GSM / WiFi handoff is a brilliant idea in theory -- but to be usable, it's gotta be seamless, unnoticeable, and virtually effortless for the user. So far, the national carriers have failed to deliver
any solution -- let alone a usable one -- so how does T-Mobile stack up? The Phone Fairy recently dropped off a Nokia 6086 and Linksys WRT56G-TM router to have a go with T-Mobile's just-announced
HotSpot @Home service, and our initial impressions are fairly positive. In brief: setup was a snap, the phone's basic but well-designed, GSM / WiFi handoffs were hit or miss, and for ten bones a month, it seems like a square deal. Read on for more, and don't forget to peep the gallery!
Though we suspect T-Mobile intends to take HotSpot @Home to every market segment, the launch phones are relatively basic devices. The Nokia 6086 offers up a VGA camera, a fairly low-res 160 x 128 primary display, and monochrome external display, for example -- but on the plus side, we get goodies like a microSD slot, music player, FM radio, Bluetooth, and of course WiFi. The phone seems extraordinarily well-built -- one of the most solid flips we've handled recently -- and features perhaps the best keypad in a small flip we've ever used. Seriously, it simply isn't possible to press the wrong number.
Like we alluded to, setup was a breeze. T-Mobile provides a carrier-branded version of the ubiquitous Linksys WRT54G; besides offering one-touch pairing with the phone (pictured), it's apparently configured in such a way to maximize the phone's battery life when on WiFi. That being said, the 6086 is perfectly happy to roll with your own router, too -- just select your SSID, enter your security key and you're done.
We weren't in love with the incoming voice quality on the 6086, but we discovered that it didn't have anything to do with using WiFi. Indoors and out, voices seemed tinny and flat, though callers reported that we sounded pretty darned good. Not a showstopper by any means, but we'd probably want to try the Samsung t409 in store before deciding which @Home handset to take... well, home.
Otherwise, we were impressed -- particularly for a first-generation effort on T-Mobile's part. GSM / WiFi handoffs didn't always go down the way we'd like; there's a noticeable pause of a second or longer when transitioning, and pulling the power on our access point dropped the call ten times out of ten. We were also a bit surprised to find that data (t-zones) still seems to use GPRS even when connected to a WiFi hotspot; why not take advantage of the fast connection? Ah well, with a 160 x 128 screen in there, data's not the focus. For saving voice minutes and bypassing a sometimes-flaky cell network in the home and around your friendly local Starbuck's, though, HotSpot @Home's just the ticket.
posted June 27th 2007 2:41AM
Your statement needs a bit of a correction. Allow me.
"...there are devices out there that will take your cell phone calls and transfer them to your home phone for local calls or transfer a home call to cell for long distance.
This service has been available in Seattle for a few months. (T-M's home town.)
It would NOT work w. my old home Netgear router but did work fine w. T-M's supplied dlink router. Also worked fine on office router and on some (but not all)unsecured wi-fi signals in the neighborhood as i walked around.
I thought the service was great - but - the Samsung T709 that they were using at the time did not have Bluetooth. Can't live w.o. my headset. Turned in the phone. Both the Nokia and Samsung models in use now have BT.
I'll probably try it again.
Did anyone get this with the basic $29.99 plan? I think that was an option yesterday, but $39.99 is the minimum today. I'm just curious if I missed an opportunity to save $120 a year.
yes you did...(I missed it too....) now I am lookint at paying $50 buckaroos a month in chicago (39.99 for 600 min, and 9.99 for hotspot@home)..plus a 6-7 bucks for taxes.
Suddenly I realize I don't save anything by getting rid of my landline. I'm going to go return this phone today..this is thing is for technology adopters (it does work, I tried it everywhere..it works!)
bottom line: You aren't saving money by taking this phone unless you travel a great deal
I just signed up for TMobile @home. Got the Nokia phone. Got the Linksys router as well because of reported battery saving feature. With the rebate the Linksys is free. Question: My house is already wireless-networked using Apple's Airport Express routers. I want/need to keep Apple network because of wireless music (computer to stereo via iTunes) that Linksys can't do. Can I dedicate my Linksys ONLY to the Nokia (with a different network name) while leaving the Apple Airport for my computers?
YES!
You need to turn the new router into a access point, not a router. Easy to do. in the settings on the new router, disable gateway. This will cause your new router to act like a switch, routing the trafic through the gateway on your apple router.
Yes!
When you plug into your new router, you need to disble the gateway and turn it into an access point. do not run any of your networked computers or devices through the new router. Once your router is configured like the manual shows you, plug it into your existing network. Should work like a champ.
Page 10 in this guide
http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?c=L_CASupport_C2&childpagename=US%2FLayout&cid=1175232049148&pagename=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper&lid=4914837314B280&displaypage=nodata#versiondetail
Yes!
