The "Holy Grail" - Tab with International Phone + 3g Data - Galaxy Tab Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I have a T-Mo tab/T-Mo contracted service (for another year) running OC Hermes (which totally rocks!).
Problem is, I want to use my Tab as my phone (light phone use, but I need it to ring and answer it when I need it, hence I have to lose T-Mo/modem switch. I need 3G data - who doesn't? Use is in Domestic US with Europe for a month out of the year - seems simple enough.
I have a depricated VZ Winmo 6.5 device with my "real" number, and found a 3rd party SIM (Tru) that will let you port your number, and provide "reasonable" cost US Domestic and European Voice and Data roaming, so I can get voice/data service and keep my number.
Now I just need to figure out which Tab to buy:
Can the AT&T Tab be customized to work with voice and 3G data simultaneously without modem/switching, and if so, on which SIM/Network(s) in the US other than AT&T?
If I were to replace my T-Mo Unit, should I buy the AT&T or the European Tab?
Will either get this done? Thanks all in advance for any help.
- Cathy

would also like to know the answer to this...

T-mobile tab with t-mobile sim:
Voice, sms, mms, and EDGE data **or** 3g data only.
Flash any rom besides stock to get the dialer capability. Use the Rotohammer modem switch to go between these options. If you are on the 3g mode the phone won't ring, your caller will get the same thing as if they called you when your phone was turned off. You have to delete a system folder to enable web browsing.
At&t tab with at&t sim:
Voice, sms, mms, 3g data, no switch necessary.
Flash any rom besides stock to get the dialer capability. No system files to tinker with.
#####At&t tab with at&t sim is the easiest, best option for a complete phone and data experience.

Thank you @Rangercaptain!
@Rangercapain, you are a gentleman and a scholar!
I thought AT&T did both now, but the info on the boards conflicts, some because it is dated before you fine folks figured this all out, and some because newer users haven't flashed a custom ROM, but I wanted to be sure before sinking another $350 into a dead-end with the telephony.
I was contemplating the SGSII but at $700 US and without Alter's incredible ROM for everything else, it wasn't going to work, and I really don't want two devices.
I realize T-Mo is on the funky 1700 band here so I knew non-T-Mo SIMs were likely only going to get me 2G, but I wasn't sure about AT&T.
If I go with the AT&T Tab, do you know if the 3rd party SIMs like SimpleMobile or Tru Mobile will also do both 3G and voice? AT&T rapes you like everyone else US domestic on Euro Roaming Data ($15/mb is insanity), and I was foolishly hopiing for a SIM that I could use here and in Europe without re-mortaging the house!
Can I determine this definitively by confirming the GSM bands specified by the SIM reseller?
Thank you thank you thank you

My at&t voice, unlimited text, and 2 gigs of data is $35 per month. Like you said, don't use the pay as you go, because that is crazy. Have you seen the Walmart phone/data pay as you go - Straight Talk I think. I will check it out and post back here.
SimpleMobile is exactly the same as T-mobile, so not good with at&t tab or euro tab. I haven't heard of TruMobile. Just google "trumobile frequencies". You want to see 1900/900 or 1900/850.

Straight Talk is a no-go. They sell phones, not sim cards.

rangercaptain said:
T-mobile tab with t-mobile sim:
At&t tab with at&t sim:
Voice, sms, mms, 3g data, no switch necessary.
Flash any rom besides stock to get the dialer capability. No system files to tinker with.
#####At&t tab with at&t sim is the easiest, best option for a complete phone and data experience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
does it have a minimum data plan requirement? have an ATT iphone4 with the $15 200MB data plan. can i just put my iphone simcard on the GalTab? will i get the dreaded text messages from BIG BROTHER? or will it suffice? or will i be asked to upgrade to a higher data plan?
TIA
jeraldyne

tanjeraldyne said:
does it have a minimum data plan requirement? have an ATT iphone4 with the $15 200MB data plan. can i just put my iphone simcard on the GalTab? will i get the dreaded text messages from BIG BROTHER? or will it suffice? or will i be asked to upgrade to a higher data plan?
TIA
jeraldyne
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can put that sim in your tab, and you won't get the dreaded message. They are after unlimited iphone plans. But you will BURN through 200mb in about 20 minutes. Study your at&t bill, then add 1gig for $15, or 2gigs for $25 (my plan).

Tru Mobile is at&t compatable, but the data works out to $350 per gigabyte.

