yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] ttabbal:
I've been playing with it for a few days. I can point you to options, however, there are a couple issues you should be aware of for inbound calls that I have yet to really nail down.

1) Wifi stops working properly when the screen is off. This prevents you from even knowing about an inbound call, and messes with the audio. I found that the Franco kernel with his wifi mod helps a TON with that. I'm sure there's a setting in /sys to control it, but I paid the $3 or so for his app. Makes flashing updates easier too.

2) SIP registrations like to just.. stop. So you won't be able to get an inbound call. This effect is much worse on Wifi, even with the franco kernel mod. It happens with every SIP client I've tested so far, including the built-in one. It seems better with the built-in client, and setting the "keep alive" setting to "always" seems to help.

I'm on TMobile-US, and they allow SIP, so I don't have blocking and such to worry about. Unfortunately, my work WiFi has something going on that prevents SIP audio connections.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] codesplice:
What? I've never encountered this issue. In fact, I've started turning on Airplane Mode and manually enabling Wifi while I'm at work and I've never missed a call to my Google Voice number. Wifi should work just fine when the screen is off as long as you have your wifi sleep policy set appropriately.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] ttabbal:
Unless you are using another provider for the VOIP leg, Google Voice uses normal cell voice connections. So it's not a good test. You said you are using airplane mode + wifi, that makes me think you have something going on there.. Groove? I haven't tried that one. The post I replied to was referencing SIP providers. For missed calls and such, a normal SIP client is what you would need to test with. And I haven't found one that works right in that regard. Google Voice doesn't support SIP clients, so perhaps the protocol it uses works better for phones?

The wifi issue is that it goes into a low power state. It causes performance problems. Specifically, latency jumps around a LOT and it causes stuttering in the VOIP stream. That bit is fixed with the franco kernel mod I mentioned. It happens with other streaming apps as well. There are bug reports on the Android tracker about it. Perhaps it's ROM/kernel related? Not sure, but I thought I saw people saying they were on stock and seeing the issue. File transfers and such go slower as well. I'm on AOKP b29. I'm also on a GSM phone, if you are on a Verizon phone, there may be differences.

And yes, I have triple checked the sleep policy. I did it just now to see if I missed something or it got set back. The wifi seems to stay connected, so the radio isn't going to sleep. It's another low power mode. The registration issue could also be the phone going to sleep mode.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] codesplice:
I'm currently using Talkatone to handle the VoIP from Google Voice, so the call is received (and handled) completely over my wifi or data. I've found Talkatone's codecs to be more efficient than those allowed by GrooveIP / pure Google Voice, so the performance is better on my low-bandwidth wifi at work. I haven't played with any standard SIP providers in quite a while; I've been sticking with the GoogleChat-based clients since I discovered them because they are so much easier to configure (and seem to be more reliable).

I'm not sure what you mean about Google Voice not supporting SIP clients - it doesn't support them directly, no, but will happily forward calls to a SIP destination to be handled by a SIP client. I seem to remember SIPDroid or cSIPSimple (I think?) working well for me in my pre-Groove days.

I'm also on a GSM GNex on AOKP b29, though I'm using faux's latest beta kernel and the latest UGLC1 radio. There may be minor differences in there on how the powersave mode is handled, I suppose. I don't see how receiving a call over wifi would be very different whether it's over Google Chat protocols or SIP. *shrug*
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] BinkXDA:
I don’t have this issue with stock.

I experience this every other week or so—the phone just gives up sending registration data, but I can’t say it’s worse on Wi-Fi. That said, I concur in that setting the Keep Alive to Always tends to keep your registration, but it’s only needed in scenarios with aggressive firewalls/NAT timeouts, like a 3/4G connection.

Now we are getting far off topic…
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] urinsane:
While I agree going the google talk voip route (either talk atone or groove IP) is easier and more reliable, my past experience didn't work well while not on Wi-Fi. I am hoping to find a low bandwidth SIP solution that works well everywhere.

