i will be spending a week in japan (narita/ tokyo) next month and would like to stay connected (voice, texting, data) while there. however, i'd like to do this in the most cost-effective (ie cheap as possible) way.
i am currently with an AT&T plan. my SGH-i777 is rooted, running CM7, and is sim-unlocked.
where do i go from here?
will i be able to use this phone at all?
can i buy a prepaid sim and use that instead for the duration of the week?
rental phones? (i have read about rental phones, etc, but it seems you may be required to present local (japanese) id.)
sweetrobot said:
i will be spending a week in japan (narita/ tokyo) next month and would like to stay connected (voice, texting, data) while there. however, i'd like to do this in the most cost-effective (ie cheap as possible) way.
i am currently with an AT&T plan. my SGH-i777 is rooted, running CM7, and is sim-unlocked.
where do i go from here?
will i be able to use this phone at all?
can i buy a prepaid sim and use that instead for the duration of the week?
rental phones? (i have read about rental phones, etc, but it seems you may be required to present local (japanese) id.)
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Click to collapse
My guess would be a prepaid SIM. I THINK the I777 has support for the bands that NTT DoCoMo uses.
I don't know how much prepaid SIMs in Japan cost or their cost effectiveness though. Probably better to ask in a forum related to travel/tourism in Japan since that's a generic non-phone-specific question once you go beyond band support.
I have used this:
http://www.wireless.att.com/learn/international/roaming/travel-guide.jsp
Click on "Use the Travel Guide" and select your country and phone. It says the I777 is compatible with both voice and data.
But prepaid SIM is definitely the way to go.
stone_ship said:
. . . But prepaid SIM is definitely the way to go.
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+1
10char
Forget about a prepaid sim from docomo they want all sorts of paper work. Either long term stay or id papers (Japan is rather xenophobic) softbank does have prepaid but you will need a Japanese friend to get it for you. Other than that check with some sellers online that sell multi national prepaid sims. Att will screw you over with international charges
I forgot to mention you may be able to find a raku raku phone ( prepaid ) not sure if it comes with a sim or not though
Go to Howardforums.com and look in the Japanese phone section. They may have some more answers for you
Check out xcom global WiFi hotspot. Easiest way to stay connected.
hexproject said:
Check out xcom global WiFi hotspot. Easiest way to stay connected.
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Damn! Wish i saw this earlier- leaving in a few hours.
I will 100% keep it in mind.
Anyway, definitely not going the prepaid phone or sim way, as the rates, aside from all the paperwork as mentioned, are higher thant he romaing rates i will gfet by simply using at&t. also, at&t will work on nttdocomo and softbank networks, which have the biggest presence in the regions i will be visiting.
thanks for the suggestions and ideas!
so, i just got back.
first, after calling at&t, i had to enable roaming on my account (free setting so one can connect to the carriers while romaing), which enabled me to connect to either softbank or ntt docomo, both of which had equally great signal in tokyo- ginza area. worked well in shibuya, and roppongi as well.
i had disabled data while roaming, and also disabled the auto-retrieve of sms. for some reason, sms messages came through anyway... is that an issue with my rom (cm7)?
since we had wifi in our room, i used the Viber app for voip calling, text and picture messages, while google voice via the Groove IP app for calling anyone who didn't have Viber, including landlines in the US and canada. Groove IP is a must if you plan on calling any US/ canada numbers while away- the voice quality was nearly flawless, and you can also receive calls if you enable call-forwarding on your carrier, and set google voice to forward calls to google chat (which end up in Groove IP).
if anyone else is travelling, and needs some suggestions, just post a reply. i think now, after the fact in my case , i have it all down.
I'm deploying to Kuwait. Definitely keeping this thread in mind!
MaxRabbit said:
I'm deploying to Kuwait. Definitely keeping this thread in mind!
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Foremost, no matter the country you represent, thanks for your support!
Now, this sounds like you will be there a while. I'm guessing you will have some basic wifi access while at base. If that's the case, I recommend a few things:
1. Get Viber. It's completely free. No ads, no signup! It automatically scans your contact list and will tell you what other users in your existing contact list have Viber installed. It works on Android and iOS, so be sure to tell those you most often talk to to also get Viber. It's by far one of the most transparently integrated applications I've used in that it has no learning curve, and works immediately out of the box.
The downsides are: requires a data connection (in your case, wifi), and both parties must have the app installed. Other than that, sending pictures and texts is a breeze, and voice quality is superb over wifi. Keep in mind, the other party can receive your communication via Viber simply over their 3g/4g, and don't necessarily have to be on wifi themselves.
2. Assuming you are based in the US or Canada, get yourself a Google Voice account setup asap, if not already done. This allows you to call any phone (mobile or landline) in those regions entirely free. You can call using your computer while on wifi.
