yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Nexus 4 General] sashusmom:
Just to add to Clockcycle's answer, when you call tmobile prepaid CSR, sometimes they don't even know that this plan- the $30 4g 100min is sold by tmobile online. They still say it is only sold by walmart. If you get one of these csr, hang up and call again till you get someone more knowledgeable.
[Nexus 4 General] revamper:
I was referring to the coverage.
[Nexus 4 General] clockcycle:
You would have to compare their coverage maps. We assume they are both using T-Mobile's network to it's fullest. But never know what limitations each might have. I do know that straight talk does have (had?) a roaming agreement between att / tmo on their byop service plans. Where tmobile states it does not offer roaming on prepaid.

Also to consider is that I was told tmobile customers have priority access on their network/ towers as oppsed to mvnos by a rep. Something about mvno getting access to their lower end spectrum.
[Nexus 4 General] graffixnyc:
Yeah that's what I heard as well. Direct tmo customers have network priority. I do plan on trying both the tmo $30 plan for a month and then ST tmo for a month. What do I really have to lose? When I do do it I will post my experience with both.
[Nexus 4 General] austriker27:
I didnt see this addressed on tmobile website but is this plan eligible for LTE when it comes to my area?

I am looking at getting the z10 and possibly one from canada or uk to access tmobile's LTE earlier than when the phone comes out through tmobile (assuming the lte network is coming sooner than that)
[Nexus 4 General] Ydoow:
Don't mean to turn this into a help thread, but my SIM card from TMobile hasn't activated after doing the setup about 20 hours ago.

I set it up to transfer my old phone number from verizon, maybe I made an error in that form.

Tried redoing the activation, but the activation key is no longer valid (So I guess something was accepted in the first submission). Also can't register with "My Tmobile" because the phonenumber isn't recognized as being in thier database.

I was under the impression activation should be instant, or maybe up to 2 hours.

I'm heading to a TMobile store later today, but I know the Brick&Mortar stores are totally separate from the online TMobile, so I have low expectations that they'll help.

I also recall them telling me I can't buy a SIM Card there without a phone and had to order a SIM Card online (which I did with the one I just tried to activate).

But assuming they can't help, I have no idea what to do short of buying another SIM card and waiting a week to redo it all.

Which I really. Really. Don't want to do.

Edit: I even made a payment for the $30/month plan. However the charge isn't showing on my card thankfully (?)
[Nexus 4 General] Mr Ian B:
call tmobile.
[Nexus 4 General] sashusmom:
Sometimes the activation numbers don't work online, and tmobile csr will have to fix it over the phone.

Also read it works better to port your number after your serviced is up and running. That's what I did and had no problems with the port. There is a special number for porting. Don't know offhand what it is. Google it.
[Nexus 4 General] chancy319:
Well, two things you forgot to mention.

You can't receive calls on it.

It messes with the system sounds due a massive bug.

---------- Post added at 01:38 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:58 AM ----------

I've used a few different apps to complement the paltry 100 minutes.

Talkatone

GrooveIP

Skype

I've been using this plan for close to a year ever since I got my Galaxy Nexus. I use Google Voice in conjunction with an app called Talkatone. Totally free calling. However, voice quality isn't very good even on Wi-Fi. I've had people on the other end who complain that it's hard to hear me. At another time, my voice can be crystal clear. I just got my Nexus 4 a few days ago and started using Skype ($3 a month for UNLIMITED calling to USA and Canada) and I've never gotten any complaints. People always say my voice is crystal clear. However, the only downside is that I can't receive calls on my Skype number which sucks but it's not a big deal for now.

I used GrooveIP and immediately uninstalled because calling is only available on Wi-Fi. If you want calling on mobile network, you have to buy the paid version.
[Nexus 4 General] Censura_Umbra:
Too bad, GRoove IP is awesome. It has so many settings to fix the sound issue you had with talkatone, and it works flawlessly with your stock dialer and can make and receive calls. Plus, $6 for the app, or $3 a month? Which sounds like a better deal. I've been using Groove IP for a while, since my dad liked to forget to pay the bill. Now it will prove useful on this plan.

