View Full Version : Skype vs. T-mobile Voice Plan
bronzetank
2009-09-21, 19:27
I’ve been impressed with the N900 reviews and videos thus far and I would love to pull the trigger on my pre-order, but I have several critical questions…
If I decide to go with a data only plan from T-Mobile, what disadvantages are there with only using Skype to make phone calls instead of a voice plan?
Will incoming calls to my Skype phone number appear on the desktop just like an incoming call would on a voice plan?
Will I have to perform an extra step in order to make calls that I wouldn’t otherwise?
If I leave 3G coverage and only have edge speeds will I get poor voice quality or lose multi-tasking capabilities? (ie. Internet browser?)
I realize that some of these question may not be answerable until the release of the N900 in October, but maybe some of you can share your experiences from using Skype on previous internet tablets.
Thank you for your help!
matthewcc
2009-09-21, 19:39
If I leave 3G coverage and only have edge speeds will I get poor voice quality or lose multi-tasking capabilities? (ie. Internet browser?)
if you leave 3g coverage expect a very poor connection.
klinglerware
2009-09-21, 20:07
It could be a feasible solution if you have access to wi-fi in the areas you plan on using Skype the most.
Even then, Skype was somewhat unstable on my n800. Okay for short calls, but I was more likely to run into trouble the longer the call lasted (but that could also have something to do with wi-fi connection quality, too). I would think twice about using it for important business conference calls, etc. But with that being said, maybe the experience will be better on the n900.
somedude
2009-09-21, 20:45
I’ve been impressed with the N900 reviews and videos thus far and I would love to pull the trigger on my pre-order, but I have several critical questions…
If I decide to go with a data only plan from T-Mobile, what disadvantages are there with only using Skype to make phone calls instead of a voice plan?
Will incoming calls to my Skype phone number appear on the desktop just like an incoming call would on a voice plan?
Will I have to perform an extra step in order to make calls that I wouldn’t otherwise?
If I leave 3G coverage and only have edge speeds will I get poor voice quality or lose multi-tasking capabilities? (ie. Internet browser?)
I realize that some of these question may not be answerable until the release of the N900 in October, but maybe some of you can share your experiences from using Skype on previous internet tablets.
Thank you for your help!
well the T-Mobile data plan is already 59.99 with 5GB cap.
39.99 you get 600 anytime minutes with free nights and weekends, add 19.99 unlimited TXT and Web brings it to 59.98.
look you are paying the same price but in latter you get txt and voice plan from carrier no need to worry about making calls or recieving calls when not in great coverage for 3G and if you want to save minutes use skype while on 3G and use your voice minutes just for emergency.
edit: if you get the plan 19.99 you get the web which is said to be unlimited but has a cap of 10GB which is still better than 5GB isnt it?
In the UK, T-Mo's terms & conds only allow voip/skype on the most expensive data plan.
somedude
2009-09-21, 21:01
ok now its getting confusing is he talking about T-Mo UK or US?
bronzetank
2009-09-21, 21:12
Sorry, I should have been more clear. I am in the US. But I appreciate the international input. ;)
somedude
2009-09-21, 22:22
Sorry, I should have been more clear. I am in the US. But I appreciate the international input. ;)
The reply that I had posted was for the Tmobile USA, I do not know about the UK pricing.
No probs. I was just highlighting the differences between plans.
Each of the three unlimited plans here have different limits on the amount and type of usage. You probably have similar limits on your side of the pond.
It's worthwhile checking the small print when pricing up - or you can run the risk that they likely can't actually detect what you are using.
mobiledivide
2009-09-22, 00:36
I successfully made Gtalk, Skype and SIP calls over tethered 3G and edge on my N810 but as someone before said I wouldn't place a business call over that EDGE data connection as its prone to be choppy and unreliable.
What I really wish I could do is get the SideKick prepaid plan which is just a dollar a day for unlimited web and text and then you pay per minute for phone calls. That way when in wifi and 3G I could just use SIP and then if I needed to I could make regular phone calls.
christexaport
2009-09-22, 03:39
I use Google Voice exclusively for voice calls, and it works like regular calling on the N95. No degradation of quality save for an echoing sound probably once a week for a few seconds.
I've seen a dual SIM card being applied in a Symbian Nokia. It does require sufficient space in the phone's housing ("case"). Not sure N900 can, since I've not held the device. Second SIM needs to fit in just next to the original one. (And then you also need a small connector that looks like a piece from a computers motherboard.)
Will incoming calls to my Skype phone number appear on the desktop just like an incoming call would on a voice plan?
Yes. The phone rings for Skype and GTalk calls exactly like a "regular" phone call. It also sounds fine over 3G (and WiFi), just like a regular phone call.
Will I have to perform an extra step in order to make calls that I wouldn’t otherwise?
The dialpad defaults to "cellular" for call type. You would need to change that to Skype (by tapping a button and choosing Skype from a list) before pressing the call button. If you are calling a contact, however, you just hit the "Call via Skype" button instead of the "Call" button. They are both buttons on the same page.
If I leave 3G coverage and only have edge speeds will I get poor voice quality or lose multi-tasking capabilities? (ie. Internet browser?)
EDGE is very slow. Not very useful for VoIP. You can probably make calls to friends who don't mind shouting, "could you say that again?" over and over... :)
somedude
2009-09-23, 17:59
I successfully made Gtalk, Skype and SIP calls over tethered 3G and edge on my N810 but as someone before said I wouldn't place a business call over that EDGE data connection as its prone to be choppy and unreliable.
What I really wish I could do is get the SideKick prepaid plan which is just a dollar a day for unlimited web and text and then you pay per minute for phone calls. That way when in wifi and 3G I could just use SIP and then if I needed to I could make regular phone calls.
Nope won't be able to do that, just like using blackberry or android data package on iphone or symbian phone wont work, you cannot get the sidekick plan and use it with n900.
I don't know of any hacks or heard about any so far to this.
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