3. Get Groove IP. Grovoe IP requires a Google Voice account. Pairing the two allows you to make and receive calls on your mobile, using data, or wifi.
The power of using Google Voice paired with Groove IP is that, while you're on wifi when abroad, you can call a mobile or landline directly- unlike in Viber's case, whereby you can only call another Viber user on their mobile. Also, this combination, allows you to send sms, though not any picture messages- can always use email for that.
Additionally, you can receive calls via the Groove IP setup from any number(you must setup GV to forward to Google Chat- this step is in the setup instructions of Groove IP).
So, the ideal setup is this:
Get Viber, and tell all your family members and friends to get it as well
Setup Google Voice and Groove IP
Before leaving, get your phone setup to forward all calls to your GV number, and in turn, setup GV to forward calls to Google Chat (which ends up in Groove IP on your mobile).
So, when you are at the base, and have your handset connected to wifi, as long as GrooveIP and Viber are running, you will be fully connected. Anyone calling your regular number as if you had never left will be able to reach you, as will any of the Viber users calling via mobile.
Sorry for the long-winded rant, but I hope I've covered some useful ground, which worked well through my experience anyway.
UPDATE
Just to mention the obvious- don't forget google chat- as long as you are on wifi, and so is the other party, you can do voice or video chat. There is modded version of google talk so at least the other party with 3g/4g access does not have to also use wifi.
MaxRabbit said:
I'm deploying to Kuwait. Definitely keeping this thread in mind!
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Click to collapse
Lucky, we aren't allowed to bring cell phones.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda premium
sweetrobot said:
Foremost, no matter the country you represent, thanks for your support!
Now, this sounds like you will be there a while. I'm guessing you will have some basic wifi access while at base. If that's the case, I recommend a few things:
1. Get Viber. It's completely free. No ads, no signup! It automatically scans your contact list and will tell you what other users in your existing contact list have Viber installed. It works on Android and iOS, so be sure to tell those you most often talk to to also get Viber. It's by far one of the most transparently integrated applications I've used in that it has no learning curve, and works immediately out of the box.
The downsides are: requires a data connection (in your case, wifi), and both parties must have the app installed. Other than that, sending pictures and texts is a breeze, and voice quality is superb over wifi. Keep in mind, the other party can receive your communication via Viber simply over their 3g/4g, and don't necessarily have to be on wifi themselves.
2. Assuming you are based in the US or Canada, get yourself a Google Voice account setup asap, if not already done. This allows you to call any phone (mobile or landline) in those regions entirely free. You can call using your computer while on wifi.
3. Get Groove IP. Grovoe IP requires a Google Voice account. Pairing the two allows you to make and receive calls on your mobile, using data, or wifi.
The power of using Google Voice paired with Groove IP is that, while you're on wifi when abroad, you can call a mobile or landline directly- unlike in Viber's case, whereby you can only call another Viber user on their mobile. Also, this combination, allows you to send sms, though not any picture messages- can always use email for that.
Additionally, you can receive calls via the Groove IP setup from any number(you must setup GV to forward to Google Chat- this step is in the setup instructions of Groove IP).
So, the ideal setup is this:
Get Viber, and tell all your family members and friends to get it as well
Setup Google Voice and Groove IP
Before leaving, get your phone setup to forward all calls to your GV number, and in turn, setup GV to forward calls to Google Chat (which ends up in Groove IP on your mobile).
So, when you are at the base, and have your handset connected to wifi, as long as GrooveIP and Viber are running, you will be fully connected. Anyone calling your regular number as if you had never left will be able to reach you, as will any of the Viber users calling via mobile.
Sorry for the long-winded rant, but I hope I've covered some useful ground, which worked well through my experience anyway.
UPDATE
Just to mention the obvious- don't forget google chat- as long as you are on wifi, and so is the other party, you can do voice or video chat. There is modded version of google talk so at least the other party with 3g/4g access does not have to also use wifi.
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Click to collapse
Groove IP sounds awesome! That seems like the most practical solution since everyone already has my Google Voice number!
And thank you for YOUR support!
skatin707 said:
Lucky, we aren't allowed to bring cell phones.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda premium
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Who is "we"?
MaxRabbit said:
Groove IP sounds awesome! That seems like the most practical solution since everyone already has my Google Voice number!
And thank you for YOUR support!
Who is "we"?
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Click to collapse
I keep finding these threads trying to make calls out of mexico.
THE SOLUTION IS NOT TO USE GOOGLE VOICE GOOGLE VOICE DOES NOT WORK OUTSIDE OF THE US
bobsled sounded like a good alternative but no one can hear me on the other end
redking117 said:
I keep finding these threads trying to make calls out of mexico.
