Replace voice plan with mobile Skype?

G

Gym Babe

New member
Hey everyone,

I'm moving into the US soon and looking at some cell phone plans. I've heard Verizon has great coverage so I'm leaning towards them, but their prices are pretty steep (as I've seen plenty of others say on here).

What I'm thinking of doing is getting one of the 3G Android phones that works with Skype and get an unlimited data plan, but no voice minutes. The idea would be that if Verizon's network can keep me constantly connected to the internet, I could use Skype for all incoming and outgoing calls and save a ton on the ridiculously expensive voice plans.

An online number + unlimited calling with Skype would probably only run me about $10/month. That's a far cry from the $60/month I'm looking at otherwise.

Now I just sort of thought this up on the spot right now - so I'm obviously a little hesitant to go ahead with it since I have NO idea how well this would work in practice.

Has anyone here used Skype off their cell phone before, have any thoughts on whether this idea would work, etc. etc.?

Thanks!
 
Snowy21,

You cannot use Skype Mobile™ without a data plan and a voice plan.

This is how Skype Mobile™ works. You use the internet to connect to Skype, when you enter a phone number to call, Skype will automatically connect it like a normal phone call...using Verizon Wireless and doesn't use Skype at all. When you place a call to someone outside of the United States, that is when Skype Mobile™ works. You can buy minutes from Skype and place very cheap calls outside of the United States. Another thing Skype Mobile™ is good for is instant messaging your contacts.

Basically, Skype Mobile™ is useless to people who do not need to Instant Message or place calls to people out of the United States. Placing calls to people in the USA will use minutes and Verizon Wireless' network.

Your idea WILL NOT work.
 
You can't get a contract with Verizon without having a voice plan. however, you can use Skype over 3g and WiFi. So you can just always place calls that way. If you do that, you'll just be paying $10 extra and will be somewhat pointless.
 
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