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T-Mobile Wifi Calling with a Verizon 6/6+?

E

eekcat

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Apr 5, 2010
1,028
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So, with all of the uncertainty regarding whether T-Mobile's contract-free 6/6+ will be truly unlocked (depending on the support person you talk to, or who you buy it from, or at what price), I wonder if the Verizon model would still be the best one to buy outright to have maximum flexibility? (whenever we're able to stroll into an Apple store and buy one w/o being a VZW customer)

Only thing is - I'd like to use mine on T-Mobile, at least for now... but will there be something different about either the firmware or phone app that will allow for T-Mobile wifi calling on a non-T-Mobile phone? (or maybe it's just a carrier update)

I'm willing to wait a bit longer for an in-Apple-Store Verizon phone if there aren't any downsides to it aside from a few weeks' wait...
 
You may need a Personal Cellspot to improve wifi calling and texting.

"The carrier also unveiled the Personal CellSpot carrier, which is a router that it designed to improve WiFi calling and texting. The CellSpot can run either alongside your current router, or as a standalone router. The biggest selling point for the device, however, is that for anyone on T-Mobile, the CellSpot is free, albeit for a $25 deposit. You can also purchase it outright for $99."


http://9to5mac.com/2014/09/10/t-mobile-unveils-expanded-wifi-calling-capabilities-personal-cellspot-router-partnership-with-gogo/
 
wxman2003 said:
You may need a Personal Cellspot to improve wifi calling and texting.

"The carrier also unveiled the Personal CellSpot carrier, which is a router that it designed to improve WiFi calling and texting. The CellSpot can run either alongside your current router, or as a standalone router. The biggest selling point for the device, however, is that for anyone on T-Mobile, the CellSpot is free, albeit for a $25 deposit. You can also purchase it outright for $99."


http://9to5mac.com/2014/09/10/t-mobile-unveils-expanded-wifi-calling-capabilities-personal-cellspot-router-partnership-with-gogo/
Click to expand...

Their own wifi router/cellspot is not a must have to do wifi calling. You can do it connected to any wifi.
Their own cellspot is designed to improve WiFi calling and texting but its not mandatory to be able to do it.
And Im sure any unlocked iphone will do it on their network. Its just a carrier software file that enables the feature when you activate the phone by using a Tmobile sim.
 
Applejuiced said:
Their own wifi router/cellspot is not a must have to do wifi calling. You can do it connected to any wifi.
Their own cellspot is designed to improve WiFi calling and texting but its not mandatory to be able to do it.
And Im sure any unlocked iphone will do it on their network. Its just a carrier software file that enables the feature when you activate the phone by using a Tmobile sim.
Click to expand...

I give T Mobile credit for offering a device in case people do have issues with wifi calling.
 
True, its always good having options.
Its more like a wifi router than just a cellspot like verizon and AT&T for example. Theirs is just for calls and not for any router traffic.
I guess people have some very old routers still around and tmobile wants to make sure they get a good user experience while using their wifi calling feature.
 
eekcat said:
So, with all of the uncertainty regarding whether T-Mobile's contract-free 6/6+ will be truly unlocked (depending on the support person you talk to, or who you buy it from, or at what price), I wonder if the Verizon model would still be the best one to buy outright to have maximum flexibility? (whenever we're able to stroll into an Apple store and buy one w/o being a VZW customer)

Only thing is - I'd like to use mine on T-Mobile, at least for now... but will there be something different about either the firmware or phone app that will allow for T-Mobile wifi calling on a non-T-Mobile phone? (or maybe it's just a carrier update)

I'm willing to wait a bit longer for an in-Apple-Store Verizon phone if there aren't any downsides to it aside from a few weeks' wait...
Click to expand...

Unlike other make & models, Apple iPhones are different, since 5C/5S Apple has made its iPhones more universal unlike older iPhones.

almost 1 model fits all. Apple simply has carrier profiles embedded into the software on every iPhone that enable certain functions given the iPhone has the required hardware (iPhone 5C/5S/6/6+ all have everything T-mobile requires).

So if you buy the Verizon iPhone 6/6+ you will have Full functionality on AT&T + T-Mobile (Including WiFi Calling on T-Mobile).

You will also get Full 4G/LTE in many other countries with carriers that use those specific LTE bands as well as full 3G/4G HSPA+ support, Hotspot, etc.

Like you will also be able to take your Verizon iPhone 6/6+ and put in a EE UK SIM and get WiFi Calling if you are ever in UK and decide to get local service.

iPhones are designed efficiently unlike Samsung, Nokia etc and many others who make AT&T Specific (or cripple T-Mobile bands) or T-Mobile Specific.

----------
RansZ28 said:
Tmo WiFi calling is part of the firmware. VZ won't be able to have a tmo app loaded.
Click to expand...

You are wrong, T-Mobile WiFi is built into the firmware on every iPhone 5/5C/5S/6/6+, Don't you know that Apple doesn't allow carriers to bloat the devices?

T-Mobile WiFi will work on every iPhone 5/5C/5S/6/6+ without additional App, all it requires is T-Mobile service and a WiFi Connection.
 
RansZ28 said:
I'm not here to argue. I develop for Tmo. Only Tmo firmware has their wifi calling app. The device itself has the bands to connect to tmo but you need the carrier app. Once you unlock the device and connect to activate, your plan account will see its a non tmo device and the plan account wifi service will not populate as an option to activate.

Regardless, your welcome to try and test it Friday.
Click to expand...

There is no such thing as tmobile firmware. Period.
There is no Tmobile carrier App for wifi calling. Period.
You can claim whatever you want but if you were really any type of iphone dev you'd know at least the basics....

RansZ28 said:
Yep your right
Click to expand...

That was a quick change of opinion:D lol
 
Applejuiced said:
That is false.
Its not a tmobile app, its built inside the ios firmware and enabled/disabled by carrier configuration files.
Click to expand...

Yeah, was gonna say the same thing. WP and 'some' Android phones have different firmware for the WiFi calling feature, which is probably why there is confusion.
I know I am still waiting for my Cyan firmware update on my Lumia, but ATT has had it for 2 months. Apparently the WiFi calling feature is an issue for T-Mobile updates on WP.
Hope there are no issues with the iPhone wi-fi calling, because it is actually an awesome feature, especially if you have a multistory house with lots of concrete (basement) or metal t-braces (2 story houses). T-Mobile lower freq spectrum isn't the best for building penetration.
 
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