THE SOLUTION IS NOT TO USE GOOGLE VOICE GOOGLE VOICE DOES NOT WORK OUTSIDE OF THE US
bobsled sounded like a good alternative but no one can hear me on the other end
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you need to necro this 4 month old thread though?
Sent from my SGH-I777 using Tapatalk 2
redking117 said:
I keep finding these threads trying to make calls out of mexico.
THE SOLUTION IS NOT TO USE GOOGLE VOICE GOOGLE VOICE DOES NOT WORK OUTSIDE OF THE US
bobsled sounded like a good alternative but no one can hear me on the other end
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why did you have to tell them that. I don't think they need to know that since it's been 4 months.
The answer is, people don't look at dates. They just see a problem and think "hey, my post count could use a boost...feck it!" And dive right in. In all fairness he could be blind and have everything being read to him. In which case maybe he missed it telling him how old the thread was.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda premium
I'd be keen to have the Gear S as my main "phone" - for phone calls and texts.
I'd have to tell all my contacts " this is my new number " or perhaps my telcos (Telstra Australia) could port my existing number to the Gear S.
I'd still (obvs) need to have a host Samsung phone on a plan, always charged / plugged in to the network - but I would still be able to utilise the functionality of the paired Gear S / Samsung phone ecosystem (including the few Gear S Apps which are useful) without say the call forwarding headaches or having two numbers?
would that work?
alanshortt said:
I'd be keen to have the Gear S as my main "phone" - for phone calls and texts.
I'd have to tell all my contacts " this is my new number " or perhaps my telcos (Telstra Australia) could port my existing number to the Gear S.
I'd still (obvs) need to have a host Samsung phone on a plan, always charged / plugged in to the network - but I would still be able to utilise the functionality of the paired Gear S / Samsung phone ecosystem (including the few Gear S Apps which are useful) without say the call forwarding headaches or having two numbers?
would that work?
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Click to collapse
Huh??
Just put your phone sim in your GS. Use the same number.
Just have your phone at home with no sim connected to your WiFi.
There are some issues that you might be willing to live with or you could always fall back to the normal setup with two Sims.
The call forwarding and two numbers is not a headache in the least. Works brilliantly.
Just put your phone sim in your GS. Use the same number.
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i have that on a high data plan which was originally used for my ahem iPhone + tethering that to my laptop. I can now downgrade that plan as my contract time is up - which is part of the reason why i ask my question now
- if my operator has a suitable shared data plan i could presumably change to that and swap sims
Just have your phone at home with no sim connected to your WiFi. There are some issues that you might be willing to live with
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huh?? issues like the the Gear S not working as phone nevermind a smart phone
you could always fall back to the normal setup with two Sims.
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Click to collapse
i get the two sims thing - I just want "effectively" one number
The call forwarding and two numbers is not a headache in the least. Works brilliantly.
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Click to collapse
It did seem to work for me like that at first, but if it always worked brilliantly I wouldn't be asking the question
I've tried giving my Gear S number to work colleagues, told them to use that number especially when I'm travelling in and out of cellphone range (er check the flag and the location)
what happens is i return to a load of missed calls & messages on the Galaxy S4 host phone some of which were important
(+/- notifications on the Gear S - I still can't figure out if they reappear when i get cell coverage again or when I reconnect to the S4 host phone via BT)
I was kinda asking / trying to articulate: if the Gear S had my "one & only" official personal phone number, would that work as a simplified personal use case scenario in line with my Gear S as my one phone zeitgeist with no obvious drawbacks
I might still have occasional use for the host device - but its only essential function would be a Gear S enabler (ok something of an expensive function)
bookmark to Android central Gear S discussion
Go into the phone settings >Call>Additional Settings >Call Forwarding >Forward when unanswered & Forward when unreachable, then enter your Gear S number. You can also use Forward when busy, if you want to bypass voice mail.
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Following this advice I've set my Galaxy S4 to Always forward to my Gear S number and will see how that works.
I also done gone ahead with a shared data plan.
Some of the call forwarding options previously greyed out or otherwise denied now seem available - whether through following the advice in the link above or through the telcos allowing more options on that plan versus the Gear S being on a prepaid/ PAYGO i dunno
I also ordered an S6
Apologies for grouchy reply above but I don't think I've been alone in having erratic call-forwarding issues
i'm still puzzled how your suggestion to have a sim-free Gear Manager compatible phone plugged in at home & connected to wifi would work - the host phone would still need a GSM connection for the few useful apps to work - and indeed a number for my telcos to redirect from?
