Q: Tmobile Monthly 4G $30 and Groove IP

[snrb_labs]

I am still testing the lite version, so I need my GV number forwarded to both for now (so I can, you know, answer calls while I am out ), but that sure sounds like the solution.

If you want you could use GrooVe Forwarder to automatically adjust your forwarding settings. When GrooVe IP or GrooVe IP Lite is signed in it can forward calls to Google Chat. When they are signed out it can be configured to forward calls to your cell number.

 

[Juno Accardo]

I've been doing this for the past 3 months now. In my opinion, it's not good at all. If you need to take calls on the road, do NOT use this plan. Internet G services are really spotty on the road, and whenever I talk to my wife on her phone while she drives is pretty much an exercise in frustration. So, we no longer do it. It's OK when you do have a strong signal or WIFI, but even then, the biggest problem is echo cancellation. I can't talk to people unless I'm using headphones so they don't hear themselves from the excessively loud ear phone on my Nexus 4. I'm not sure if this is a Nexus problem or Groove IP problem, so, YMMV on this one.

Frankly, if StraightTalk comes out with its purported new $30 prepaid plan that has 2GB internet and 1500 minute voice, I would jump ship no problem. I almost never get past 1 GB of data.

 

[oberkc]

I have been happier with talkatone than groove. I had trouble getting groove to receive calls. I don't notice an echo problem with talkatone. Still, you need a good network, obviously.

 

[Gaurav]

I've been doing this for the past 3 months now. In my opinion, it's not good at all. If you need to take calls on the road, do NOT use this plan. Internet G services are really spotty on the road, and whenever I talk to my wife on her phone while she drives is pretty much an exercise in frustration. So, we no longer do it. It's OK when you do have a strong signal or WIFI, but even then, the biggest problem is echo cancellation. I can't talk to people unless I'm using headphones so they don't hear themselves from the excessively loud ear phone on my Nexus 4. I'm not sure if this is a Nexus problem or Groove IP problem, so, YMMV on this one.

Frankly, if StraightTalk comes out with its purported new $30 prepaid plan that has 2GB internet and 1500 minute voice, I would jump ship no problem. I almost never get past 1 GB of data.

Do you have any more information about this rumored plan? I've been eying jumping onto the Tmo $30 plan but have been hesitant because of the call quality issues using GrooveIP. I've tried using various VoIP apps on Sprints 3G and LTE and found that Viber and Rebel seem to have the best performance over data for VoIP but of course viber doesn't allow you to call regular phones and Rebtel rates are good for international calls but not for domestic. Takatone seems to be similar to GrooveIP in terms of call quality which is less than mediocre. Skype is ok but I hate the app and calls to US numbers isn't free unless you get a subscription which of course defeats the whole point. Basically none of the major IM/VoIP apps seem to be the perfect choice unfortunately...

Does anyone have any experience with Sipdroid or any other SIP client? Does anyone have a recommendation for the best SIP client + SIP combo out there other than google? Are there any other SIP providers that offer unlimited or super cheap calling to USA numbers? thanks...