Global SIMs
@Rangercaptain -
You are right about the data cost, but overseas, that is a "bargain" compared to roaming rates even on AT&T. They have a fixed data rate for "business" customers that is pretty competitive ($30/month 500mb in the US, $60 if you are in the UK or AUS, and they are adding 20 more countries in 2012). I may try them for a little while (till I return in late September) since I can always go to AT&T later (there is no contract) if I want to.
Did AT&T let you get a SIM for the tab that does both voice and data without any gripes? Maybe I can just go AT&T, port my number over, and get a MaxRoam for overseas.
I have been researching this like crazy, and at .80 Euro/MB they are about the cheapest I could find for "global" roaming, but they are one of those pay-go cos that eat your balance if you don't use it.
We are in 11 countries (a cruise) and there is no feasible way to buy a SIM in every port, or all I will have seen at the end of this odyssey will have been a ton of Vodaphone stores .
Thank you so much again!

I bought the tab at a retail store and told them I didn't want any contract. A few days later I added a 2 gig per month data and voice plan to a family plan. I told them it was for an android phone I had at home. They gave me the sim and I went out, and put it in the tab, and whammo! So sweet, 3g and voice.
When you are overseas there are so many pay as you go options, but yes, it could involve a lot of phone shops. No way to buy vodafone or orange sim and pay the roaming? And I'm guessing the cruise ship and hotels will have wifi for free. There are methods to make voice calls when you are on awifi connection, called skype.

Related

I hope this will work

I am going to Cozumel, Mexico in a week and was wondering if I can use my T-Mobile cellphone plan there? I don't know if this helps but my AT&T Tilt in unlocked, obviously so I can use it on T-mobile. Any ideas or suggestions?
Thanks,
Chris
I just got back from Cozumel about a month ago (will be back again in 3 weeks) but I just call ATT and have the International plan put on my phone. It still costs a ton of money to use the phone because you are using a Mexican carrier. Inbound text is free but out bound is like 50 cents per text (I have the unlimited text plan).
Just FYI, there is NO cell coverage on the south part of the island or the east side of the island.
There are generally WIFI connections down town if you need data.
Well if all else fails, you would still be able to make internet calling.
how do i make internet calls
Link Below:
Skype (internet calling)

AT&T Data Plan Differences

I just bought a Tilt and am upgrading from a Nokia 6555. My current plan with AT&T does not include data. Obviously, to use the Tilt I will need to add data to my account. My question is this: What is the difference between the $30 "Messaging & Data Unlimited" plan and the $15 "Data Unlimited" plan? On the AT&T website, it says the $15 plan does not work with PDAs/Smartphones. If I throw the sim card into my Tilt from my Nokia phone will the $15 plan work? Is AT&T sent any information about what phone is accessing their network?
Thanks in advance.
cmus
I guarantee that someone is going to tell you to please use the search function. There have been countless threads on this topic.
cmus said:
I just bought a Tilt and am upgrading from a Nokia 6555. My current plan with AT&T does not include data. Obviously, to use the Tilt I will need to add data to my account. My question is this: What is the difference between the $30 "Messaging & Data Unlimited" plan and the $15 "Data Unlimited" plan? On the AT&T website, it says the $15 plan does not work with PDAs/Smartphones. If I throw the sim card into my Tilt from my Nokia phone will the $15 plan work? Is AT&T sent any information about what phone is accessing their network?
Thanks in advance.
cmus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One plan gives you unlimited data and I believe a restricted amount of Texts ( 200? ). And the other plan is just data and no texts included. AT$T cannot tell which phone the sim is used in , but they do keep track of data usage, and if they suspect that you are using a pda, due to more than normal data usage,they will consider that a violation of your usage agreement and can cancel your account and charge you the full price of the TilT ( $400 )
denco7 said:
One plan gives you unlimited data and I believe a restricted amount of Texts ( 200? ). And the other plan is just data and no texts included. AT$T cannot tell which phone the sim is used in , but they do keep track of data usage, and if they suspect that you are using a pda, due to more than normal data usage,they will consider that a violation of your usage agreement and can cancel your account and charge you the full price of the TilT ( $400 )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Denco, actually you are partly mistaken.
ATT Can tell what phone you are using by its IMEI. When you add the data plan to the device, toss the sim card into your older nokia so it registers as a nokia on their network. ATT Will hassle you to put on a PDA plan and wont allow you to add a medianet package.
ALSO.......
The PDA plans allow a connection to a different APN ( ISP.CINGULAR vs WAP.CINGULAR) which means less traffic and less bottleneck from other mobile users ( Iphones and the likes ). Now i cant prove with 100% certainty that ISP.CINGULAR is always faster, but I can tell you that I DO notice a difference in latency times and tend to always have a decent connection rate.
This might also vary though by your location.
One more thing. This topic has been discussed to death. Use the Search button
True,but AT$T doesn't keep a database of imei's. They have the ability to check, but unless the imei is added to a stolen phone database, they don't check every imei as it connects to the network. They do however check the imsi , to make sure you are a subscrber to the network and that is stored on the sim card.
denco7 said:
True,but AT$T doesn't keep a database of imei's. They have the ability to check, but unless the imei is added to a stolen phone database, they don't check every imei as it connects to the network. They do however check the imsi , to make sure you are a subscrber to the network and that is stored on the sim card.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They will check it when he goes to add the plan . . .
When I go on-line to my acount summery. there is a picture of each phone next to the phone number. If I swap sims around the pictures change. I pretty sure AT&T does know.
This is a touchy subject as there are a several lawsuits in place for att
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=406588. There are several suits in play from Att forcing an upgrade charge when finding you're using a pda even though unlimited data usage worked just fine with non pda devices

