Skype as a calling plan substitute???

[BustaNY]

Ok.. is it possible for Skype mobile to be your talking plan, since its Unlimited calls to United States and Canada landlines and cell phones for $2.95/month.

If it is possible why wouldn't more people just use this instead of paying 39.99 for 450 or whatever amount.

 

[guyheavensent]

Skype to skype is free. Skype to a number actually uses your phone dialer and costs

 

[Flaring Afro]

Just like smartphones have a data plan requirement, I'm sure any phone has a talk plan (or pay as you go) requirement.

From my understanding, skype is good for wifi if you don't have service in another country, your underground laboratory, or one of the other few places you don't get verizon signal.

 

[Adamx]

Ok.. is it possible for Skype mobile to be your talking plan, since its Unlimited calls to United States and Canada landlines and cell phones for $2.95/month.

If it is possible why wouldn't more people just use this instead of paying 39.99 for 450 or whatever amount.

Skype mobile the official app relies on having a voice plan, it doesn't use data. It also still uses minutes when calling non-skype users, except those outside the US.

You could use fring with a skype plan, but the quality may not be that great.

The cheapest data plans you can get without a voice plan is 40 bucks for 250MB, probably not enough to do what you want. 50 for the 5gig mobile broadband.

However, you can get data+50 anytime minutes for 50 a month, and that's unlimited data. It's called the nationwide loyalty plan. I think I'm going to go one step up, 100 anytime and unlimited data for 55 a month. I hardly talk on my phone, but usually above 50 anytime.

 

[BustaNY]

Skype to skype is free. Skype to a number actually uses your phone dialer and costs

I know skype to skype is free. But if paying 2.95 a month for unlimited calls to landlines/mobile id think thats more friendly to the wallet then 450 mins 39.99.

 

[Jakaro]

I have a Family share plan, verizon makes me purchase 900 minutes, and i only use about 300! Now Data/Text? you cant count that hight!!

 

[appleaj]

I'm guessing that Skype Mobile does use data for some things though, like instant messaging. I doubt Verizon would just allow people to chat on Skype for free.

 

[BustaNY]

If you managed to get a no voice plan.. for 54.99 which is unlimited txt and data + your 2.95 skype mobile account you would be spending like 30$ less. for same. Just wondering if this was at all possible.

 

[varaonaid]

This is interesting, especially if it could be paired with my GV number. If GV could forward to skype using data...that would be sweet. I've been looking for a way to go all data. Was hoping to finally get in on Gizmo5 which should allow that but we have to be able to pool our thoughts and think outside of the box and figure out how to do that. Your 100 min + unlimited txt & data for $55 sounded pretty sweet. Anything else come with it like M2M minutes or night and w/e?

 

[Adamx]

If you managed to get a no voice plan.. for 54.99 which is unlimited txt and data + your 2.95 skype mobile account you would be spending like 30$ less. for same. Just wondering if this was at all possible.

as I've said in another topic, there's a page on verizon's site that talks about that plan (it's hard to find, I couldn't find it again), but even the basic one says that proper documentation is required.

On the page that describes it fully, it says you must present proof (it gives several options) that you are deaf. Note from a doctor, card from a recognized dead organization, etc.

Sucks, but I considered going for that plan myself.

 

[Adamx]

This is interesting, especially if it could be paired with my GV number. If GV could forward to skype using data...that would be sweet. I've been looking for a way to go all data. Was hoping to finally get in on Gizmo5 which should allow that but we have to be able to pool our thoughts and think outside of the box and figure out how to do that. Your 100 min + unlimited txt & data for $55 sounded pretty sweet. Anything else come with it like M2M minutes or night and w/e?

GV plus some sip crap program plus gizmo apparently works.

But to save you some hassle fring (it's an app, look it up if you want), is the only thing that let's you use skype over data.

 

[Lars]

Since im giving up my vzw worldphone fo the inc. Fring appears to be the only way to make any calls in a non cdma country. I tried using skype on a gsm edge connection in Europe on my wm phone but it wasnt fast enough to work right. Worked ok over wifi but i also just used gsm voice since they were short calls. Ive also used skype in places where i got neither cdma or gsm. Shame it's a castrated app on android but fring to the rescue huh?

 

[kayst]

I have a Family share plan, verizon makes me purchase 900 minutes, and i only use about 300! Now Data/Text? you cant count that hight!!

Call and ask for the Family Share Loyalty plan - 550 mins for $50, plus 10$ for other lines. Still have to pay for data and text plans.

 

[Sailingmaster]

Ok.. is it possible for Skype mobile to be your talking plan, since its Unlimited calls to United States and Canada landlines and cell phones for $2.95/month.

If it is possible why wouldn't more people just use this instead of paying 39.99 for 450 or whatever amount.

Verizon went out of their way to make sure you can't really do that with the Skype Mobile app.

One, calls to non-Skype customers use voice plan minutes.

Two, all of Verizon's data only plans went inactive on February 1st, 2 weeks before the announcement of the Skype Mobile app. Inactive means you can't switch to or start a new line with a data only plan. If you have one, you won't be forced to switch.

Three, the Skype Mobile app doesn't work when you're outside the country. I should say, doesn't work with the same functionality as when you are in the country.

 

[tandemtwins]

From my understanding, skype is good for wifi if you don't have service in another country, your underground laboratory, or one of the other few places you don't get verizon signal.

This is what a sales person told me at a My Bullfrog/Verizon store. I tried downloading the Skype Mobile Ap about half an hour ago, and when I went to install it I was immediately disheartened by some text that said to the effect that wi-fi wasn't supported. Apparently you still have to have a Verizon signal, even to use Skype.

I am going to France in a month and was hoping that if I could use Skype via wi-fi I could call back to the USA if the need arose.

Question: is there any other Skype-like service that would work in place of Skype and actually run over wi-fi?