WiFi minutes with T-Mobile and classic plan - Let's set the record straight

[jeffj318]

Please set the record straight using WiFi minutes on the T-Mobile classic plan.
I just got the SG2 (WiFi phone), classic plan (works best for us) with 1k shared minutes. When I am in the house (or anyone else for that matter) and connect to WiFi am I using minutes or not. Two reps said no, however, have heard otherwise. Please clarify.

Also .... I know that WiFi will disconnect once I am out of range and go into the data mode. Is it best to turn off the WiFi at this time or does it matter if it is just left on. I did find by leaving it on it will inform me when a WiFi connection is available. Is this draining the battery though? And ... once inside the house I assume it will connect to WiFi if I had left it on. Helpful answers appreciated. Thanks!

 

[GalaxyNexus]

Please set the record straight using WiFi minutes on the T-Mobile classic plan.
I just got the SG2 (WiFi phone), classic plan (works best for us) with 1k shared minutes. When I am in the house (or anyone else for that matter) and connect to WiFi am I using minutes or not. Two reps said no, however, have heard otherwise. Please clarify.

Also .... I know that WiFi will disconnect once I am out of range and go into the data mode. Is it best to turn off the WiFi at this time or does it matter if it is just left on. I did find by leaving it on it will inform me when a WiFi connection is available. Is this draining the battery though? And ... once inside the house I assume it will connect to WiFi if I had left it on. Helpful answers appreciated. Thanks!

Leaving WiFi on shouldn't drain your battery too much. I doubt it would be noticeable. I just turn my WiFi on manually, but it's all personal preference.

If battery is an issue, you could always use Tasker to automatically turn on WiFi at certain locations. Like home or work.

I hope I helped.

-GNex

 

[lexluthor]

Agree with above answer regarding wifi.

As far as minutes, if you have the wifi calling app running and active and if you have wifi calling option added to your plan (it's free), then calls you make while on wifi do not use plan minutes.

You can log on and look at your minutes. Free wifi calling minutes show up as t mobile hotspot minutes on my account.

 

[Crashdamage]

Y5 is a very simple app that will automatically turn on/off WiFi when get enter or leave range of specific WiFi connections. Saves a bit of battery and totally hassle-free.

 

[aurora40]

When I am in the house (or anyone else for that matter) and connect to WiFi am I using minutes or not. Two reps said no, however, have heard otherwise. Please clarify.

I don't have wifi calling on my phone (GNex), but everything I've read says yes, it uses your minutes. Wifi calling is just a way to augment poor coverage.

Many people have "unlimited" minutes, so that might be why they think it doesn't use their minutes.

Look under "Billing":
http://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-1680

 

[Carolina Media]

No Wi-Fi calling DOES NOT use your minutes as long as you have Free Wi-Fi Calling as a feature added to your plan. That's what the 'free' part is referring too. I have a 500 minute plan and barely reach 100 minutes per month because I use WiFi calling at work and home.

 

[jeffj318]

No Wi-Fi calling DOES NOT use your minutes as long as you have Free Wi-Fi Calling as a feature added to your plan. That's what the 'free' part is referring too. I have a 500 minute plan and barely reach 100 minutes per month because I use WiFi calling at work and home.

I have found you are right Carolina Media. It is part of our phones with the 1k talk plan and in the past even without wifi calling we barely broke 500 minutes. I do believe the wifi is great for calling and using less data as well. 2GB per phone satisfies us.