Help me get my G1 to work on T-mo

Hi there:
Need help into making my new (used from ebay) G1 to work on T-mobile PR. Long story short T-mobile bought Suncom like a year ago. My SIM card is still SunCom and I use the SunCom APN setting to access the internet. I have the 5.99 internet that have being working flawlessly in my iphone 2G (no hacks requiered or proxys). Apparently the Suncom APNs don't have data restrictions since Suncom din't use to have different internet packages like T-Mobile does.
Anyway my problems is that if I put my Suncom sim in the G1 it works but it is roaming all the time (doesn't happen with my iphone wish says t-mobile all the time, never roaming). If I put the Suncom APNs I get edge and works, but still is in roaming and I am sure they going to charge me for it. If I go to search for Networks I get a blank Network (to the one it does register) and the other two GSM carries in PR (Claro and AT&T).
Notice that the phone is rooted and was running Jachero 2.7.3 and now Cyanogen 3.6.8.1., recovery image 1.3.1 and latest SPL and radio.
My guess is that since T-mo can detect the phone they are blocking the phone with my current voice and data plan. I already call them and they told me I have to change my plan to the $35 dollars a month. Notice that T-mo does not have 3G in PR (so I think that is to much money for edge only and txt). I offer to pay the regular internet of $20 and my package of $5 for txt but still to no avail it has to be the $35 dollars to make the phone to work on t-mo. I have unlocked the phone just to try, but still the same roaming problem.
I know that it must be an internal blockage to the phone because the iphone works perfectly on t-mo and my actual settings. My question: If there any way to change the phone to make it look to the t-mo networks like a sony ericsson or iphone? I have old phones that I can use the imei of. Anyway to force the phone to register to the t-mo network and put it to work? I now people that works there (Although I don't know if they have access to do changes in the system).
Any help to get me in the right direction will be appreciated.
Before people began to tell me that changing IMEI can be ilegal, I know it. The phone is not stolen (I can prove it). The IMEI numbers I have to change it for are mine (I can prove it, I have a none working k750, w800, W600, lg shine, old nokia 6200, water damage iphone 2G, fully working K790, and fully working iphone 2G, yes I have a lot of phones good and bad ones).
If it can be done please advice even if your going to help me do it. Thanks in advance.

[Q] Captivate/iPhone data swap?

Just curious if i order my captivate from amazon's wireless center(since it's cheaper than at&T) can i just put my iphone 3gs sim card in it and start using its data services? Downloading,uploading, etc. or do i have to call at&t and activate something for this device instead?
The new data plans are all the same across platforms, but if you're like me and are grandfathered into the unlimited data plan, then you're going to have to have the feature changed on your account. Unlimited Iphone data and Unlimited Smartphone data are two seperate features.
do not call in to have it switched from the iPhone data plan to the smartphone plan if you want to be able to swap back *easily* to an iPhone.
The iPhone data plan works fine on both the captivate and iPhone.
The Smartphone data plan only works with the Captivate - and requires APN changing with the iPhone, which may not work.
Be careful ordering the phone through Amazon wireless because it doesn't help you grandfather the unlimited plan to the Captivate. When you check out you have to select a new data plan, by doing so AT&T won't be able to honor your unlimited data plan. Luckily I was able to call AT&T and correct it. Amazon includes a new sim card that you activate over the phone.
I second just putting your iPhone sim into the Captivate, that is exactly what I did and I've had no problems since. I also was able to swap back and forth btw and iPhone and the Captivate with no problems as well because the data plan is still the iPhone plan on my bill. I don't know how it works with a phone that's been activated on a new sim card however.
mikejames07 said:
I second just putting your iPhone sim into the Captivate, that is exactly what I did and I've had no problems since. I also was able to swap back and forth btw and iPhone and the Captivate with no problems as well because the data plan is still the iPhone plan on my bill. I don't know how it works with a phone that's been activated on a new sim card however.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can do this, but at some point AT&T may re-adjust your plan (still unlimited). It should not matter if the phone shipped with a new SIM card or not - as there is no activation procedure on GSM phones. AT&T likes to know the IMEI number of your phone, but they don't stop service over it.
I have a friend that tests phones for one manufacturer - they ship him a new phone every month or so (mostly android) and he just pops his iPhone SIM in and goes. A couple times he would put his SIM back in the phone and have no data and he would have to call to get it fixed.
As for Amazon - make sure you are getting the phone on upgrade and not new service. If it is new service then they expect you to keep your old line active too.
i read that iphone sim cards are specifically programmed to work with iphones only. it could be a load of crap...but it's what i heard.
My data didn't work when swapping my sim from my 3GS to my Captivate. I had to change features from the unlimited iPhone data to the unlimited Smartphone data.