I also like the feature that allows you to dial from your stock dialer and it will automatically use Groove IP if you are connected to wifi
[Nexus 4 General] chancy319:
Buying the app isn't an issue with me if I'm obviously choosing to pay $3 a month for Skype. I read the reviews and a lot of people were complaining about voice quality which was what made me not buy it in the end. Also, since it's only Wi-Fi on the free version, I had no way of testing the mobile network quality.
[Nexus 4 General] Censura_Umbra:
Good point, but you had 15 mins to try it and get a refund. It works pretty well, (at least on wifi and 4G) You just need to callibrate it by calling a phone you own and testing the sound and changing some settings to fix any echo
[Nexus 4 General] chancy319:
Okay. I just got my Nexus 4 a few days ago so I'm pretty much trying every VOIP solution before I settle down with one. Already tried Vonage but it messes with system sounds. Thanks for reminding me about the refund window. I'll buy the Groove IP tomorrow morning. What are the ideal settings to get clear voice quality on mobile network?
[Nexus 4 General] svengalis:
It's a waste of money. It works no different from the vonage app.
[Nexus 4 General] austriker27:
Ahem, any thoughts on this?

sent from my mobile (HTC G2)
[Nexus 4 General] acegolfer:
Comparison of 10 different VoIP solutions: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2120878
[Nexus 4 General] chancy319:
Hmmm...he shares most of the same sentiments with me in relation to Talkatone, GrooveIP, Vonage and Skype.
[Nexus 4 General] andy o:
People need to be more specific when they say "voice quality". The GV options are using Google Talk, so they use their codec and their network. Unless the app is doing extra processing like Talkatone's compression, the quality itself will be all but identical. Talkatone uncompressed, Groove IP and Spare Phone should have very similar if not the same quality. There are other things like latency and voice cutting off that can be attributed to the app's options, so being specific can maybe help solve some problems with "quality".
[Nexus 4 General] add119:
groove ip have good audio recognization with strong wifi meaning if u have 25 mbps or higher you wont have audio issue as i use it alot.
[Nexus 4 General] acegolfer:
Google VoIP codec. You will learn how codecs can affect the voice quality.
[Nexus 4 General] Mr Ian B:
Chancy;

I have been using vonage for a month and sometimes it is great and other times it lags, breaks up,etc. I can tolerate it but after your response above, will give Skype a try. Does it work over wifi only?? I don't care the people can't call me on it. I just reject the call and call them back right away. It is only $3 for unlimited mobile calls in the USA? I don't want to do video Skype calls, just mobile to mobile calls since we only get 100 mins on this plan.

Tia,

Ian B
[Nexus 4 General] chancy319:
Skype works on Wi-Fi and mobile network. I've only had my Nexus 4 for a few days but so far the quality is really amazing. I domt know your location but you'd have to be in a really, really terrible coverage area for the quality to be bad. At $3 a month, it's worth a test to see how it works out for you.

It is mobile to mobile calling not just video calls to Skype users. In the Skype app, you can call phone numbers.

You buy plans on their website. Google "Skype unlimited US and Canada". If you want a different plan, visit their website. They have different plans like a North America continental and various plans to like South America and other countries. I picked the unlimited USA and Canada because it was cheap at ($3 a month) and I pretty much just call only in the USA.
[Nexus 4 General] Mr Ian B:
I am here in Austin, Texas. I only call in USA and Puerto Rico. For $3.00 bucks, it is worth a try for a month. The other person does not need to have Skype correct?

Thanks again,

Ian B
[Nexus 4 General] austriker27:
WILL THIS PLAN BE GETTING LTE AS ITS RELEASED REGIONALLY?

sent from my mobile (HTC G2)
[Nexus 4 General] revamper:
Probably.
[Nexus 4 General] chancy319:
That's correct. They don't need to have Skype. As far as it is a phone number in USA or Canada, you should be able to call it.

I'm on my PC now so here's the link: http://beta.skype.com/en/rates/

Scroll down to subscriptions and you will see Unlimited USA and Canada.

---------- Post added at 05:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:59 PM ----------

Hopefully. But why are you bothered? The Nexus 4 doesn't have an LTE chip as far as I'm aware. Although, I remember reading something about a hidden compartment for the LTE chip which was never installed or something. Can't really remember.
[Nexus 4 General] Eric-1987:
Yes it has lte people have already used it.
[Nexus 4 General] andy o:
I know what codecs are. My point was that the apps I mentioned use the same codec and network, the Google Talk one. So there should be no difference in quality such as some compression related audible artifacts or frequency range. But other things like latency of echo cancellation artifacts can be dependent on the app, so being specific helps.

