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AT&T Introduces Worldwide VoIP Calling App
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You know the thing is why go the simple way if there is a lot more difficult one
That is what it seems like. I have AT&T and I now actually want an iPhone but simply cannot bring myself to buy one with AT&T's unlock policy. I didn't think I cared until I realized that that is the ONLY thing that gives me pause now.
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Skype is cheaper to Israel: 2.3 cents vs 15 cents with AT&T and the call quality with Skype is great, so I'm not going to bother to get this AT&T app!
Skype is cheaper to Israel: 2.3 cents vs 15 cents with AT&T and the call quality with Skype is great, so I'm not going to bother to get this AT&T app!
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Skype offers much better rates with their calling plans.
Skype offers much better rates with their calling plans.
You can do this with Google Voice.NICE! Cheap calling over WiFi to Europe here I come!
Oh wait, I don't have an iPhone
Pricing depends on country, but Google Voice pricing is quite competitive. Relative to the UK pricing posted in the original article, Google Voice is $0.02 per minute to wireline numbers whereas AT&T's VoIP is $0.04. Most GV calls to UK mobiles are typically $0.10/min whereas AT&T VoIP is $0.27. Calls to China on GV are $0.02/min (either landline or mobile) whereas AT&T VoIP is $0.04/min.
You can call from your computer using the Google Talk web browser plug-in for Gmail.
If you have an iPod touch or iPad, you can use the Talkatone app to place outgoing GV VoIP calls from those devices. I use the Talkatone/GV combo on my iPod touch when I'm traveling abroad to make free calls back to the United States.
AT&T couldn't even get countries right. South Korea has North Korean flag for crying out.Anyway, the rates are roughly twice that of Google Voice international calling rate. AT&T should offer these rates to regular wireless customers without having to use this stupid app.
"Pricing is competitive with other VoIP calling apps like Vonage -- though having a major name like AT&T stand behind the app may make some users more comfortable than making calls with a lesser known name."
What a hilarious statement. Seems to imply that AT&T is somehow a more trustworthy name than Vonage. I would open a thousand Vonage accounts before I would ever use AT&T. Slimeballs.
And international calls to most European countries are free on my Vonage account.
What a hilarious statement. Seems to imply that AT&T is somehow a more trustworthy name than Vonage. I would open a thousand Vonage accounts before I would ever use AT&T. Slimeballs.
And international calls to most European countries are free on my Vonage account.
Exactly. They say the app only uses our voice minutes in the US, then why do I need to use an app and go through these hoops? Separate sign-up, separate account, an additional bill to go through... Just let me dial and charge me the lower price. I would use another app just to spite AT&T.
It doesn't seem to say this anywhere on the site, but the signup process requires a US billing address and therefore it seems that this can't be used to make cheap calls from other countries to the US.
Mmm, seems like Skype is cheaper for my uses (outside the US, calling the US), and works over 3G too. Of course, over 3G, I have data usage rates too, but the ATT app doesn't even give the option outside the US.
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I think people are misinterpeting what AT&T is saying about U.S.-originated calls
See on this page: http://www.wireless.att.com/learn/international/att-call-international-application.jsp
It says (under How to Dial): "AT&T Call International App rates apply only for calls made while attached to a Wi-Fi network outside the U.S., Puerto Rico and U.S.V.I. "
and (just above "Sign up today" button): "1Regular airtime rates apply when calling from the U.S., Puerto Rico and U.S.V.I. A small amount of domestic data usage also applies when connecting a call.)"
Well - "regular airtime rates" on AT&T wireless to international locations are quite high - much higher than the "Call International App" rates. See: http://www.wireless.att.com/learn/international/long-distance/in-the-us.jsp
Typically $1.49/minute or higher, unless you're paying the monthly World Connect Fee.
I.e. they're not just going to use up your domestic minutes to call internationally (note that while most international calls don't actually cost much, calling mobile phones in many countries is actually quite expensive to the caller, and AT&T can't avoid those rates - they're going to make you pay them).
Furthermore, (also from that first linked page): "Regular GSM international roaming charges apply for any calls received." Also quite high: $1/minute or more.
So - if I'm interpreting this correctly, this is not a replacement for a VOIP service for calling from the U.S., or even Skype calling to/from anywhere.
It lets you use reasonably-priced VOIP service when calling from outside the U.S., and the calling number will show up as your U.S. number, allowing people to call you back as a regular phone call - but you're going to get stuck with high international roaming rates when they do.