USA Carrier Test[Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Google Fi]

This is the first time I have ever posted anything so please excuse the lack of formatting or "neatness."
First of all I want to say that every test I have done was done for a period of 3 days with each of these carriers. The test involved taking the cell phone to the city(Raleigh, NC) to a more rural area(literally anywhere not Raleigh) to test for signal strength differences, voice, and sms. Also, the phone I used is the North American model not the tencent model.
The reason I even did this is because I do not want let go of my Verizon SIM card(I still won't but there is a different reason why at the end)
OK so with that being said let's talk FUNCTIONALITY: ASUS(I have a screenshot of this) is telling me to read in between the lines and that they will push for VoLTE and VoWIFI with USA Carriers AFTER they shut down their 2g/3g Services. However right now VOLTE & VOWIFI DO NOT WORK WITH ANY CARRIER IN THE USA. The closest thing you can get to VOWIFI/VOLTE.
Verizon: Full 4G Support, Data speed and reliability FAR exceed that of AT&T or T-Mobile in RURAL areas of NC. VOICE CALLS AND TEXT MESSAGES DO NOT WORK ON VERIZON. If you absolutely need to stick to Verizon I have a functional work-around but it does take some time to set up(at the end of post)
AT&T: Full 4G,H+,1X Support. VOICE CALLS, TEXT, DATA ALL WORK ON AT&T. If you are not tied to any carrier, I would recommend using AT&T or the best MVNO it has: Good2GO. It is on par with T-Mobile in the city, and also works fine in rural areas.
T-Mobile: Full 4G,H+,1X Support. VOICE CALLS, TEXT, DATA ALL WORK ON T-Mobile. I do not recommend this unless you only live in the city and only stay in the city. Rural areas are a no-go for T-Mobile in NC(if you want more specific about which rural areas were tested lmk, but this is mostly central NC)
So I came from Verizon. What is holding me there or why would I recommend you keep it? Well, if you have a current family plan on Verizon with unlimited data, you may want to consider this too, although it is inconvenient.
Reasons to keep Verizon: Unlimited 4G LTE Data plan or an MVNO from Verizon all offer the *MOST RELIABLE* 4G LTE connection. This means that there will rarely be a place without 4G LTE on. The next best thing is AT&T, and although you may not get 4G in as many places as Verizon, it is pretty damn close. Bonus from AT&T is you can actually make calls and text, but wait.... what about 100% Verizon?
IF you reached this spot it is because you want to know the ONLY currently FUNCTIONAL workaround for this problem with no VOLTE VOWIFI or Calls or texts. The solution is to set up call forwarding to a free google voice number from the my verizon app. While you are there, you may as well want to bookmark a webpage in chrome or your browser of choice for text messages. Verizon offers a free service where you can check your texts online. This was originally intended for looking at texts on your computer, but who said you can't use it on your phone?
However, I, cannot stand the idea of being in an emergency where the 4G signal from verizon is too low to make a google voice call, and that I NEED to call someone. Therefore what I am doing is the following: Setting up the Verizon workaround for forwarding calls to the google number, setting up the text message workaround on verizon, and STILL getting an emergency $10/mo AT&T MVNO plan that has unlimited text and calls(Good2go mobile).
other AT&T MVNO's charge way more for that feature by the way. I am usually always travelling, so the amount of times I will be without 4G LTE from any carrier(T-mobile, AT&T, or Verizon) is increased exponentially. I need that backup failsafe with the AT&T MVNO.
With that being said though, if you're wondering why I didn't mention google fi, it is because this sim card 100% did not work at all in this cell phone. I tried changing the APN's and everything else under the sun but it simply did not work. Big bummer since I was hoping this would be my next daily driver for a carrier.
If there is anything else you're interested in let me know. I've had the phone for a good week now so I'm pretty comfy with the way it works and other small things.
ZyroSS said:
This is the first time I have ever posted anything so please excuse the lack of formatting or "neatness."
First of all I want to say that every test I have done was done for a period of 3 days with each of these carriers. The test involved taking the cell phone to the city(Raleigh, NC) to a more rural area(literally anywhere not Raleigh) to test for signal strength differences, voice, and sms. Also, the phone I used is the North American model not the tencent model.
The reason I even did this is because I do not want let go of my Verizon SIM card(I still won't but there is a different reason why at the end)
OK so with that being said let's talk FUNCTIONALITY: ASUS(I have a screenshot of this) is telling me to read in between the lines and that they will push for VoLTE and VoWIFI with USA Carriers AFTER they shut down their 2g/3g Services. However right now VOLTE & VOWIFI DO NOT WORK WITH ANY CARRIER IN THE USA. The closest thing you can get to VOWIFI/VOLTE.
Verizon: Full 4G Support, Data speed and reliability FAR exceed that of AT&T or T-Mobile in RURAL areas of NC. VOICE CALLS AND TEXT MESSAGES DO NOT WORK ON VERIZON. If you absolutely need to stick to Verizon I have a functional work-around but it does take some time to set up(at the end of post)