I recall reading something about GTalk supporting other codes but IIRC that was for GTalk to GTalk.
[Nexus 4 General] acegolfer:
You are correct. Gtalk supports many codecs including iSAC for gtalk to gtalk. But GV forwarded gtalk only supports ulaw (=G711u = PCMU).
[Nexus 4 General] austriker27:
I dont have a nexus 4, per my prior post I am looking at getting the new bb z10
[Nexus 4 General] corrado85:
I am having issue with $30 prepaid plan and google voice

I use Tmobile Optimus L9 for my sister. I got a new google voice number which she uses to call me with. But on her account i see it counts towards her 100 minutes counter.

Whats the reason.. I cant figure out. Can someone tell me what I need to do in settings to fully rely on google voice account not tmobile. She's not even using tmobile assigned number

Thanks.
[Nexus 4 General] kstar54:
I am getting my N4 on Monday, but my Verizon contract does not end until March 23. I was thinking of getting the $30 pp SIM and when my contract with VZW Runs out, porting my number to Google Voice, and then just using that on the N4 over what ever number TMo gives me. I am not concerned about the 100 minute limitation, mostly concerned that I don't lose my phone number and that it works of the N4. Anyone see an issue with that scenario?
[Nexus 4 General] ghostrid3r:
Incorrect! N4 does have LTE, it works, and is a LTE supported Tmo device.
[Nexus 4 General] add119:
Nexus 4 tweak for allowing lte.

Thanks my comments for the sources.

http://www.tmonews.com/2012/11/nexu...ctivation-on-one-frequency-and-its-good-news/
[Nexus 4 General] andy o:
This is the Nexus 4 forum though, so most of us have experience primarily with this phone, or if not, are asking about it specifically. I would imagine also that most of us don't have a Blackberry, but some of the basic things should apply I expect.
[Nexus 4 General] svengalis:
You have to use a third party app like Groove IP to get free mobile VOIP calls with google voice. I just use the vonage app since it's free.
[Nexus 4 General] tanyacruz:
Hello, I've been finding a way on how to get the $30 5GB data plan but I couldn't figure out of to do so in Tmobile's website. I only found the 4G monthly list but nothing on directions or shoppping cart add list. I'm using my Nexus 4 and I'll be getting a new simcard from Tmobile.

Thank you for your help.
[Nexus 4 General] ziddey:
didn't look too hard. http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/monthly-4g-plans it's not hidden at all and even listed before the $30 1500min/msg 30mb plan
[Nexus 4 General] clintb:
I think tanyacruz may be confused as to why it appears you can't just select a plan directly on the site, as I was a couple of days ago.

From the information I've gleaned (new at this prepaid thing), these are the basics:

1. Buy a SIM card activation kit: http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/prepaid-phones/prepaid-sim-cards

2. Receive kit in the mail and then purchase a prepaid card, from a place such as callingmart.com

3. Read instructions that came with SIM kit for activation.

4. Use information from the prepaid card to top up/add minutes to your TMO account.

If anyone could confirm that, it would be appreciated.
[Nexus 4 General] sashusmom:
Once you have your sim card/activation kit, going online is straight forward-following the directions and prompts. I had no troubles. My activation code worked without problems (sometimes they do fail and you have to call tmo csr- they will fix it over the phone even though it's online activation only. If your code fails not much more you can do online!)

I also read on other forums that it is easier and quicker to port your number after getting your account up and running with a temporary number. Then call the porting csr number and they will take care of it. That's the way I did it and the number ported overnite- it could have been faster but when I woke up it was done. At least this way you will have a working phone till the port goes thru.
[Nexus 4 General] NYCguy2020:
Yep,that's pretty much it.You get to select your plan when you are actually activating your service.just follow the instructions that comes with the SIM kit.
[Nexus 4 General] austriker27:
Yea I realized that but didnt seem like there is a thread specifically for this plan elsewhere on the forums. Sorry for the confusion, I should have explained that first time around! (Although my sig has my current phones, which I understand can be age-old though for some people).

