MiFi and iPhone 4 - Looking to go VOIP all the way

user9248 · EVDO Newbie Joined: 28 Jul 2010 Posts: 8

I have a Verizon Mifi (2200) and an iPhone 4. AT&T has horrible coverage everywhere I go so I have been looking at using the iPhone 4 with the MiFi. There are a few apps available for the iPhone 4 that allow for incoming calls over VOIP (Skype, TruPhone, Line2). With the pseudo "multi tasking" capability of the iOS 4 it seems as though using the iPhone over "wifi only" is a functional alternative.

To that end there are a few questions I was hoping others may be able to help me with.

1. Is there a way to make sure the MiFi stays on all the time and does not go to "sleep". This is critical so incoming calls are connected.

2. Does the MiFi also pull in 1XRTT signal where EVDO signal is weak?

3. Is there an "extended" battery for the MiFi that is not external to the Mifi? I guess what I am looking for is an actual larger battery that could replace the stock battery of the MiFI. Something like the extended batteries that Seidio makes for various phones. I don't mind adding some extra bulk to the MiFi if it adds extra battery life.

4. Has anyone ever determined how much data a VOIP call usually requires. The Verizon MiFi only allows for 5 GB/month so I need to determine if using VOIP would push things over the limit.

Thanks for any suggestions/info!

P.S. Just in case people are wondering ... I have an iPhone 4 for development reasons so I was fully aware that the iPhone 4 was AT&T only and that their coverage was rather poor (especially in my area). I just happen to like the phone a lot and since I have my MiFi with me all the time anyway I figured this might be a good solution.

Matt · 3Gstore Employee Joined: 02 Apr 2008 Posts: 1348

Hello,

Using the MiFi 2200 is a popular choice for iPod and iPhone users that live in areas that have poor AT&T coverage.

To answer your questions:

1.) If you have a VOIP client open the MiFi 2200 won't go into dormant state because it will be transmitting data intermittently.

2.) Yes, if you're in a weak Rev A area the card will switch to 1xRtt (National Access). Please note - if you're in a national access area, VOIP will not function properly. You could order the Wilson Sleek to help ensure you get the strongest Rev A signal possible.

3.) There isn't a larger internal battery. We offer a variety of Tekkeon batteries that help increase the MiFi's usage times. You can view our Tekkeon battery packs here - Click to see Tekkeon Battery Packs

4.) VOIP usage will ultimately depend on the client and codec and bitrate you're using. For example: 1 hour of Skype phone call @ 64kb/s is 28MB per hour or 178 hrs for 5GB. For similar comparisons read - What does 5GB get me?

spdrcr2000 · EVDO Newbie Joined: 20 Apr 2010 Posts: 2

did you get this working or was it you were looking for info also?

Maureen · Posted: Fri Jan 21, 2011 1:09 pm Post subject:

kocoman · EVDO User Joined: 07 Jun 2007 Posts: 81

You could set the MiFi to use EVDO only,(via QXDM) and if EVDO is not available, it would drop the connection instead of going to 1X

Also does anyone know of what app/VOIP charges "$ per minute" instead of a flat monthly fee? and give you a Canadian Incoming number?

The problem with VOIP in EVDO is latency, the delay sounds like you are talking overseas..

3Gstore1 · Posted: Fri Jan 28, 2011 3:54 pm Post subject:

I believe Skype has the option of paying per minute, but I prefer Line2 from Toktumi...only $10/mo for your own number, unlimited mins, and unlimited text!

kocoman · EVDO User Joined: 07 Jun 2007 Posts: 81

I am looking for some generic SIP/IAX app(service) for iphone

My EVDO signal is poor, so mostly the VOIP is for research testing and not for general usage, thats why I hope for PPU instead