I'm currently using T-Mobile with an unlocked Galaxy Nexus (GSM version). The only feature that I currently use from T-Mobile is their data connection. For voice calls I'm using Google voice and Skype:
(1) With most of my friends I just use Skype for calls, as I have it running on my phone all the time.
(2) As fallback, my Google voice number has Jingle (Google Talk) forwarding enabled and on my phone there's a client that is able to accept Jingle calls. So I'm also reachable on a traditional phone number.
Disadvantage: Unfortunately both applications considerably decrease battery life.
Advantage: Skype voice quality is much better than regular phone calls. I don't need to use one specific endpoint device (my mobile phone), but can also use my laptop to receive calls. I can travel without having to give my new phone number to all my friends.
This is an awesome setup :) And at $30/month prepaid for 5GB with no contract is pretty nice as well. Only 100 minutes, but who needs minutes when you can do this.
I know that Skype explicitly states that it's not a replacement for a phone and can't be used for emergency calling. What about Google Voice? I would assume that it has the same restrictions.
I remember hearing about switching to voip when the 2nd gen ipod touch was getting popular, and i was intrigued enough to put off any handset upgrades on my tmobile account in order to stay out of contract in case this voip thing took off. In the 3 years since i have barely touched my mobile phone in favor of the ipod touch, but i keep the mobile for 911. i hope a fix for that comes up cuz even at the cheapest cell plan it is still a decent 50 bucks/month that i'd much rather throw at a mobile hotspot or data only plan
If you're in the US, then any phone you have has 911 service no matter whether you're subscribed to a plan or not. You can pop the SIM card out entirely and still call 911.
(1) With most of my friends I just use Skype for calls, as I have it running on my phone all the time.
(2) As fallback, my Google voice number has Jingle (Google Talk) forwarding enabled and on my phone there's a client that is able to accept Jingle calls. So I'm also reachable on a traditional phone number.
Disadvantage: Unfortunately both applications considerably decrease battery life.
Advantage: Skype voice quality is much better than regular phone calls. I don't need to use one specific endpoint device (my mobile phone), but can also use my laptop to receive calls. I can travel without having to give my new phone number to all my friends.