Im just really hoping the LTE will work (once it comes to my area) as I dont have a device right now that would even get LTE (HTC Desire Z/G2)

Thanks
[Nexus 4 General] sashusmom:
platinumtel

I realize this is a tmobile thread, but I just found out that ptel (platinumtel) is a new mvno under tmobile- previously using sprint's towers, but they have just switched over to gsm and tmobile. I have ordered a sim to give it a try.

They have monthly plans-$40 or $50, or "real paygo"- 5 cents/min, 2 cents/text, 10cents/mb data, and 4g speed.

There is also a special promotion- free sim, free shipping, and $20 off their $40 or $50 refill card for monthly or paygo. Use this code- PTELSLICK20-on their site. It was still working as of last nite. I got a $40 card and sim for $20. Gonna see if it's cheaper for me than the $30 4g monthly on tmo. Ptel is still working out their changeover kinks so that's probably why they are running this promo. The $40 refils are good for 150 days and $$ roll over with new refils if you refil before they expire. Howard forums has a good thread.

http://www.howardforums.com/forumdisplay.php/712-Platinumtel

Forgot to add they support conditional call forwarding!
[Nexus 4 General] IRX120:
Yeah all you do. I had the plan on a cheap phone with large Sim card, all you have to do is call T-Mobile when you get the activation kit, and they'll transfer your number and plan as well
[Nexus 4 General] chancy319:
How did you set it to show your number? Mine shows a number with an area code of 631.
[Nexus 4 General] rich2k4:
Hi guys i'm hoping someone can help me by answering a couple of questions.

I understand how to set up voip with google voice, but here is what I am hoping to accomplish

1.) If i make an outgoing call using the phone's native dialer, I want it to ask whether i want to make the call through my carrier (while still going through google voice) or through a voip app (going through GV)

2.) If someone dials my google voice number, is there any way to have the ability to make a choice between answering the call with carrier minutes, or answering with voip?

which voip app will allow me to do both of these?

Thanks
[Nexus 4 General] ziddey:
1.) You set Google Voice to always use Google Voice. This will cause all cell calls to use your GV number. If you don't set a default, you will be prompted whether to use the dialer (cell) or your sip client

2.) You have various ways of doing this. The most basic way is to have GV ring both your cell and sip. However, this may prove unpredictable. A more elaborate setup would involve GV ringing your sip via a DID (callcentric / ipkall), and having it forward to your cell if you decline the call / sip unavailable. The downfall to this is that callerid presented to your cell will be your GV number. This isn't a problem if you decline the call since you'll already have seen who's calling, but if your sip is unavailable, it'll only come through to your cell as your GV number. But it works.
[Nexus 4 General] ahmadshawki:
Hey guys. I read the 112 pages and you guys are amazing. I was missing a lot of stuff.

Still, I have two questions:

1. When I get the SIM card kit, do I have to pay right away? I know it says a prepaid plan, but on eBay some people offer card refills on your T-Mobile number. Which of course I won't have except after activation, right?

2. I tried using the built-in dialer SIP option, named "internet calling". I set it up with PBXes.org account through SIPDroid, as per a very old tutorial for Android 2.3.3. It worked and I can call people from it, but I can never receive any calls on it when people call me Google Voice number. Is there something I'm missing? I checked the box that says "Receive Calls" but still didn't. Does anyone have a newer tutorial or may be some tips to properly set this up.

I just thought it would be better to use the built-in options vs third party apps.

Thanks in advance.

Note: I'm trying all this on the Wi-Fi network until the SIM arrives...
[Nexus 4 General] hp420:
this guide is for free incoming/outgoing calls with google voice on nexus7, but should still apply for nexus4, as well.

http://www.redmondpie.com/how-to-make-receive-calls-on-nexus-7-using-google-voice/
[Nexus 4 General] acegolfer:
Csipsimple can do both. However, for your 2nd question, it's a little tricky because no app can intercept Tmo calls. What happens is both the phone app (for your Tmo #) and csipsimple app (for Google chat) ring simultaneously.

FYI, if you use asterisk server, you can do fancy things such as have VoIP ring for 10 seconds and then Tmo ring later.