AT&T: Full 4G,H+,1X Support. VOICE CALLS, TEXT, DATA ALL WORK ON AT&T. If you are not tied to any carrier, I would recommend using AT&T or the best MVNO it has: Good2GO. It is on par with T-Mobile in the city, and also works fine in rural areas.
T-Mobile: Full 4G,H+,1X Support. VOICE CALLS, TEXT, DATA ALL WORK ON T-Mobile. I do not recommend this unless you only live in the city and only stay in the city. Rural areas are a no-go for T-Mobile in NC(if you want more specific about which rural areas were tested lmk, but this is mostly central NC)
So I came from Verizon. What is holding me there or why would I recommend you keep it? Well, if you have a current family plan on Verizon with unlimited data, you may want to consider this too, although it is inconvenient.
Reasons to keep Verizon: Unlimited 4G LTE Data plan or an MVNO from Verizon all offer the *MOST RELIABLE* 4G LTE connection. This means that there will rarely be a place without 4G LTE on. The next best thing is AT&T, and although you may not get 4G in as many places as Verizon, it is pretty damn close. Bonus from AT&T is you can actually make calls and text, but wait.... what about 100% Verizon?
IF you reached this spot it is because you want to know the ONLY currently FUNCTIONAL workaround for this problem with no VOLTE VOWIFI or Calls or texts. The solution is to set up call forwarding to a free google voice number from the my verizon app. While you are there, you may as well want to bookmark a webpage in chrome or your browser of choice for text messages. Verizon offers a free service where you can check your texts online. This was originally intended for looking at texts on your computer, but who said you can't use it on your phone?
However, I, cannot stand the idea of being in an emergency where the 4G signal from verizon is too low to make a google voice call, and that I NEED to call someone. Therefore what I am doing is the following: Setting up the Verizon workaround for forwarding calls to the google number, setting up the text message workaround on verizon, and STILL getting an emergency $10/mo AT&T MVNO plan that has unlimited text and calls(Good2go mobile).
other AT&T MVNO's charge way more for that feature by the way. I am usually always travelling, so the amount of times I will be without 4G LTE from any carrier(T-mobile, AT&T, or Verizon) is increased exponentially. I need that backup failsafe with the AT&T MVNO.
With that being said though, if you're wondering why I didn't mention google fi, it is because this sim card 100% did not work at all in this cell phone. I tried changing the APN's and everything else under the sun but it simply did not work. Big bummer since I was hoping this would be my next daily driver for a carrier.
If there is anything else you're interested in let me know. I've had the phone for a good week now so I'm pretty comfy with the way it works and other small things.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you try CDMA_Less on Verizon?
tech_head said:
Did you try CDMA_Less on Verizon?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, didn't work
So this is all true for the international version, but not for the Tencent edition. Tencent version only supports bands 1-4 and pretty much nothing else. Those are the old school bands for AT&T and TMobile, so signal is ok but not great. Indoors TMobile is pretty bad with the Tencent phone, whereas I get fantastic signal with my OnePlus 7 pro in the same places on TMobile.
Damn shame, other than that the rog2 is better in every way and I'm going to miss it dearly but I've got a 1 year old and not having a cell signal at home or work is not an option.
ZyroSS said:
This is the first time I have ever posted anything so please excuse the lack of formatting or "neatness."
First of all I want to say that every test I have done was done for a period of 3 days with each of these carriers. The test involved taking the cell phone to the city(Raleigh, NC) to a more rural area(literally anywhere not Raleigh) to test for signal strength differences, voice, and sms. Also, the phone I used is the North American model not the tencent model.
The reason I even did this is because I do not want let go of my Verizon SIM card(I still won't but there is a different reason why at the end)
OK so with that being said let's talk FUNCTIONALITY: ASUS(I have a screenshot of this) is telling me to read in between the lines and that they will push for VoLTE and VoWIFI with USA Carriers AFTER they shut down their 2g/3g Services. However right now VOLTE & VOWIFI DO NOT WORK WITH ANY CARRIER IN THE USA. The closest thing you can get to VOWIFI/VOLTE.
Verizon: Full 4G Support, Data speed and reliability FAR exceed that of AT&T or T-Mobile in RURAL areas of NC. VOICE CALLS AND TEXT MESSAGES DO NOT WORK ON VERIZON. If you absolutely need to stick to Verizon I have a functional work-around but it does take some time to set up(at the end of post)
AT&T: Full 4G,H+,1X Support. VOICE CALLS, TEXT, DATA ALL WORK ON AT&T. If you are not tied to any carrier, I would recommend using AT&T or the best MVNO it has: Good2GO. It is on par with T-Mobile in the city, and also works fine in rural areas.
