yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Reuven007:
I think this forum in general and this thread in particular is one of the best I have seen anywhere! Kudos to Codesplice and many other excellent contributors.

I have read and reread some of the most informative postings and believe I now understand the whole concept. But my wife and I are planning to plunge into this after many years of captive post paid plans and no experience with prepaid. I need some clarifications.

First, we each own Galaxy Note II GT-N7100 (International version). Our area already supports the T-Mobile 1900 spectrum.

We are long time GV users (since Grand Central era and our original T-Mobile G1 phones). Here is where I want to make sure I understand things correctly:

* Codesplice states that using VOIP option is voluntary. So if I only need to make Google Voice outgoing calls to bypass the 100 minutes limit, why would I need anything else?

* Doesn't GV use the Data part of the service?

* What is the

rea

l added value of using GrooveIP, Talkatone, and PBXes + SipDroid?

* Would disabling T-Mobile's voice mail automatically route messages to GV voice mail?

Also, customer support states that tethering is "included" in this $30 plan. I kind of don't believe it, but is it technically possible and would they find out?

Again, thanks to everyone.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] whitedragonz83:
Dialing through Google Voice is like dialing through the Phone app. It uses the 100 minutes, but it allows you to show your Google Voice number when dialing.

The real value is VOIP / data voice instead of cellular voice (which uses minutes). Without these, you will have to maintain under 100 minutes or be charged 10 cents/minute for overages.

I believe so, but hopefully someone else can verify answer this...

I can tether through apps/rooting/etc... but unless they changed something, tethering is additional fees.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Pkt_Lnt:
Yes, it works perfectly as long as the call to you is via your Google Voice number.

And to add an affirmative to all the other answers from @whitedragonz83.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Reuven007:
I downloaded Talkatone, set it up and it works fine for outgoing calls. What about incoming calls to my pre-paid T-Mobile phone number? Is there a way to set it up to bypass the 100 minutes?
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] c0LdFire:
I've never had a problem with tethering on this plan either, even via the native options. I've heard that you can use an agent switching addon if they start to catch you by your browser string, but that's about it. I doubt T-Mobile cares enough to shut anyone off so long as you aren't torrenting or something.

Granted, I tether maybe 3-4 times a year for 20-30mb. There'd have to be a situation bad enough at work that I can't fix it on my phone and have to use my laptop and there's no WiFI nearby. It just isn't needed often in my case.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Pkt_Lnt:
No, TMo prepad does not have a conditional call forwarding feature that could possibly do that. You need to use Google Voice to have the ability to route incoming calls to cellular vs voip.

Check the OP and the FAQ.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] codesplice:
Glad I could help! Do let me know how AutoAP works out for you. I haven't given that a try yet.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] drakebld:
Another app well worth exploring for this setup: Google Voice Full Integration (I'd link but I'm a new member and thus not allowed - easily googleable though). Normally, when you have GV forward texts to the default SMS app, it uses a pseudo-number to reply to, which means you have to have to either use the GV app exclusively for texting or add the pseudonumbers onto each person's contact info. A real hassle. This app gets rid of that, so when you have GV send you texts, it all goes through the whichever SMS app you like (GoSMS, default messenger, whatever) and appears as if the person had send you his real number only. Basically, it erases all evidence that you're using GV, giving you the stock (or customized) experience seamlessly while keeping GV features. That way when someone sends you a text to let you have her number, you don't get some wacky pseudonumber show up in your received SMS box, you get the real thing.

The only problem is it's tricky figuring out the notification settings in GV, Full Integration, and your SMS app to only get one notification rather than two. Worth the hassle for me, though.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] martonikaj:
You don't get LTE with Straight Talk. And why would you port your number back out of GV? Just have it forward to your new ST #.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] ericshmerick:
I've bought the full version of Prepaid Widget and am having issues with widgets. When I go to configure them, my screen remains blank and the config screen never loads, so I can't use the widgets.

Anyone else having this issue?
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] codesplice:
Nope, I haven't seen that issue. Have you tried contacting the developer? They're usually pretty responsive.

support@fahrbot.co.uk
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] ericshmerick:
Ended up figuring it out. Needed to set Indicators for each code.