---------- Post added at 08:47 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:40 AM ----------

You didn't mention whether you can receive the same call through sipdroid. This will tell whether the problem lies with sip client or pbxes.
[Nexus 4 General] BrianDigital:
they might be a better way now, but a lot of us toggle into airplane mode and leave wifi on. that way there is no option but to use voip. there is an app called auto ap but there are ways to do it in tasker
[Nexus 4 General] corrado85:
thanks mate

I've gone ahead and downloaded Groove ip full version. it logged in to the gmail account. on gmail voice settings i made sure the calls are forwarded to google voice chat. is there anything else I need to do.. ?

is groove ip= SIP account? ..
[Nexus 4 General] ahmadshawki:
Thanks a lot. I'll read it and make sure I follow it.

Well, after the initial setup, I uninstalled SIPDroid. I didn't want to use a third party app. I only wanted it to setup PBXes with Google Voice trunk.

And since you mention it, you may be right about PBXes. Sometimes when I open the internet calling options, the PBXes account is registering.

Still, I don't know what to do.
[Nexus 4 General] gmanb:
What VOIP programs are you guys using?

I have tried the Vonage App, and the Groove IP app.

Both give me sound quality issues. The other person can't hear me properly.

I also tired tweaking the Groove IP settings, but that didn't do anything.

This is over WIFI, - Internet speed is 20Mbps, and upload is 15Mbps.
[Nexus 4 General] machostallion:
This is what I do. I use Llama (similar to Tasker but free in the play store) to turn on airplane mode, enable WiFi and start sipdroid as soon as I connect to my saved Wifi spots.
[Nexus 4 General] svengalis:
If I had to guess I would say most VOIP would be the same because I to tried those both with the same results.

The only other option would be to try this but I am not sure how much better the sound quality would be that is why I have not tried it yet.

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2126964
[Nexus 4 General] thebryceee:
My God, he said it's not rocket science but it sure sounds like it!

Sent from my Nexus 4
[Nexus 4 General] acegolfer:
Do a search. There are prebuilt images currently being discussed in other threads.

My favorite is Piaf purple on ec2.
[Nexus 4 General] chancy319:
Try Skype Unlimited. $2.99 a month. Great voice quality on Wi-Fi and Skype. No tweaking of settings or messing around with menus. Just open the dialer in the app and start calling.
[Nexus 4 General] hp420:
why use skype? Isn't google voice still free for unlimited use nationwide?
[Nexus 4 General] swaggerwocky:
Does anyone have any issues with tethering on this plan? My dad is thinking of switching over to this and uses his iPad with the hotspot on his HTC Evo & Sprint for web browsing/facebook. I want to make sure there aren't any surprises/issues ahead if he does migrate over with a Nexus 4 and this plan.
[Nexus 4 General] acegolfer:
How's your battery life with skype always on over 3g? In my previous phone, skype alone drained battery at the rate of 10% per hour when 3g. I had to find recharging station twice a day. Gave up.
[Nexus 4 General] whahn1983:
Can skype use your google voice number for incoming/outgoing?
[Nexus 4 General] CSX321:
You can't tether on this plan, unless you work around it. There are several threads with discussion and instructions. I think the only reliable way is to use a VPN.
[Nexus 4 General] uEih:
I could and have tethered before and everything works and seems fine.. Do they know when you're tethering and will shut you off later or something?
[Nexus 4 General] sashusmom:
I have an att note and tethered during the last hurricane to 2 tablets just fine.
[Nexus 4 General] happymfeet:
Okay so here's the situation: I wanted to sign up for this plan so I went to make sure my contract with them was up. I was 99% sure it was since I hadn't signed a new one since I bought my G2(over 2 years ago). So I go to the T-Mobile store and they tell me it doesn't expire until August 2014! My brother changed the plan and signed a new contract without my consent. Does anybody think I have a chance of disputing the contract since I never signed anything and knew nothing about it? Could I possibly get just my line cancelled so I could get this $30 plan? What do you all suggest?
[Nexus 4 General] Mr Ian B:
If he is an approved person to make changes on the account,you may be sol.
[Nexus 4 General] sashusmom:
Agreed. Although if his changes did not impact your phone or contract, I don't understand how you would be extended too.
[Nexus 4 General] clockcycle:
I'm not aware of any limitations. I enable hotspot to use my nexus 7, albeit very limited use.
[Nexus 4 General] 3rdstring:
I think they look for a desktop UA to identify tethering so you shouldn't have any issues tethering another mobile device