Hi I am evaluating the purchase of a Galaxy Tab 7S but I absolutely need to be able to make / receive phone calls and messages. I read that it is only possible with root permissions but I didn't understand how. Once you have rooted what should I do? Do I have to install any specific app? Thanks a lot
By calls, do you mean voice calling or video calling?
For the former you'll need the Tab S7 5G and your carrier will have to allow it. Not all carriers enable tablets to make voice only calls. This applies to texting. Your carrier must allow it from a tablet; meaning your tablet uses its own number and is not paired to your phone's number. Otherwise, you'll have to use an app like Google Voice. I'm not sure rooting will bypass the carrier.
If you just want to do video calls, then the WiFi only version will work. No rooting needed. Of course you would need a WiFi connection for that to work.
Hi thanks for the reply. I am referring to the use of the tablet at 100% instead of the telephone, therefore receiving and sending calls via the Sim Card with the traditional number. What you say I already knew and unfortunately at the moment the Galaxy Tab factory setting only allows you to call with the Sim only if paired with a Samsung smartphone. In reality, the limitation is not imposed by the telephone operator (except in the USA) but by the customization of Android and it is not clear why there is this trend in tablets. However, I have read that through root you can bypass this limitation but I did not understand how.
I think I have reached the end of my research ... Unfortunately it is impossible because the modem is not GSM compatible and therefore not able to access the voice. Clearly this is a commercial speculative choice to push consumers to have 2 devices instead of just one ... The usual sadness!
Evidently, you can if you had the LTE version of the Tab S7 (which I didn't know existed) and are in Australia.
Calling & Texting from the LTE Galaxy Tablet
FAQ for Samsung Mobile Device. Find more about 'Calling & Texting from the LTE Galaxy Tablet' with Samsung Support.
www.samsung.com
I can see your point about two devices. I'd rather use one number on two devices than two devices with two numbers.
The tab s7 t-875 model has phone functions, so you can stick your sim card in it and use it as your all in one device. It's available in Europe if that helps?
I bought this device ~2017 from Sprint for my elderly mother so she could stay connected with the family. One of the features was she could use it to text. She took to that like a fish in water, which made us happy. They did not have WiFi, so it was strictly cellular data. There was no voice, but that was not a problem. It had been working fine until...we got a Tmobile SIM in the mail. (Due to the merger of Sprint with TMobile.). This was supposed to be required due to the 3G retirement.
I installed the SIM. Everything seems to be fine. But then we notice the SMS stopped working. I called Sprint, they did some sort of reset and SMS started working. I went away in victory. But then an hour or so later we noticed SMS no longer worked. Skipping some steps, I took it to the store. We installed a new TMO SIM card. SMS worked again--for 5-15 min, then stopped. They did a warranty replaced of the tablet. Same thing. It first worked (send and receive texts) for <15 min, then failed. They would not allow me to go back to the Sprint SIM card.
I had the manager escalate this through their tech support. After a week or so, the answer came back: SMS is not supported on tablets.
This must be a policy. Certainly it can work. But it seems to be a restriction/problem on the carrier side. However I am not convinced it is really a policy and not just laziness.
What I am seeking from this forum is to learn the following:
A) Does anyone have SMS working on this device (SM-T978U).
B) If SMS works, what carrier do you have.
Alternately, I am looking for a work around that works seamlessly. Anything convoluted will not work for her. She also has an Alcatel GO flip 4. She now has WiFi.
You may want to look at an App like TextFree or Google Voice.
I can report that this was a carrier created problem. The explanation I received was that after the TMO Sprint merger, they pushed out PLMN's that allowed the devices to use the best available resource (TMO or Sprint), I am told. When the Sprint resources could no longer be accessed with the new TMO SIM card, the SMS no longer worked. If others had this problem, it may now silently be fixed. They need to push out an new PLMN and then "cancel" the location to forces the device to take the new PLMN. Works fine now.
My frustration is that the lower levels of tech support are really just customer service to help you use your phone. A rant on the whole experience is not worth anyone's time. For me, a chance encounter with a TMO employee in a local bar was required. Once I got to people with the appropriate level of technical knowledge, the problem was solved quickly.
The answer to the question in the title is 'YES'.
This is not a T-Mobile only issue. None of the US carriers allow LTE/5G tablets to text using SMS or RCS. I am not sure why. I had the LTE Tab S5e on Verizon and at no point could I text directly from the tablet using its number. I had to either use Google Voice or some other third-party app.
I now have the WiFi Tab S7 and the only way I can text is to pair it via Google Messages to my S22 Ultra or to use Google Voice.
The upside to using Google Messages is that I can use the same number on both devices. The only downside is occasionally I have to re-pair Google Messages.
I just bought a used T-Mobile Tab S7. I can sms with stock messaging app.