OP, can you share your configuration settings for the widgets? I'm not getting any useful information on my widget. For example, my Data widget just says Data and doesn't display the information as in your OP.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] codesplice:
You'll need to figure out the USSD codes to use with your carrier, as they all seem to be a bit different. For T-Mobile Monthly 4G, I use #932# for data usage and #225# for Balance, Renewal Date, and Renewal Price (though I don't really monitor the price since it always stays the same).

Once you know the codes you need to use, it's just a matter of setting it up:

1) Launch Prepay Widget. Grant it Superuser Permissions.

2) Tap Manage USSD Codes.

3) Tap (+) New USSD Code...

4) Enter the code you want to use (I'll do #932# as an example).

5) It will run the USSD query and show you the response from your carrier. In this case, I get "You have used 1.2137 GB." If that's what you're after, hit Yes at the prompt.

6) Tap (+) Add Indicator and give it a name ("Data Used" is how I name it).

7) Tap the underlined number in the USSD Response that corresponds with the value you're trying to set ("1.2137").

8) I like to also select the "Add Delimiter" option and put in "GB" so I know what units we're talking about. Note that T-Mobile (at least) will return the Data Used value in MB up until you exceed 1GB of usage, and then in GB. Early in the month, my widget will tell me that I've used 641.53GB (since I've got that GB delimiter added). I don't really see a way around it :(

9) To limit the indicator to just two decimal values, tap on it again under Indicator Text. Select "Use value modifications" and change the Round Value to 2.

Your Indicator is now set up and from there you can set up your widget.

1) Long-press homescreen, select Widgets > Prepay Widget > and the desired size.

2) Tap the Indicator option at the top and pick what you want the widget to show. You can then adjust the text color, font sizes, etc to your liking.

3) For the Data Used widget (at least) I like to select the Widget click action (at the bottom) and set it to Send USSD request. That way I can always get an on-demand data usage report.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] BrianDigital:
Really, it took me while if mins to get setup. I use groove ip though just cause it's so simple and only use it on wifi
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] ericshmerick:
Hmm. I spent some time this morning setting up the Tasker profile just as you have and I'm having one issue. When I leave my Wifi network, the phone does fine with disabling airplane mode and turning on the radio. When I just got home, it re-connected with wifi but didn't turn on airplane mode.

If I were to troubleshoot tasker, what setting should I double-check?
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] codesplice:
I would take a look at your main task. Any place there is a logic check (like an IF statement) there will be a small line next to it that indicates how the statement is currently evaluated: green for True, red for False. Take a look at the beginning of your primary task and see what the test for internet connectivity is showing. You can tape the "play" button at the bottom right to manually execute the task. Does it work then? You may need to increase the amount of time the task waits to check for connectivity.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] ericshmerick:
Thanks. Should I check "if" in step 6? Currently, it's unchecked...
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] codesplice:
Nope that should be good as is.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] bobsbbq:
I had to add in a wait task as when switching it could not connect and find the internet connection fast enough. Sorry not where I can give exact details at the moment but I hope this helps.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] scoobdude:
Just wanted to let every one know i got mine up and running in Austin (T-mobile $30) just now and wanted to give a few pointers on stuff i did no know coming from sprint and never having gsm.

1) once you insert the sim you will get a voicemail alert. You have to set up your voice mail to make this go away. call is free ( I think)

2) there are free (Again, I think) numbers for customer support, balance and all that stuff that codesplice posted one page previous. I did not know they were free :D

3) I did not have data initially. I had to select the correct APN profile (none were selected by default). This threw me off coming from CDMA.

4) I also had an activation code that was invalid. called support and they had me up and runing in less than 10 minutes.