While waiting for my nexus to arrive, I've been testing SIP with my epic touch using CM9 test builds and have had similar issues with Wi-Fi, but had dismissed them as bugs specific to the build. Maybe the problem is deeper.

Agreed about getting off topic though. Perhaps we should start a new thread specific to GNex voip? I'll do it tonight after work unless someone beats me to it.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] spencer88:
Please create it. It would be appreciated.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] urinsane:
Done.

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1583120

Far from complete. Wish I could make it editable so you guys could add, but I will try to update based off of your posts.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Haydee:
Straight Talk

I am on the 5gb T-mobile plan right now, but am unsatisfied with the speed.

Also, though I don't use a lot of minutes, 100 is a little too few for 30 days.

Anyone use the Straight Talk plan in Houston? What is the cap at about? I think 2gb is fine, but it's a lot lower, that won't do. Also, what happens if you go over, do they just throttle you to 2g, or even lower?
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] martonikaj:
Definitely not for everyone. You gotta know going in that you can fit into 100 minutes. I don't see how anyone would do it without SIP or Google Voice VoIP service.

If they think you're going overboard with data they can just cut you off. AFAIK they don't throttle.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Haydee:
That sucks that they just cut you off. Can you cut the sim into a micro-sim and stick it into an ipad? That might save me 3/4 of the data I normally use anyways.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] martonikaj:
You can cut it... but they will just send you a Micro SIM if that's what you want from the start. Not sure how that will save you any data.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] urinsane:
I can't agree (fully) here. I'm also going prepaid, and believe this makes the most sense, but US carriers ARE paying a lot for their towers. If you've ever met someone who was lucky enough to lease out their land for a tower, they are getting paid very well. Companies like verizon are likely paying more for towers in some areas than they are able to bring in (3-4 people using one tower on a regular basis in some remote areas). Adding on the subsidized handsets is huge too. The country size difference DOES have a bearing on prices.

Is it enough to justify >$100 month for a single smartphone? No, but I still understand paying more than Europeans due to the large coverage areas we get.

I believe eventually the cell networks are going to be just like most utilities: pay for what you use (bandwidth, all calls VOIP) at a set rate depending on where you live. Pay higher rates when you leave your region.

Europe figured it out. Eventually the US will catch on.

edit: Sorry for the rant, had a few Good Friday brews ;)
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] reuthermonkey:
Thing is, that's how it all started. When I had Voicestream originally I was on a regional plan and we paid by the minute for the most part (with a tiny allotment of free minutes). The carriers are the ones who shifted to an unlimited model, and were pushing users to get data plans. T-Mobile's t-zones plan started at $1.99/mo for unlimited data. There are a few great-great-grandfathered users who still have the $1.99 t-zones feature from way back. Some got it at $2.99 and some for $4.99.

Regardless, as usage has increased, carriers have just gone back the other way to limiting things rather than investing in their networks. They've got us hooked, so like a drug pusher, they raise the prices.

I agree that it costs a LOT more to cover a country the size of the USA than it does to cover Great Britain (which, mind you, still doesn't have nationwide 3g either). That said, the carriers have their hand in this as well, as they've changed pricing strategies quite a few times, which has fostered misconceptions.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] codesplice:
BTW, JR Raphael of ComputerWorld posted an article last week discussing the benefits of cheap prepaid service for smartphones. He had asked some folks on Google+ about their experience with prepaid, and I was one of the people who responded.

The article: Cut the contract: How prepaid smartphones can save you money

He also wrote a quick companion blog post largely focused on my experience with the $30/mo T-Mobile plan: Smartphone service for $30 a month? Yes, please

I thought it was pretty cool to see a piece of "journalism" discussing a bit of the revolution inspired by this thread :-D
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] spencer88:
I read that PCWorld article and immediately thought about this thread :) I wish I could use this thread back before I got into bed with Verizon back in December.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] martonikaj:
Great articles. I like to see big sites picking up this story and going with it.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] LionAR10:
A boring update, PureTalk went from 100MB to 300MB on their 43.95 plan in the last month and a half. Most of the vendors on the first page still aren't getting the data thing. Their loss ..