T-Mobile: Full 4G,H+,1X Support. VOICE CALLS, TEXT, DATA ALL WORK ON T-Mobile. I do not recommend this unless you only live in the city and only stay in the city. Rural areas are a no-go for T-Mobile in NC(if you want more specific about which rural areas were tested lmk, but this is mostly central NC)
So I came from Verizon. What is holding me there or why would I recommend you keep it? Well, if you have a current family plan on Verizon with unlimited data, you may want to consider this too, although it is inconvenient.
Reasons to keep Verizon: Unlimited 4G LTE Data plan or an MVNO from Verizon all offer the *MOST RELIABLE* 4G LTE connection. This means that there will rarely be a place without 4G LTE on. The next best thing is AT&T, and although you may not get 4G in as many places as Verizon, it is pretty damn close. Bonus from AT&T is you can actually make calls and text, but wait.... what about 100% Verizon?
IF you reached this spot it is because you want to know the ONLY currently FUNCTIONAL workaround for this problem with no VOLTE VOWIFI or Calls or texts. The solution is to set up call forwarding to a free google voice number from the my verizon app. While you are there, you may as well want to bookmark a webpage in chrome or your browser of choice for text messages. Verizon offers a free service where you can check your texts online. This was originally intended for looking at texts on your computer, but who said you can't use it on your phone?
However, I, cannot stand the idea of being in an emergency where the 4G signal from verizon is too low to make a google voice call, and that I NEED to call someone. Therefore what I am doing is the following: Setting up the Verizon workaround for forwarding calls to the google number, setting up the text message workaround on verizon, and STILL getting an emergency $10/mo AT&T MVNO plan that has unlimited text and calls(Good2go mobile).
other AT&T MVNO's charge way more for that feature by the way. I am usually always travelling, so the amount of times I will be without 4G LTE from any carrier(T-mobile, AT&T, or Verizon) is increased exponentially. I need that backup failsafe with the AT&T MVNO.
With that being said though, if you're wondering why I didn't mention google fi, it is because this sim card 100% did not work at all in this cell phone. I tried changing the APN's and everything else under the sun but it simply did not work. Big bummer since I was hoping this would be my next daily driver for a carrier.
If there is anything else you're interested in let me know. I've had the phone for a good week now so I'm pretty comfy with the way it works and other small things.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I have att and really would like to get this phone but concerned about any possible issues(for example no band 14 and 30) . Did you have any issues with service with att? I'm considering the rog, op7t or pixel 4. Any info you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
ZyroSS said:
This is the first time I have ever posted anything so please excuse the lack of formatting or "neatness."
First of all I want to say that every test I have done was done for a period of 3 days with each of these carriers. The test involved taking the cell phone to the city(Raleigh, NC) to a more rural area(literally anywhere not Raleigh) to test for signal strength differences, voice, and sms. Also, the phone I used is the North American model not the tencent model.
The reason I even did this is because I do not want let go of my Verizon SIM card(I still won't but there is a different reason why at the end)
OK so with that being said let's talk FUNCTIONALITY: ASUS(I have a screenshot of this) is telling me to read in between the lines and that they will push for VoLTE and VoWIFI with USA Carriers AFTER they shut down their 2g/3g Services. However right now VOLTE & VOWIFI DO NOT WORK WITH ANY CARRIER IN THE USA. The closest thing you can get to VOWIFI/VOLTE.
Verizon: Full 4G Support, Data speed and reliability FAR exceed that of AT&T or T-Mobile in RURAL areas of NC. VOICE CALLS AND TEXT MESSAGES DO NOT WORK ON VERIZON. If you absolutely need to stick to Verizon I have a functional work-around but it does take some time to set up(at the end of post)
AT&T: Full 4G,H+,1X Support. VOICE CALLS, TEXT, DATA ALL WORK ON AT&T. If you are not tied to any carrier, I would recommend using AT&T or the best MVNO it has: Good2GO. It is on par with T-Mobile in the city, and also works fine in rural areas.
T-Mobile: Full 4G,H+,1X Support. VOICE CALLS, TEXT, DATA ALL WORK ON T-Mobile. I do not recommend this unless you only live in the city and only stay in the city. Rural areas are a no-go for T-Mobile in NC(if you want more specific about which rural areas were tested lmk, but this is mostly central NC)
So I came from Verizon. What is holding me there or why would I recommend you keep it? Well, if you have a current family plan on Verizon with unlimited data, you may want to consider this too, although it is inconvenient.
Reasons to keep Verizon: Unlimited 4G LTE Data plan or an MVNO from Verizon all offer the *MOST RELIABLE* 4G LTE connection. This means that there will rarely be a place without 4G LTE on. The next best thing is AT&T, and although you may not get 4G in as many places as Verizon, it is pretty damn close. Bonus from AT&T is you can actually make calls and text, but wait.... what about 100% Verizon?