5) They gave me a cool number :p

Hope that helps all the cdma guys
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] FlynDice:
I'm using a new galaxy nexus with cm9 rom and using my current google voice number which I ported to google voice while using Sprint. I still have my EVO 4g on Sprint for about a week until the contract runs out. I called and had t-mobile disable voicemail but my problem is that if someone calls and I decline the call because i'm busy or just don't want to answer then, the call gets forwarded to the t-mobile voicemail system, not MY voicemail but the system that asks if you want to leave a message for someone on this system enter a number blah blah blah... So, is this normal or is my T-mobile voicemail not quite completely disabled? Right now I've got google-voice working for voicemail & texts but only with GrooVe IP. If I enable the forward to my T-mobile number, if I don't answer or I decline the call the caller gets sent to this system voicemail. I did find a setting in the android dialer for call forwarding that has settings for Forward when Busy, Forward when Unanswered, and Forward when unreachable but it appears I am unable to disable these and if I erase them they just come back....

Anyone else?

Any ideas?

Thanks.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] codesplice:
Hmm, interesting scenario - and one that I don't think I have considered. Since there is no conditional call forwarding to be had on T-Mobile prepaid, there is no way to forward a rejected call to the Google Voice voicemail system. I'm afraid that is just something that will have to be lived with. I'll add a note to that effect on the original post in the morning.

To address the rest of your post, it does sound like your T-Mobile voicemail hasn't actually been disabled.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] scoobdude:
If your VM is disabled, when you call your cell phone number it should keep ringing and get a busy signal once the call is ended/declined/ what ever term you want to use, on your end.

If your VM is disabled and you call you GV number, the phone will ring 5 times (no matter when you decline the call) and then will go to GV VM.

Which number are you having people call? If its your cell phone and they are getting your cell phone VM...then it probably has not been disabled. If they are calling your GV and getting your cell phone VM then again it probably has not been disabled.

If on tmobile *8646 is the free short code to CS
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] codesplice:
This is correct; I just tested it to confirm. I called my Google Voice number (since I don't know my actual carrier phone number ;) ) from my desk and rejected the call on my Nexus. The incoming call continued to ring 5 times and then went to my Google Voice voicemail. I tested this both with a GrooveIP call and a standard voice call - same behavior.

I also went back and tested calling my carrier number (after looking it up from Settings > About Phone > Status). Once the call was rejected, it went immediately to a busy/error signal.

If this isn't the behavior you are seeing then your carrier voicemail has not been disabled.

(thanks scoobdude for clarifying before I had a chance to test)
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] bongostl:
So i love this method...and have put it into good use! (with a modified version using CSipSimple rather than groove ip...I wasn't happy with the call quality).

But, I'm having a problem!

Whenever airplane mode goes into affect, my NFC turns off. I have gone into the tasker profile, and nfc is NOT checked...but it still turns off!

I need NFC (I have an NFC tag in my car which turns wifi off / bluetooth on..which triggers airplane mode to turn off, etc...).!

Any advice would be greatly, greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] codesplice:
Glad you're enjoying this approach - if I may ask, what SIP provider are you using? I haven't used the SIP approach in a while (since I found the voice-over-google-talk approach to be so simple), but I'm interested in giving it another go.

On to your question... have you confirmed that you are running the latest Tasker beta? I'm on 1.2.2b3m (via Tasker > Menu > Info > About/Credits) and my NFC stays on when Airplane Mode is enabled.

If you manually toggle Wifi (rather than triggering the change with an NFC tag), does NFC still get disabled?
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] codesplice:
To perhaps clarify a bit...

If you disable your T-Mobile voicemail:

Calls to your Google Voice number will fall back to the Google Voice voicemail system

Calls to your T-Mobile number will not go to any voicemail.

There's no way to intercept calls made to your T-Mobile number, but calls made to your GV number can be forwarded to whatever VoIP solution you choose.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] sonwon:
I have T-Mobile voicemail disabled and my calls go to Google voice. Search for my postings, a few pages back I explained how.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] adrman:
I tether my N7 to my gnex all the time through the native wifi ap and have had no problems.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Spermatic:
I had just signed a two year contract with Sprint for the GNex when I read about this plan. I just ordered an unlocked Gnex and am going to return the Sprint phone tomorrow. This beats out on a a two year SERO contract for me. Average monthly cost of $57 vs 30 wins. Savings of $180+ dollars in a year plus I'm not tied down to a contract or stuck with a phone.