StraightTalk still appears to be doing well, I know several people on both the ATT and TMO side and they're very satisfied. I'm using it and I'm very satisfied. I've been in some seriously rural areas and while I only got EDGE, I had voice and data. (Though I will admit the VZW based Straight Talk dumb phone I brought out to a friend had great signal .. but CDMA .. and a dumb phone that only makes phone calls and T9 texting. How gauche.)

Rumors of the $30 TMO 5GB plan's demise appear to be wrong. Be careful and wait for the truth when watching the forums! (I think this rumor started on HoFo). So yeah, the awesome $30 plan is still available.

StraightTalk $45 PINs can be had by email from WalMart sans taxes using a simple trick in your WalMart account. If you autorenew or pay online you pay taxes AND all those annoying Universal Access/etc fees. If you buy a physical card in WalMart you pay only taxes. Some 3rd party vendors have been scamming people on PINs, be careful who you buy from.

I had a friend recently taken for a few days of service by Red Pocket. His attempt to pay for his reup by PayPal resulted in something getting broken. The CSR (after 3 phone calls and 2 hours of time on hold .. just remember, prepaid has bad CS) was able to reapply a new PIN, but being 5 days before expiration, they applied immediately and he lost 5 days from his previous PIN.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] filthyhandbag:
I've run into an annoying problem.

Earlier tonight I began getting a warning from t-mobile that I'm low on minutes when attempting to place a google voice call - which was strange because I've actively chosen to place calls through google voice almost every time I've called anyone. (Incoming calls never worked & always used t-mobile, but my workaround to save minutes was simply to call them back through GV.) Looking into it more deeply I found that every call I've placed since april 3rd has been done through t-mobile instead of google voice - and this is how it is whether I'm using wifi or 3G. I haven't changed any settings since I set everything up at the end of march, so how this happened is a real mystery to me. It asks as normal whether to use google voice or not, I choose google voice and yet it places it through t-mobile!

I've installed grooveip which instantly fixed the problem. But I'd still love to figure out why google voice stopped working as expected in such a complete way.

Has anyone had a similar experience?

I'm on 4.02, and my gnex isn't rooted.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Cabal_:
Google Voice uses minutes to dial a number at Google and then route out as your Google Voice number. That's how it works, not sure why you expected otherwise.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] martonikaj:
Google Voice has

always

used minutes. GV is a

call forwarding service

, not a VoIP service. Unless you use something like GrooVe IP or Talkatone (or other VoIP/SIP services), it will always use minutes.

Google Voice simply routes calls over your cell # via your GV#. It uses the regular cell system, not data, to make and receive calls. The only times GV acts as a VoIP system is using GrooVe IP / SIP, or making calls with GMail on your computer. Both of those use the same protocol, using the Google Talk forwarding option of Google Voice.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] urinsane:
When I have a chance I'll update my VOIP thread with this info. Had a few people confused on the whole google voice thing there as well.

Think of it this way: calls routed through the Google voice app (not groove IP etc) are calling google through the regular phone systems (your cell provider). Google voice then "transfers" the call through their VOIP system (transparently to the end user) which is why they can offer such awesome rates for international calls.

Groove IP/SIP/Skype bypass traditional phone lines until the very end of the route, which is why you are only using data rather than minutes.

That is dumbing it down quite a bit and isn't entirely accurate, but hopefully can get you pointed in the right direction.

(Btw martonikaj, not directed at you even though I quoted you... I know you know your ****. ;) )
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] martonikaj:
That's a good idea.

It is dumbing it down a bit but for an initial basic understanding of the differences I think it'll suffice. When someone gets into it they can do the further technical research for themselves.

I think (some of) the confusion comes from the fact that your Google Voice calls on your computer are free (to US #'s), but your phone are not. A simple understanding of what's actually going on when you place the call makes it easier to understand.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] codesplice:
To further confuse the matter, with most post-paid plans incoming calls are free (or at least cheaper). Since dialing out via Google Voice is actually sending data to a Google server and asking for a callback, Google Voice calls are treated as incoming - and thus will be free.