This would be useful to people who want to use and be accessible via their primary phone #, have cheaper calling rates on WiFi while abroad, and not deal (say) with Skype accounts. There are lots of business people for whom this would be an advantage - more important to be reachable, even at $1+/minute. But, it's not for anyone whose primary goal is to keep international calling costs (both from US and abroad) as low as possible.
See on this page: http://www.wireless.att.com/learn/international/att-call-international-application.jsp
It says (under How to Dial): "AT&T Call International App rates apply only for calls made while attached to a Wi-Fi network outside the U.S., Puerto Rico and U.S.V.I. "
and (just above "Sign up today" button): "1Regular airtime rates apply when calling from the U.S., Puerto Rico and U.S.V.I. A small amount of domestic data usage also applies when connecting a call.)"
Well - "regular airtime rates" on AT&T wireless to international locations are quite high - much higher than the "Call International App" rates. See: http://www.wireless.att.com/learn/international/long-distance/in-the-us.jsp
Typically $1.49/minute or higher, unless you're paying the monthly World Connect Fee.
I.e. they're not just going to use up your domestic minutes to call internationally (note that while most international calls don't actually cost much, calling mobile phones in many countries is actually quite expensive to the caller, and AT&T can't avoid those rates - they're going to make you pay them).
Furthermore, (also from that first linked page): "Regular GSM international roaming charges apply for any calls received." Also quite high: $1/minute or more.
So - if I'm interpreting this correctly, this is not a replacement for a VOIP service for calling from the U.S., or even Skype calling to/from anywhere.
It lets you use reasonably-priced VOIP service when calling from outside the U.S., and the calling number will show up as your U.S. number, allowing people to call you back as a regular phone call - but you're going to get stuck with high international roaming rates when they do.
This would be useful to people who want to use and be accessible via their primary phone #, have cheaper calling rates on WiFi while abroad, and not deal (say) with Skype accounts. There are lots of business people for whom this would be an advantage - more important to be reachable, even at $1+/minute. But, it's not for anyone whose primary goal is to keep international calling costs (both from US and abroad) as low as possible.
Why??
Why was this modded down? For those who travel overseas for work, this is a total pain in the a$$. There's NO, ZERO technical reason you couldn't use a SIM card from a local carrier, but AT&T won't allow it.
Yes, I know, they cast blame at Apple. But given the behavior of AT&T I have my doubts... Loyalty is determined by how a company treats its customers. I pay a premium for what I'd consider sub-standard service. AT&T has the loyalty they've earned.
Why was this modded down? For those who travel overseas for work, this is a total pain in the a$$. There's NO, ZERO technical reason you couldn't use a SIM card from a local carrier, but AT&T won't allow it.
Yes, I know, they cast blame at Apple. But given the behavior of AT&T I have my doubts... Loyalty is determined by how a company treats its customers. I pay a premium for what I'd consider sub-standard service. AT&T has the loyalty they've earned.
i prefer Yahoo Voice. I only pay $2.50 a month for a valid phone number so people can call me and if i dont pick up, they can leave a voice mail in my yahoo mailbox. Calls to cell phones are real cheap with Yahoo voice out. Like 1.7 cents a minute for US calls....and the lowest rates I have seen for international calls.
Google Voice is free....but will start charging like yahoo in January. I do like that google voice not only allows people to leave an audio message in your gmail box....but it also TRANSCRIBES the voice mail! Its pretty accurate too. However, sometimes it will turn to gibberish if the person leaving the message doesnt speak clearly.
There is also an app called Whistle Phone....which gives you a number for free AND the ability to make free calls anywhere in the US. Calls can only be 20 minutes long....and u do have to listen to a quick ad before calls...but its good in a pinch. People can't leave voice messages tho. Thats why i got yahoo.
Of course there is skype. Which i do like for skyoe to skyoe calls. Lots of people around the world use it, so it's great for international connections. And unlike Apple's facetime, does allow audio only calls. Calls to cell phones using skype are more expensive than Yahoo tho...so i only use skype for skype to skype calls.
Lastly facetime is great since i am a mac user....but as popular as Apple is....many of my friends still dpnt own an iphone or ipad. Hopefully soon. Same for imessage.
I have an unlocked iphone, since i travel alot and dont like being locked into expensive contracts. I have found that VOIP apps on my iphone, ipod and ipad are all i need.
Google Voice is free....but will start charging like yahoo in January. I do like that google voice not only allows people to leave an audio message in your gmail box....but it also TRANSCRIBES the voice mail! Its pretty accurate too. However, sometimes it will turn to gibberish if the person leaving the message doesnt speak clearly.
