Wi-Fi Calls - What is the current state of things?

Quimbly · February 6th, 2012, 01:20 PM

Hi all,
I recently purchased a Samsung Galaxy Ace. It has Android 2.3.4 on it. I'm in BC, Canada.

I, like many others I'm sure, am looking for a way to make free (or inexpensive) wi-fi calls on my phone. I've read several articles on the matter, but many are already dated, as it seems this subject is bleeding edge. The reason for my post is I want to hear what others are doing for making and receiving calls using wi-fi and/or wireless data plans.

What 3rd party service(s) are using? What app(s)? What is you experience so far? Do you also have wireless minutes over the networks? What's your strategy to keep your bill down? I'd especially like to hear from some fellow Canadians.

What is the current state of things for Android phones regarding making and receiving wi-fi/data calls?

Thank you!

SprintTechJosh · February 6th, 2012, 02:16 PM

Have you tried using Skype for wifi calling? It works great.

Sideman · February 6th, 2012, 03:19 PM

Here's what I did...
Sign up for a GMail account, sign up for a Google Voice phone number (free at google.com\voice), Get the Google Voice app, and get the GrooveIP app. You use GrooveIP as a dialer to make WiFi phone calls, and Google Voice to do texting. It's been a while since I did all this, but I remember it was all very simple and straight forward.

I hope I covered everything there. I use this setup and it works just fine.

Kicksilver · February 6th, 2012, 03:47 PM

Use Skype mate.

Quimbly · February 6th, 2012, 04:22 PM

And is it possible to call regular land lines and mobile numbers using Skype and Google voice? Or is it only to other Skype and Google voice users?

Sideman · February 6th, 2012, 05:22 PM

With the Google setup, yes, you can call any phone for free...except international, but those rates are very, very, low.

Kicksilver · February 6th, 2012, 07:10 PM

Skype only contacts another skype user.

Quimbly · February 6th, 2012, 09:12 PM

Hmm, it seems that I can't get a Google phone number in Canada?? Any other Canadians have this experience?

hiwatt · February 7th, 2012, 03:37 AM

I am going to suggest Viber. Free calls, texts and picture messages to anywhere. The only real downside to it is that the people you contact need Viber installed as well. Not that big of a deal and a useful app.

Kicksilver · February 7th, 2012, 08:51 AM

Why not Skype?

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