IF you reached this spot it is because you want to know the ONLY currently FUNCTIONAL workaround for this problem with no VOLTE VOWIFI or Calls or texts. The solution is to set up call forwarding to a free google voice number from the my verizon app. While you are there, you may as well want to bookmark a webpage in chrome or your browser of choice for text messages. Verizon offers a free service where you can check your texts online. This was originally intended for looking at texts on your computer, but who said you can't use it on your phone?
However, I, cannot stand the idea of being in an emergency where the 4G signal from verizon is too low to make a google voice call, and that I NEED to call someone. Therefore what I am doing is the following: Setting up the Verizon workaround for forwarding calls to the google number, setting up the text message workaround on verizon, and STILL getting an emergency $10/mo AT&T MVNO plan that has unlimited text and calls(Good2go mobile).
other AT&T MVNO's charge way more for that feature by the way. I am usually always travelling, so the amount of times I will be without 4G LTE from any carrier(T-mobile, AT&T, or Verizon) is increased exponentially. I need that backup failsafe with the AT&T MVNO.
With that being said though, if you're wondering why I didn't mention google fi, it is because this sim card 100% did not work at all in this cell phone. I tried changing the APN's and everything else under the sun but it simply did not work. Big bummer since I was hoping this would be my next daily driver for a carrier.
If there is anything else you're interested in let me know. I've had the phone for a good week now so I'm pretty comfy with the way it works and other small things.
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The Verizon idea sounds like a great workaround because you can also download the My Messages app at the play store and it works the same as the website. The only downside, and correct me if Im wrong would be when calling people they would see your google number and not your real cell number. Are there any other downsides, because im thinking even if going overseas you can use it like Vowifi because as long as you have some kind of connection via wifi or data you should get calls and texts via the app.
cyagl643 said:
Are there any other downsides, because im thinking even if going overseas you can use it like Vowifi because as long as you have some kind of connection via wifi or data you should get calls and texts via the app.
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I'm considering this method as well. I'm a trucker, so network coverage is a deal breaker for which carrier I use, and no one comes close to Verizon. My big concern now is how 911 would work. I know I couldn't do it via Google Voice, but I'm wondering if the phone would default back to the phone radio and seek out a usable network. I know cell phones are required be able to make 911 calls from any available network in the U.S, even if not activated with a carrier. So would the phone make a 911 call via AT&T or TMO?
If I go through with it, I may do it a slightly different way. I have a spare line I could cancel. Instead, I may activate the ROG II to that one, then port my existing number to GV. That way I could use GV but as my current number. I figure that would be easiest on those with my contact info.
Its a dual sim phone. Why not have Verizon and a GSM MVPN? Straight talk has some call only plans for $20/month.
bruciebabie1963 said:
Its a dual sim phone. Why not have Verizon and a GSM MVPN? Straight talk has some call only plans for $20/month.
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And what happens when the gsm(3g) gets turned off in beginning of 2020? Asus seriously f'd up not allowing volte.
homerunbm33 said:
So I have att and really would like to get this phone but concerned about any possible issues(for example no band 14 and 30) . Did you have any issues with service with att? I'm considering the rog, op7t or pixel 4. Any info you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
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No, I had no real issues with AT&T, it's the reason I'm getting my 2nd sim to be an MVNO for this phone. 1 Carrier only AT&T is simply the best overall for this phone. If we say Verizon is 100% 4G LTE strength/reliabililty, then AT&T is like 90%, while AT&T is 60%. This is of course in more rural areas. In the city it matters not if you have AT&T or T-Mobile...
cyagl643 said:
The Verizon idea sounds like a great workaround because you can also download the My Messages app at the play store and it works the same as the website. The only downside, and correct me if Im wrong would be when calling people they would see your google number and not your real cell number. Are there any other downsides, because im thinking even if going overseas you can use it like Vowifi because as long as you have some kind of connection via wifi or data you should get calls and texts via the app.
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I'm afraid you can't use the app it just doesn't work I tried this... maybe it'll work for you though? Otherwise yes, they would get a call from another number(the google number) and they can call either your google number or verizon number and both will work. it's more of there so you don't inconvenience your contacts, but you should probably tell them you simply switched to (google number) and to just call/text there if you're sticking to verizon only, imo.
