, i'd be glad to help anytime =)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

[Q] Can I sent texts/make calls over wifi?

Reprimand me if this has been addressed already and my stupid ass couldn't find it.
I live in an area with no 3G coverage at all. EDGE will suffice for simple things such as sms/mms, phone calls (obviously), and web browsing with Opera Mini.
At my house, we have wifi and my phone is always connected to it and signal strength is always excellent. Since I live in the woods, I get no more than 2 or 3 bars of cell service at any given time, if I'm lucky. One or two is the norm.
Can I make calls over Wifi? Or sent text/picture messages? Perhaps I simply don't understand how it works, but a large percentage of the time when I try to reply to a text, it fails and I have to send it repeatedly. Or if someone sends me a picture of some sort. Takes forever to download, if it works at all. Making a phone call is an exercise in futility. Perhaps it has to be done a certain way.
I'm running the latest version of ShoStock2 at the moment, but these problems happen with AOKP, CM9, and Phone Bricker, amongst others.
I'm sure there's apps that allow you to do that. First Google result shows Talkatone. Idk if there's other similar ones/better ones, but you can start there.
As for text, I'm sure there's an app for that too
I used textfree on my iPod. Can't recall if I couldn't send or receive pics though.
For calls, to my understanding, naturally. No. I'd say get something like Skype where you can do VoIP and do all your calls from there on WiFi, as for texts and MMS you really shouldn't have any problems. as far as I'm concerned, texts should be fine, and mms should download via wifi if you are connected. But if it continues to be a problem you could always get Textfree or Whatsapp and get your friends in on that. Its platform wide (literally) and is supported on every device i can think of.
Hit thanks if I've helped you.
Hope you figure out this issue!
You could use text free for texts you just couldn't use your own number or Google voice of course for text and calls. But you can't route your actual cell phone calls and texts over wifi. T-Mobile has that capability but not us on at&t.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda premium
http://www.att.com/shop/wireless/devices/3gmicrocell.jsp
Google voice + groove IP
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2
Pirateghost said:
Google voice + groove IP
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+1 Groove IP
ArtificialMusik said:
For calls, to my understanding, naturally. No. I'd say get something like Skype where you can do VoIP and do all your calls from there on WiFi, as for texts and MMS you really shouldn't have any problems. as far as I'm concerned, texts should be fine, and mms should download via wifi if you are connected. But if it continues to be a problem you could always get Textfree or Whatsapp and get your friends in on that. Its platform wide (literally) and is supported on every device i can think of.
Hit thanks if I've helped you.
Hope you figure out this issue!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually there is a new app called Sidecar that lets you call any number over WiFi for free.
I have tried it, and its pretty good.
jjack0310 said:
Actually there is a new app called Sidecar that lets you call any number over WiFi for free.
I have tried it, and its pretty good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also bobsled.
Voice calls? YES
SMS? YES
MMS? NO
I thought that Google voice was supposed to start supporting MMS, but not sure when. I have been waiting for a while. I use Groove ip as well.
Whats difference between SMS and MMS? A friend and I are 7 days late and our phones are off.
I had viber but got rid of it cause i wasn't using it. (maybe redownload?)
Also my google voice doesn't let me make calls or send messages? (it says I can do international calls - but I turned it off cause it said I needed money in a "google account" sigh...)
I can still use wifi at my house, but thats about it.
Edgarhighmen said:
Whats difference between SMS and MMS? A friend and I are 7 days late and our phones are off.
I had viber but got rid of it cause i wasn't using it. (maybe redownload?)
Also my google voice doesn't let me make calls or send messages? (it says I can do international calls - but I turned it off cause it said I needed money in a "google account" sigh...)
I can still use wifi at my house, but thats about it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google Google Google Google
Sent from my GS4 running CM11 Kandy Kane
Edgarhighmen said:
Whats difference between SMS and MMS? A friend and I are 7 days late and our phones are off.
I had viber but got rid of it cause i wasn't using it. (maybe redownload?)
Also my google voice doesn't let me make calls or send messages? (it says I can do international calls - but I turned it off cause it said I needed money in a "google account" sigh...)
I can still use wifi at my house, but thats about it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use Google voice to make call plus text I use it all the time just create and account or sign in with your Google account it even gives you your own number which is used to call or text
Sent from my SGH-I777 using Tapatalk 2