I just hope I don't get a DOA phone buying used from Amazon. Btw, anywhere ever buy a used phone from an Amazon Merchant? It's fulfilled by Amazon if that makes any difference.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] eksasol:
If its fullfill by Amazon then you can still return it for a refund if there are any issues. I must say its very easy to return to exchange items with Amazon.

Sent from my R800x
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] basketthis:
Anyone else notice this "T-Mobile top app" in the market? Claims to be free WiFi calling that doesn't use your minutes...

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.vivox.bobsled

Even claims to work if your phone doesn't have a calling plan. Looks like it may be a good replacement for Vonage, grooveip, etc. if it works. I haven't had the opportunity to try it yet.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] c0LdFire:
I'd heard about that awhile back but never bothered to try it thinking it was a social network type deal only. If it can call mobile / landlines now, that might definitely be worth looking in to! Anyone that has used it yet care to report on it?

Edit: No inbound, no way to change the outbound caller ID... bleh, not sure this is ready for my use.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] edgeball:
I just installed sipdroid, linked it with google voice and deleted it afterwards.

Then I set up the pbxes account with the stock sip so that it's always on and also takes calls. That works just fine for me. No additional apps
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] whitedragonz83:
Last month I had issues with my auto renew of my service with T Mobile. I want to report that this month I didn't have any issues so it must have been am isolated glitch there in the few days that I was renewing last month
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] altimax98:
Same here.. That's what I'm using and its working great
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] ellroy80:
I've had to screw around with this some more, because I was having some issues with my setup.

1) GV SMS Integration was NOT working on my Nexus 4, even though I thought it was. Texts were actually being sent from my T-Mob number. Guess I'll have to text directly from GV. Hopefully Google integrates everything in Key Lime Pime (For the love of God, Google, PLEASE integrate GV natively into Android).

2) Groove IP was terrible. Apparently quiet and echo-ey at the other end. I have gone back to using SipDroid, using the speex codec.

Just thought I'd post in case people are having similar problems.

EDIT: I have installed Groove Forwarder to take care of whether calls go to Sipdroid or the native dialer when I'm on WiFi. When on WiFi, it seems as though calls still go to the native dialer - both SipDroid and the native dialer ring, and as soon as I answer a call using SipDroid, the native dialer displays a message in the notification bar stating that I had a missed call. Is this what is supposed to happen??????

EDIT 2: Groove Forwarder seems to be working properly now. Calls go only to Sipdroid when on wifi, and to the native dialer when on cellular data. Not sure what fixed it, I think I just toggled some of the Groove Forwarder options a couple of times.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] oldpot:
if i miss a payment on the $30 plan how long have i got to start paying before i lose the account is it 60 days ???
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] whitedragonz83:
90 days I believe.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] kozmo21:
Yes, after 60 days it goes to pay as you go plan.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] oldpot:
one says 60 one says 90 ??? and what happens if i let it go would you be able to get new sim and start again ??
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Pkt_Lnt:
http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/monthly-4g-plans-faqs#more
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] whitedragonz83:
Ah. 90 days from last refill or 60 days from the end of your last cycle.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] jchi18:
I am trying to use tasker and secure settings to automate my airplane mode toggle. I followed the instructions included in the first post but it being to to airplane mode without wifi.

I have a nexus 4 (Android 4.2.1). I changed all the settings in tasker to point to secure settings for airplane mode radios and airplane mode on. Did anyone else have this issue?
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] altimax98:
Secure settings can no longer adjust airplane mode from 4.2+ to my understanding
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Pkt_Lnt:
Not true. Before 4.2, you could do it with Tasker alone, now you need Secure Settings to do it.

From the OP:

Search for this line:

Automatically toggle Airplane Mode when connected to wifi.

Then show content.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] jchi18:
I understand that AutoAP does not work with 4.2+ but I thought Secure Settings worked with Tasker.

---------- Post added at 11:54 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:44 PM ----------

Note that I am able to create a task of enabling airplane mode (turning off cell only) via tasker and secure settings. But the profile created to automatically do it when wifi is connected does not work.

