Why don't we have data only 'phones'?

[dingdongbubble]

We have services like Skype that seem cheaper to make calls from. So why haven't manufacturers made devices that have only data plans on them like tablets. Folk would make phone calls using Skype or whatever over the data network. Or is regular cellular technology still cheaper for voice calls? This way we could save at least $15-30 every month if the plans had no minutes and stuff.

[wxman2003]

Because the mobile providers would not make as much money.

[Mrbobb]

Voice calls over the Internet's quality is spotty. Internet was not originally designed for live.voice. Many variables. Then of course u have to be near hotspots, not necessarily convenient for everyone.

Cellular voice actually doesnt take much bandwidth. Is those YouTube videos, Netflix, streaming that takes up the available tower's capacity.

[617aircav]

Originally Posted by dingdongbubble

We have services like Skype that seem cheaper to make calls from. So why haven't manufacturers made devices that have only data plans on them like tablets. Folk would make phone calls using Skype or whatever over the data network. Or is regular cellular technology still cheaper for voice calls? This way we could save at least $15-30 every month if the plans had no minutes and stuff.

Tablets with data plans already exist.

[Zwhaler]

Originally Posted by dingdongbubble

We have services like Skype that seem cheaper to make calls from. So why haven't manufacturers made devices that have only data plans on them like tablets. Folk would make phone calls using Skype or whatever over the data network. Or is regular cellular technology still cheaper for voice calls? This way we could save at least $15-30 every month if the plans had no minutes and stuff.

You answered your own question

[digitalhen]

Originally Posted by dingdongbubble

We have services like Skype that seem cheaper to make calls from. So why haven't manufacturers made devices that have only data plans on them like tablets. Folk would make phone calls using Skype or whatever over the data network. Or is regular cellular technology still cheaper for voice calls? This way we could save at least $15-30 every month if the plans had no minutes and stuff.

Put a data SIM in your iphone.... win?

[Givmeabrek]

Originally Posted by dingdongbubble

We have services like Skype that seem cheaper to make calls from. So why haven't manufacturers made devices that have only data plans on them like tablets. Folk would make phone calls using Skype or whatever over the data network. Or is regular cellular technology still cheaper for voice calls? This way we could save at least $15-30 every month if the plans had no minutes and stuff.

You want a phone without phone service?
You think that the carriers would lower the price and reduce their profits if you only use data?
Carriers want to make more money not less. Come up with a plan that makes them more money and you have a winner.

[scaredpoet]

Plans like this do exist, but you basically have to be certified as deaf or with a speech disability to get them:

http://www.wireless.att.com/learn/ar...for-iphone.jsp

[GeorgieAcevedo]

Skype app isn't so good yet. Tons of crashing and not being to get a hold of the other person but I love it and I use it every night. I love how good the phone quality is. I talk with my gf every night on Skype. We hate the quality of phone calls. We never talk on the phone via our numbers. Always Skype. I just wish the app was fixed.

[bohbot16]

By the time the LTE networks are built out and the software side of the problem is sorted out to make VoIP a reasonable replacement for a regular cell number, the providers will move to Voice over LTE (VoLTE). They are already transitioning the offered plans for this future "all IP" scenario with the new plans including unlimited talk and text anyway.

[CaneCollegeboy]

Originally Posted by scaredpoet

Plans like this do exist, but you basically have to be certified as deaf or with a speech disability to get them:

http://www.wireless.att.com/learn/ar...for-iphone.jsp

Wow those plans are horrible, straight talk or Tmobile if your area has 3g is a better value.

[Interstella5555]

Because it wouldn't be a phone, there are plenty of data only communications devices already, including the iPod Touch.

[bohbot16]

Originally Posted by CaneCollegeboy

Wow those plans are horrible, straight talk or Tmobile if your area has 3g is a better value.

Or better yet put an iPad SIM in an iPhone.

[bozzykid]

Originally Posted by Interstella5555

Because it wouldn't be a phone, there are plenty of data only communications devices already, including the iPod Touch.

Why wouldn't it be a phone? Voice over LTE already exists. But carriers are waiting to support it. At some point traditional "voice" plans will no longer exist as the technology is being phased out.

[macMD]

Get an iPod Touch and a MiFi and you are all set.