otherwise yes the app itself only needs data it doesnt matter if you grab data from ethernet(works), 4G, or wifi...
Mr_Mooncatt said:
I'm considering this method as well. I'm a trucker, so network coverage is a deal breaker for which carrier I use, and no one comes close to Verizon. My big concern now is how 911 would work. I know I couldn't do it via Google Voice, but I'm wondering if the phone would default back to the phone radio and seek out a usable network. I know cell phones are required be able to make 911 calls from any available network in the U.S, even if not activated with a carrier. So would the phone make a 911 call via AT&T or TMO?
If I go through with it, I may do it a slightly different way. I have a spare line I could cancel. Instead, I may activate the ROG II to that one, then port my existing number to GV. That way I could use GV but as my current number. I figure that would be easiest on those with my contact info.
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Technically speaking 911 SHOULD work, but I'm not about to get in trouble trying that one out LOL. I have a backup emergency cell phone line for those emergencies since I also, cannot stand not being able to have that option even if the chances are slim. I am also keeping Verizon because it simply has the strongest 4G signal of the USA carriers that I tested, however AT&T isn't too far behind it's definitely good, just not great. AT&T gets calls and texts by default too so theres that as well lol
bruciebabie1963 said:
Its a dual sim phone. Why not have Verizon and a GSM MVPN? Straight talk has some call only plans for $20/month.
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This is exactly what I did. I purchased a plan $10/mo for unlimited calls/texts through Good2go mobile, an AT&T MVNO...
ZyroSS said:
This is exactly what I did. I purchased a plan $10/mo for unlimited calls/texts through Good2go mobile, an AT&T MVNO...
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I may consider this as well. I'll likely run it Verizon only with the work around and see how it goes before adding a second SIM.
As for 911, I think I may be able to contact a local 911 operator and see what info I can glean from them.
---------- Post added at 03:36 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:20 PM ----------
I did find this, which includes some info both on how 911 works with un-activated phones, and how to make a test call.
https://www.911.gov/frequently_asked_questions.html
ZyroSS said:
I'm afraid you can't use the app it just doesn't work I tried this... maybe it'll work for you though? Otherwise yes, they would get a call from another number(the google number) and they can call either your google number or verizon number and both will work. it's more of there so you don't inconvenience your contacts, but you should probably tell them you simply switched to (google number) and to just call/text there if you're sticking to verizon only, imo.
otherwise yes the app itself only needs data it doesnt matter if you grab data from ethernet(works), 4G, or wifi...
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I mean I tried the app on the current phone I have with wifi calling off and airplane mode on, and had someone text me and I got it.
Hey, so I've tried everything I read online to forward my calls to Google voice. I have Verizon. I've tried both *72 and *73. I've made sure to not have any forwarding set up on GV so I'm not in an infinite forwarding loop. But no matter what, it seems the calls straight to GV voicemail. Is there something I'm missing? I've also tried it with my Verizon number linked and after I deleted it. Any help would be much appreciated. thank you
Drkstover said:
Hey, so I've tried everything I read online to forward my calls to Google voice. I have Verizon. I've tried both *72 and *73. I've made sure to not have any forwarding set up on GV so I'm not in an infinite forwarding loop. But no matter what, it seems the calls straight to GV voicemail. Is there something I'm missing? I've also tried it with my Verizon number linked and after I deleted it. Any help would be much appreciated. thank you
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I called Verizon and had them forward my calls to my GV # and it works fine.
AVJ1221 said:
I called Verizon and had them forward my calls to my GV # and it works fine.
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What app are you using for GV calls? Google Voice app doesn't ring for me...
ram4ufriends said:
What app are you using for GV calls? Google Voice app doesn't ring for me...
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Try restarting your phone. Sometimes GV gets buggy for some unknown reason. I also have Hangouts and Hangouts dialer downloaded so Google assistant can make calls when I ask. I believe GV can dial out through dialer as well.
And make sure to allow GV and any other calling app you're using to auto start in your phone settings.
ZyroSS said:
This is exactly what I did. I purchased a plan $10/mo for unlimited calls/texts through Good2go mobile, an AT&T MVNO...
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Click to collapse
How is Good2go working for you?
Any problems in calls/texts?
Thanks.

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