Note the wifi is available during airplane mode.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] post-mortem:
Isn't it supposed to be 30 seconds, and not 30 minutes? I think the way it's set up now, you'd have to be connected to wifi for up to 30 minutes before Tasker would disable airplane mode.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] acegolfer:
Have been using sipdroid+pbxes for about a month on N4.

I can't receive incoming calls, unless I make an outgoing call first. The sipdroid has been "green" and I checked the call monitor in pbxes.org to confirm the incoming call routed to the extension properly.

It seems that sipdroid loses registration after 20 minutes of inactivity.

SOLVED: Changing data center from www7 (Miami) to www4 (New York) fixed it.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] cabutr:
Are you using the WiFi mod that keeps it on while phone is sleeping?
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] phychmasher:
The Wifi High Performance widget solved this one for me, but that was on a Galaxy Exhibit on Gingerbread. Not sure if there are any issues with that on JB.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] acegolfer:
Thanks.

From my research, there are 3 free ways to receive GV calls in Skype.

1. ippi method mentioned in the above quote,

2. sipgate's skype forwarding (temporarily closed for new accounts),

3. pbxes' skypeID@skype PTSN dial extension (w/ 3 minute limit)

My current setup is pbxes + sipdroid (w/ speex), which is pretty reliable even on 3g. But I heard skype's call qulaity is superb on 3g. So I'm going to experiment all 3 methods to see whether I can get better call quality on 3g than my current set up.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] adrman:
Almost time for a t-mobile refill. Does anyone have e any current callingmart discount codes? Thanks.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] whitedragonz83:
Yep. Attached.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] adrman:
Just received the same email. Lol!
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Crummy:
So GrooveIP seemed okay, in low data area's it wasn't very good call quality.... So I downloaded SIPDroid, registered an account for sip2sip.info, ect... everything is setup correctly as it receives a green light, however when I try to make a call it hangs up instantly.. anyone else have this issue?
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] acegolfer:
Perhaps, sip2sip doesn't offer free outbound calls.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] adrman:
Just a question regarding the callingmart refills. Up until now I've been buying the $60 monthly plan refills. Will the Paygo refills also work on the 100min/5gb plan? I was thinking of the $100 demonination. Thanks.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] TheCuban:
Has anyone tried GrooveIP, sipdroid w/ PBXes (which I think limits you to 2000 minutes per month on free account), and Skype? What's the best? Currently I am on the 30$ plan, using GrooveIP, but my gf and mom say the echo they hear is ridiculous. They put up with it because it's saving me a lot of money per month (30$ vs 90$ with AT&T) which is a big thing as a student. :) So, what are your opinions?

I was thinking maybe trying the Skype US Unlimited Landline/Mobile calling for 2.99$ a month and then using the above setup to make sure GV and my mobile number ring Skype. Is that a better setup than GrooveIP?

If GrooveIP didn't have echo and didn't drop the call, even when at my home wifi (which I have wireless N/AC and have a 20/2 connection) then it would of been perfect.

What are you guys' opinions?

EDIT: I wouldn't even need to call Skype using Google Voice so it can show my number because it seems like Skype allows you to choose what number to show using "Caller ID". I'm thinking of trying the subscription for a month and seeing how it is, I've been reading online and a lot of people seem to be pleased about the quality. I am looking at this guide for making GV and Skype work well together.

http://lifehacker.com/5878980/how-to-make-skype-play-nicely-with-google-voice
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] acegolfer:
Update on the 3 methods above.

1. ippi + pbxes

It takes about 3-5 seconds for skype to start ringing once the call is placed.

There's no 3 minute limit.

2. sipgate

Skype starts to ring after 7-15 seconds after I call the sipgate DID number.

3. pbxes' own method

3-5 seconds to ring Skype

The call gets disconnected at 3 minute mark.

Call quality seems to be the same, no matter how many forwarding is involved. For example, #1 method involves GV > gtalk > pbxes > ippi > skype.

Conclusion:

1. I'm going to use #1 ippi as a backup.

2. I still prefer pbxes/sipdroid (w/ speex codec) as my main VOIP solution because a) it's battery efficient, b) free in/outbound calls and c) it rings immediately when GV call comes in.