On pre-paid, since ever minute we're on the phone counts against our allotment of minutes, we don't get to take advantage of the free incoming GVoice calls.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] filthyhandbag:
My mistake. Thanks everyone for clearing that up!

One other question, that may not strictly belong in this thread, but will probably occur to other Grooveip users - is there any way of forcing Grooveip to use the ICS call answering screen? I miss the option of firing off a preconfigured text message instead of answering.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] adelmundo:
What is this trick do you do in your Walmart account you speak of?
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] :
http://m.engadget.com/default/class...ages/&post=mobilepostmini&icid=eng_latest_art

AT&T Pricing update.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] martonikaj:
Just saw that also. Looks like the cheapest way to go would be the $25 plan for 250min and UL text, then $25 more for 1gb data. Still not nearly as good as Straight Talk, but getting closer.

---------- Post added at 11:27 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:26 AM ----------

Think he's saying that you can buy the card online at WalMart, and they just email you the code (rather than snail mail the actual card). This way you don't get hit with fees reloading via Straight Talk website, and just pay tax on the refill "card" (code).

---------- Post added at 11:29 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:27 AM ----------

Unfortunately (afaik) you have to just use the GrooVe IP call answer screen. So until they potentially update it to look like the ICS call screen, you're stuck.

It might actually be the best way though, so you know when you see the call screen whether they're calling your carrier # or GV #.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] bfroehlich:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/9996984/2012-04-18 14.28.45.png

Anyone else get this? I'm not doing anything crazy. Pandora to and from work, regular email usage, WiFi at home... it would be nice to actually see data usage in real time on STs website though.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] martonikaj:
Get what? Straight Talk? Tons of people ITT are using it. They don't offer data tracking because its supposed to be "unlimited". Luckily you can use the ICS data tracking.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] codesplice:
I've started using Prepay Widget to track my data usage. It regularly dials the USSD codes (#932# for data usage on Tmobile) and displays the relevant information on a widget. This way I can always see how much data Tmobile thinks I have used.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] bfroehlich:
I tried uploading a screenshot of this VM I got from ST. I guess it didn't work....

Anyways, they said my data usage is excessive and harmful to their network (or something along those lines). I'll try to upload it later.

EDIT: Updated post above
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] martonikaj:
How much data are you using? Per OP, and general wisdom with ST, you can use about 100mb/day ~2gb/month.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] bfroehlich:
In the past 18 days I have used a touch over 1 GB. I never used more than 2 GB in one month with AT&T and my usage is not any different since then...
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] rubiconjp:
Wow if they flagged you at 1gb then maybe Red Pocket might be better, even though it's more $$?

Does Red Pocket have a 100mb/day restriction or is it purely 2gb per month?
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] martonikaj:
Could've been high usage in one day I suppose but otherwise that amount of usage should be fine. Haven't heard much about it being cut off that early ITT.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] bfroehlich:
I'm going to call them back to find out for sure so I can avoid getting kicked off. I'll keep everyone up to date when I have more information.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] jimmyz:
If I pick straight talk to use with the galaxy nexus which option it best to choose when picking the sim:

Unlocked Phone (Phone must operate in 850 and 1900 MHz bands)

AT&T Compatible Phone

T-Mobile Compatible Phone

Does it matter? By choosing tmobile will I get better data speeds or should I go with ATT (assuming better coverage)?

thanks in advance for answer and thanks OP for great thread!
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] martonikaj:
Well if you choose "unlocked phone" it'll (apparently) give you either AT&T or T-Mobile based on your ZIP and what they think is the best option (although I bet they give AT&T most of the time). If you choose AT&T or T-Mobile specifically, you get the SIM for that network only. And you're stuck with that one unless you buy a new SIM for the other.

The T-Mobile speeds may be a bit better. But honestly if I'm going to Straight Talk I'll probably just get the AT&T one for better coverage. Because if I wanted T-Mobile I'll go to the T-Mobile Prepaid plans and save some $$.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] martonikaj:
Thanks for that. Always looking for more info on this. This will probably be my go-to plan when I eventually realize I can't/don't want to deal with 100 minutes on T-Mobile (saving $40/month right now in the meantime :p).

