Wi-Fi Calling (UMA)

[wolfftw]

According to Behold 2 user manual, sounds as though UMA should be supported:

"Once set up for Wi-Fi connectivity, your phone automatically uses Wi-Fi, when available, for all your mobile phone

services."​

Unfortunately, I can do everything EXCEPT make and receive calls. When placing a call, error is "Not registered to the network."​

It's not a router issue, because I have a Blackberry Bold 9700 for which UMA works seamlessly.​

Does anyone have this working on the Behold 2? Am I missing some obscure set-up option to make UMA work? ​

 

[dcam1075]

The Behold II has WiFi but does not have UMA. So you can use WiFi for all your "data" needs but not for placing calls or sending/recieving text messages.

 

[wolfftw]

Thanks for the definitive answer. That's dissapointing. Is this an android limitation, i.e. could the upcoming 2.0 OTA update potentially fix this?

 

[dcam1075]

Unfortunately this is not a functionality that would be enabled with an OS update. It is a physical limitation of the phone. I am big fan of UMA as well but sadly T-Mobile is moving away from this technology as it was originally designed to help bridge the gap in coverage as their native network grew. Now that their 3G/EDGE network has greatly expanded UMA I fear is slowly going to fade away. They have already discontinued the $9.99 unlimited UMA calling plan.

 

[Swizz]

While Tmo has moved away from the unlimited UMA option (sad sad sad face), they'll still be offering phones with UMA support. If we could just get an Android phone with UMA we'll be set. Blackberry managed to solve the (3G + UMA != working) problem, so good on them.

 

[crescentmage]

Someone seems to be actively working to introduce UMA support into Android, based on this job posting posted on September 23rd, 2009:

"Job Description Client is the key innovator and leading supplier of Unlicensed Mobile Access (“UMA”) technology, the 2G and 3G, 3GPP standard for extending mobile voice, data and IMS services over fixed IP access networks. The Company’s headquarters is located in Milpitas, CA. As the Key innovator of UMA, Client has been a significant participant and leader in the adoption of UMA as a global standard. The Company has 20 issued patents, 2 allowed and another 95 pending applications in the United States and worldwide including both essential and non-essential IPR. This is a Contract Software Engineer position within the Client engineering team. You will be responsible for providing expert technical advice and skills to develop the Android Radio Interface Layer (RIL) and Point to Point Protocol (PPP) driver components needed by Client’s Integrated GAN client. You will use your prior experience on Android’s base platform to accomplish these tasks. Duties of Position: