Help Making Calls Over WiFi?

[riffdex]

Any way to use the Droid to make calls over WiFi as opposed to the VZW network? I have terrible coverage at my house, and would like to just use my WiFi connection. I would need to be able to go over WiFi but still be considered a Verizon Wireless call, as I call a lot of people with Verizon and take advantage of the free calling to Verizon customers. I don't see why Verizon wouldn't take advantage of something like this, it would only take strain off of their network if some users are connecting on their WiFi networks.

 

[Lisa W]

I would recommend trying the Verizon Wireless Network extender. I don't get reception at my house either. Using one of these we have no problems.

 

[CRPercodani]

Yes, get a network extender. It hooks up to your router and provides a 3G signal.

 

[riffdex]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't those like $200+? I really cannot afford that, I am a kid...

 

[Eurosteve]

I think it's still on sale right now at the VZW website for 35% off. Use promo code droid35 at checkout. It turns out to be around $160.

Another way to go - for use on wifi only - is fring and Skype out. It will cost you 2 cents per minute to call any US phone.

 

[QrafTee]

Yes, get a network extender. It hooks up to your router and provides a 3G signal.

I thought the Network Extender only provided a boost in 1X.

 

[riffdex]

I think it's still on sale right now at the VZW website for 35% off. Use promo code droid35 at checkout. It turns out to be around $160.

Another way to go - for use on wifi only - is fring and Skype out. It will cost you 2 cents per minute to call any US phone.

No the 35% off deal is over. and i repeat, I'm a kid ): It's not like I am able to/am willing to go out and get a $150 device for something like this. I really don't NEED service at my house, though I'd like to have it.

And thanks for the suggestions but I really need something that won't cost, I was just wondering if I could somehow set up my phone to connect over my WiFi but use my Verizon minutes.

 

[johnlgalt]

Not as far as we know - although it has been aired that VZW is going to start allowing calls via VoIP sometime soon, when that actually happens, is another story.

 

[kbayer]

I have one... went from no bars to 4 bars, BUT, our broadband service is s-l-o-w. Not sure if there's a correllation, but when the broadband service is patchy, so is the phone reception, and the phone STILL displays 4 bars. When the broadband service is good, the phone service with the extender is stellar!

Without the extender, I have zero bars, zero internet. With the extender, I get 4 bars, but still, zero internet. I get internet thru wifi, so in my experience, the extender does nothing for web browsing, only the phone service.

Oddly, I walk to the neighbor's house 50 feet away and get 4 bars and 3G all day long. No visible obstruction or obvious reason as to why I get nothing at my house.

When I asked the phone rep about an extender, I was still within the 30 days, so I humerously asked if I could get the extender free to at least try before I cancelled everything. They cut the price from $250 to $125.
Was it worth it? Yep.

I'm still with Verizon, still gots me Droid, everybody's happy...

 

[johnlgalt]

@kbayer - perchance, is this true outside the house as well as inside the house?

 

[CRPercodani]

My bad, thought it was 3G. You can just get a skype account, 3 bucks a month for unlimited calls.

 

[riffdex]

I'll stress the importance of being able to use my Verizon minutes. Most of my friends have Verizon, with limited minutes, and I only want a method that can let me use Verizon over WiFi, so that the calls are not counting against our minutes. Sure, it would be simple enough for me to set up a skype account and pay $3 a month for unlimited calling. Even if I was willing to spend $3 a month, it really wouldn't make a difference, not all my friends are willing to shell out $3 a month, and they don't all have smart phones anyway. Even if we did, it kind of defeats the initial purpose I wanted, which was to be able to have service at my house, while still having unlimited calling to other Verizon users.

I just think it's an opportunity Verizon should really be taking advantage of. People able to make calls over their WiFi instead of congesting the VZW network can only benefit them and their network. /:

Thanks for all responses you guys have given, by the way! I suppose I'll continue longing for the days of electronics being able to do all that they are capable of >.<

 

[SirVilhelm]

I am looking for a way to make and receive calls over wifi as well. I thought the current Skype app is limited to 3g correct? Is there any other way?

 

[nstallion]

Someone mentioned an app called Fring (which I have no experience with) to use your Skype account on wifi.

You're lucky I braved the *********** of battery life and task killer threads that is the HTC Incredible forum right now to find that lol.

 

[SirVilhelm]

haha, oh good times. Do you know if Google Voice will call over wifi?

 

[SirVilhelm]

I just tested sipgate with sipdroid and it works great. Thought I would share.

I Found This Useful: How to: Sipgate and Sipdroid

Then you can forward your VZ number to sipgate and be golden.

 

[wwjoshdew]

GrooVe IP - Android Market

I use it on a Cliq (with no service) and CM7,
on a Moment with CM7 (built by SDX)
and on my EVO 3D with CM7.

I get NO SERVICE in my apartment, and I LOVE this app! They respond REALLY quickly and help you as much as they can. The app works GREAT on every device!

I will eventually make a youtube video review on it.