There is also an app called Whistle Phone....which gives you a number for free AND the ability to make free calls anywhere in the US. Calls can only be 20 minutes long....and u do have to listen to a quick ad before calls...but its good in a pinch. People can't leave voice messages tho. Thats why i got yahoo.
Of course there is skype. Which i do like for skyoe to skyoe calls. Lots of people around the world use it, so it's great for international connections. And unlike Apple's facetime, does allow audio only calls. Calls to cell phones using skype are more expensive than Yahoo tho...so i only use skype for skype to skype calls.
Lastly facetime is great since i am a mac user....but as popular as Apple is....many of my friends still dpnt own an iphone or ipad. Hopefully soon. Same for imessage.
I have an unlocked iphone, since i travel alot and dont like being locked into expensive contracts. I have found that VOIP apps on my iphone, ipod and ipad are all i need.
not sure
While the official extension back in 2010 was till end of 2011, there is currently no indication that they WILL actually start charging for gv come 2012. I think they still want to get adoption up higher before pushing away users who could just move to a magicjack for free, or many other voip solution providers that charge 20$ a year or less.
While the official extension back in 2010 was till end of 2011, there is currently no indication that they WILL actually start charging for gv come 2012. I think they still want to get adoption up higher before pushing away users who could just move to a magicjack for free, or many other voip solution providers that charge 20$ a year or less.
Every iPhone I've had from the first model, and each year thereafter, has been cheerfully unlocked by AT&T (for free) for my usage when I travel internationally.
I have had nothing but money saving experiences with AT&T, not to mention great customer service and strong clear calls.
I do realize that one gets lots of points in the Apple community, for being a false information spewing AT&T hater.
My guess is that most of the misinformation spread, comes from those who have no clue and have never traveled internationally to experience the savings and convenience that AT&T provides, as I have over the last several years.
Conversely, when using my Verizon account in the USA, I end up paying more than AT&T which I expect, since I research those who I do business with. Their selection of Android phones is worth the extra fees.
At the end of the day no company I've ever done business with, causes the rage I read about in these forums. Curious indeed.
so, here is the thing, I got my information from AT&T. I called AT&T and asked what their unlock policy is. I am an AT&T customer. I called them. on the phone that has service provided BY AT&T.
The only reason I won't get an iPhone from AT&T is THAT phone call. Mind you, I called TWO weeks ago. TWO. This is not old misinformation. This is AT&T's OFFICIAL STANCE WITH PAYING CUSTOMERS. perhaps you have had luck with them, I prefer not to sign contracts with the hope that luck will be on my side.
hm
AT&T just does not unlock the iphone. I've had business accounts, 100+ customer accounts, 120$ A month plan users accounts, they just don't unlock it at all.
If anyone tells you they had AT&T unlock an iphone you should tell them to immediately give you lotto numbers.
AT&T just does not unlock the iphone. I've had business accounts, 100+ customer accounts, 120$ A month plan users accounts, they just don't unlock it at all.
If anyone tells you they had AT&T unlock an iphone you should tell them to immediately give you lotto numbers.
You're the first person I can recall who related an experience like this, with everyone else's being:
I haven't asked AT&T to unlock my phone, but what's your (vitzr) secret? And when they unlock your phone, do they do something (like has been implied is possible with the iPhone 4S) that allows you to use non-AT&T SIMs outside the US but won't allow the use of a non-AT&T American SIM? Or do they just unlock the phone altogether?
I'll be traveling abroad with an iPhone most likely next year, and I'd love to avail myself of this if I could.
IF you find the way, you're going to be travelling FIRST CLASS with all the money you'll be able to make selling the solution on ebay and craigslist.
I'm in for a c-note when you find the solution. ;-)
Forgive me for asking a question not strictly pertaining to unlocking...
If I'm overseas with wifi, can I use this app to call the US over VOIP? If not, what are my best (call quality and price) options?
TIA,
EVP
If I'm overseas with wifi, can I use this app to call the US over VOIP? If not, what are my best (call quality and price) options?
TIA,
EVP
@evillageprowler
Yes - .10 per minute (rather high).
You can look up rates to any country by going to the main page:
http://www.wireless.att.com/learn/international/att-call-international-application.jsp
and following the "see rates to all countries" link.
Yes - .10 per minute (rather high).
You can look up rates to any country by going to the main page:
http://www.wireless.att.com/learn/international/att-call-international-application.jsp
and following the "see rates to all countries" link.
For calling the US from abroad (VoIP over WiFi), your best option is Google Voice (free) via the Talkatone app (free). I've done this on several international trips with my iPod touch. You don't even need the latest and greatest hardware nor iOS 5.
You can use the Google Voice app (free) to text (free).