I'm really, really sorry if there is, in fact, a thread out there somewhere that covers this, but the search functions on the forum certainly didn't turn up anything specifically useful when I searched "VoIP," "WiFi calling," or "Microcell."
A couple things:
1. Is there ANY way, with an iPhone 4 (jailbroken or otherwise) on AT&T, other than shelling out for a MicroCell, to make calls on my actual AT&T phone line, using my own WiFi connection and reception, and not AT&T's incredibly poor network service?
2. Failing that, is there any way to redirect my incoming AT&T calls to say, Skype in the event that I have no cellular service, or really poor cellular service?
I'm well aware of all the VoIP options *not* using my actual AT&T number. I have Skype; I've used Viber, Yahoo!, and others. I'm talking about using my normal cell phone number. THanks though.
First off, what you are describing is called UMA and is not available on the iPhone or on AT&T.
Look at it this way - your AT&T cell phone "line" is connected to AT&T's network via 3G/Edge cellular towers. Poor signal reception = poor call quality/service. I'm in the same situation.
VOIP works so well as an alternative because it can take advantage of Wifi to communicate over IP (as opposed to cellular GSM) which is transmitted in your home via Wifi. The better VOIP clients can also use your 3G data connection.
The only carrier I know of that utilizes UMA is T-Mobile. UMA technology allows an UMA-enabled phone to tunnel the cell phone connection through to T-Mo's IP data servers - using Wifi. Which means you keep your phone number - and not a VOIP number.
Since this tech is not available with AT&T or the iPhone, I made this workaround:
I installed and signed up for a local number with Toktumi's Line2 - 6 months for 49.99
I added this number to my AT&T A-list.
I told everyone that I changed my number to my Line2 number.
Line2 works over Wifi. Presto - I have clear calling in my house and anywhere I get Wifi. Line2 also works OK (not without a few hiccups though) with 3G and EDGE connections. SMS and MMS included.
I justify the extra expense because I cut my 3000 minute plan down to 1400 minutes - the Rep saved my Rollover and it didn't affect my unlimited data plan.
I don't work for or have any stake in Line2. I just finally settled on it as the best for my situation. The downside to Line2 is that it doesn't transfer from Wifi to 3G well, so sometimes I'll have to call someone back if I'm on a call when I leave the house.
YMMV
Rick
Right, there's no way to do this without getting an alternate number of some kind, of which there are many options out there. A Skype number perhaps, or a Google Voice number using Talkatone to tunnel calls through VoIP (regular GV app is merely a call management app and will still use cell reception and minutes). Stuff like that.
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iPhone WiFi calling, MIcrocell, etc
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