Google Voice question

So I have an AT&T Note that I use with T-Mobile.
I am in a bad reception area and want to use Google Voice to place calls with WiFi.
Is there a setting that I have to use on the phone to allow VoIP calls and if so where the heck is it LOL. I have looked thru all settings and cant find it.
Using Gubment Cheeze ROM.
THANKS!
If placing a call with Google voice it will use WiFi. Nothing to change.
s89281b said:
If placing a call with Google voice it will use WiFi. Nothing to change.
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Click to collapse
I believe this to be wrong. I was pretty sure the only way to get google voice to make calls over a wifi connection was to use a an app like Grooveip. That is the app I use to make wifi calls with my phone, and it works pretty well. Reason being that google voice has no built in dialer. When you use google voice on your phone's default dialer your call goes out across your carriers data not wifi. When you run an app like Groove ip it will in fact connect to wifi with your google voice account and place the call over wifi. It is a payed app. There might be other apps that are free in the market, but I know for a fact Groove ip works.
if you go into settings for google voice and select making calls it gives you 4 chooses for making calls. use google voice to make all calls/do not use google voice for any calls/ international calls/ or ask every time. if set to all calls it will use google voice when dialing out with stock dialer. i have mine set to ask every time. when i go to dial out using stock dialer it ask if i want to use google voice or not. i can verify it is using google voice over wifi by monitoring data used in settings. wifi useage from google voice goes up after placing call and selecting use google voice. but mobile data will stay the same.
Here is a better way to check. Settings/more settings/Mobile networks/uncheck enable data access over mobile network. Now make a call. I believe you will see my point.
Otherwise why would anyone even use an app like Groove ip.
I mean I have been wrong before, but if I am wrong this is a recent update. I am quite sure wifi calling is supported on custom roms, but bone stock ATT there is no wifi calling. Perhaps you are running a custom rom that supports wifi calling.
I use an app called Talkatone for this. It integrates with GV and worked much better for me than groove ip did (horrible delay in conversation). The cool thing is that it dials using data also so I have t mobiles Prepaid $30 plan with 100 minutes and unlimited data and hardly use any of the plans minutes.
Butchr said:
Here is a better way to check. Settings/more settings/Mobile networks/uncheck enable data access over mobile network. Now make a call. I believe you will see my point.
Otherwise why would anyone even use an app like Groove ip.
I mean I have been wrong before, but if I am wrong this is a recent update. I am quite sure wifi calling is supported on custom roms, but bone stock ATT there is no wifi calling. Perhaps you are running a custom rom that supports wifi calling.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i was on cm9. i just flashed back to stock to try and see if still works the same and it does. i unchecked data access over mobile then made a call using stock touchwiz dialer and with google voice set to ask to use for each call. when dialing out i get the same popup that i get using cm9 asking to use google voice or not. tried both ways with and without. called att customer care and when not using gvoice it knows my att number. call with gvoice and ask what number i am calling about so i know it is being directed through gvoice. once again checking data usage and i can see wifi data increasing for gvoice but not mobile data. best thing to do is try yourself on your setup and see if it works for you. if not then use a 3rd party app.
You are the only person I have known that was able to do that.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1507433
http://androidforums.com/htc-evo-4g/104911-google-voice-over-wifi-question.html
when i get more time i will test some more and make sure i am not missing something. would like to completely disable mobile network and see if it still works on wifi only.
well i dont know why i didnt try before but turning airplane mode on and wifi on calls with google voice through stock dialer are no go. I WAS WRONG. please ignore all my post in this thread. learn something new everyday. thanks Butchr for pointing that out.
Not trying to bust anybody's balls. Just trying to avoid misinformation here.
I tried all of the above and none worked.
Just flashed a T-Mo ROM and everything in it works EXCEPT the WiFi calling.
I now live in an area where I NEED WiFi calling so I can use the darn phone at home LOL.
Guess I"ll run over to the T-Mo dev section and see what I can gather there for 411.
Thanks for all of the input folks.
Butchr said:
Not trying to bust anybody's balls. Just trying to avoid misinformation here.
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Click to collapse
No worries. Didn't take it as ball busting. Just a good debate with no flaming. Don't see that much anymore.
s89281b said:
Just a good debate with no flaming. Don't see that much anymore.
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True that.

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