Thing is I kind of understand Straight Talk's situation. Every other AT&T MVNO (and T-Mobile) is offering UL talk / UL text / 2GB data for $60, whereas ST is still $45. They're obviously on tighter margins and they've got to cut people off, and can cut them when they want to because of their asterisks and fine print. I would honestly prefer if they just definitively said "2GB CAP" rather than have it be up in the air and potentially get 2.5GB.

What I would REALLY prefer is being able to trade off unlimited minutes for more data. I'd like some middle options. All of these prepaid plans go from "pay-per-minute" to plans with unlimited talk and miniscule data, to unlimited talk and 2GB data. Why not let me take... 500 or 750 minutes and 3GB of data instead? That'd be great but I know its not really in an MVNO's best interest to offer those kinds of plans that let people trim usage.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] bfroehlich:
I agree that the flexibility would be helpful. Ting (Sprint MVNO) allows that but they seem to be a bit more expensive. It's going to be interesting to see how carriers and MVNOs play around with different plans.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] :
I should see if we have anything at work on the topic. Note to self.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] gadgetluva:
Just did some quick math:

I paid $560 for my Galaxy Nexus. I have the $30 T-Mobile prepaid plan and generally use around $200/month, which means that I spend about $45/month total on my plan. I use over 2GB/mo which is why I decided to forego ST as my prepaid plan.

I used to have Sprint which was around $85/mo with a E4GT ($225) and also tested VZW at around $95/mo (Galaxy Nexus, $335).

With all of this, I break even at around 8 months on the extra cost of the Galaxy Nexus compared to my old plan on Sprint, and around month 4 or 5 if I would have used VZW.

If I decide to get a new phone after 1 year, I would have to pay full price on a new device on any of the carriers w/o contract extension; that ends up saving me around $150 after a year.

If I wait 2 years, assuming that I have not yet upgraded at the 1 year point, I am still ahead by $200, even with discounted upgrade pricing.

All in all, prepaid seems to be the way to go, especially for those of us who like to frequently upgrade devices.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] :
Assuming you aren't seduced by LTE. I agree 100%. Well posted.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] bfroehlich:
Ok, so basically the conversation I had with the ST customer service rep was useless. He asked me if I do normal things with my phone (use the internet on a daily basis, Twitter running in the background, download music/movies, etc.) Then he asked if I used tethering, and I said I did very rarely. When I mentioned that, he told me it was in strict violation in STs TOS to tether and made me agree to not do it anymore. I was unaware of this (because I didn't read the TOS fully) and might consider another provider.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] jimmyz:
thanks but one quick question- I was assuming based on straightalk's coverage map that it voice roamed on both att's and tmobile's network but NOT on data so when you mention coverage you are referring to data. I am right?
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] :
Okay. I took a couple pics of our current literature made available to customers and associates. Maddeningly vague and frustrating as you can see. After talking with a few people I firmly believe there is a cap, they just won't give a firm number. The general rule I tell customers is if it works for you and you don't get caught? More power to you. If I do stumble upon a hard figure I'll let you guys know.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] thos25:
I left Sprint for T mobile monthly 4g. $60 for unlimited talk/text and 2 GB. Very happy so far. No contract is the way to go.

Unfortunately I may end up back in one soon as my daughter gets old enough for her own line. Saves quite a bit to go with a contract (t mobile value plan) when I have more than 2 lines.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] martonikaj:
I'm pretty sure theres no roaming. You get the coverage for the SIM you get and that's it. Someone using it can confirm.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] adelmundo:
If you are an individual only plan, almost always prepaid is the way to go. Once you get into multiple lines in the same household, then it almost always makes sense to go with a contract. The only contract for a family plan I know of that is pretty cheap is the MetroPCS plan of 4 lines for $100/month, but you will have to use a CDMA compatible phone on that plan (either bought from them or flashed to them).