When you plug into your new router, you need to disble the gateway and turn it into an access point. do not run any of your networked computers or devices through the new router. Once your router is configured like the manual shows you, plug it into your existing network. Should work like a champ.
Page 10 in this guide
http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?c=L_CASupport_C2&childpagename=US%2FLayout&cid=1175232049148&pagename=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper&lid=4914837314B280&displaypage=nodata#versiondetail
Any wifi access point will support AirPort express. I use AirPort express to stream music to remote speakers off my XP laptop with a crappy Belkin access point. Sell your apple AirPort on ebay and use the linksys.
There was an article in the NYT about this. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/05/technology/circuits/05pogue.html?ex=1341288000&en=3963cc8a21e51f90&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
I think T-Mobile has by far the best customer service and they have created affordable cell phone plans and programs for it's users. Their coverage might not be as nice as Verizon but they are no where near as expensive.
This program is a great way to give the consumer more free calls and get better coverage in cities. I hate ugly cell phone towers cluttering up the landscape - more wifi spots will eliminate the need for more towers.
Also, I recently did something pretty stupid with my Dash (which I LOVE). It was my fault and I was going to have to pay at least $250 to replace it. I decided to write the T-Mobile president a letter explaining how much I enjoyed the phone and what I had done to disable it (I went in the creek after my kids and forgot it was in my back pocket). Within a day or so, I had received a response saying that T-Mobile would assign a caseworker to my problem and within another day, T-Mobile offered to replace my Dash. They were under no obligation to do this. I love T-Mobile and I love the Dash. I am on the myFaves plan which is also an awesome money saver.
I also saw the same article this morning. Unfortunately, I have had the opposite experience with customer service reps at T-Mobile. There are too many bad experiences to detail, but most involve a rep hanging up on me when I've asked to speak to a supervisor. Each time I called back to complain, I'm always told that the supervisors are "busy" and that they will call me back 24-48 hrs. later. [One time I got the same guy who hung up on me (what were the odds) and he did it again.
Your comment about your phone made me laugh because when I first got my Razr it didn't work and you wouldn't believe the hell T-Mobile put me through just to get a functioning phone.
That said, my husband and I were looking forward to the end of our contract in November because of the poor customer service AND the weak signal at our house. I'm gritting my teeth and re-thinking our plan to switch to another provider.
Teafoley,
Flattery and a letter to an executive goes a long way. Since my phone was disabled I tried using the e-mail form for tech support on the website but I don't always trust that it will get read. I wasn't really confident that I would get a replacement so it was a last ditch effort. I was honest and polite and I got a quick and gracious response.
I had the opposite experience with Verizon, my former carrier. Verizon has nice coverage but since I don't want to pay more than $40 a month (which got me 400 minutes) I was constantly going over my minutes and doubling my bill. I saw the myFaves offer and that made sense to me since I call the same people pretty much. I did have time left on my contract so I arranged through cellswapper to find someone to take over my contract. However, when I tried to transfer my contract to this potential new customer Verizon kept trying to make her sign a one year instead of a five month which is what I had left. She was going to use my phone so we had no idea why Verizon got off trying to make her sign for a year. It seemed to me that Verizon was trying to re-invent contract law to squeeze some extra money out of us. It made no sense to me. After two weeks of run-around, I was ready to give up but then I noticed that my bill had a new fee: an "admin" fee of .40 cents a month. I did know that under the customer agreement, if the carrier adds or changes any of the rates, the customer has the right to terminate the contract without the early termination fee. So I resorted to dropping Verizon based on this new fee. They could have had a customer take my place if they had allowed me to transfer but no...
Anyhoo, it felt good to give them the dropkick over 40 cents. I am happy with T-Mobile and my wallet is not hurting anymore.
Has anyone used the TMo supplied router outside the united states. Or has anyone used the UMA TMo handsets on any AP overseas. And does the 10$ a month unlimited wifi minutes include incoming minutes as well? I reside in New Zealand (us citizen) and use vonage (works alright) and would love to get this service and unlock the phone to use with a local sim card as well!!
As long as you do not leave the wifi hotspot, calling to the US will be free. But be careful, because if you lose wifi coverage, or move outside the hotspot, you'll be billed at the roaming rate (at least a dollar a minute). The $10 a month is for unlimited wifi calls, but you will need a T-mobile plan (probably the $30/$40 a month one at least) to get the service.
Everything I have seen speaks ONLY of The calls originating from the handset.
What is the billing plan for calls received on the handset? Are they billed as plan minutes?
If the call is received in a wifi coverage area, it is free under the Hotspot@Home program. A call received in the cell network is billed normally.
Also, fun fact, if you start a call (send/receive) in a wifi area on your phone, keep the call going, and go back onto the cell network, the call will still be free no matter how long you talk, due to limitations in T-mobile's billing systems. Unfortunately it's the same in reverse (a call started on the cell network will be billed normally even if you move to a wifi hotspot mid-call).
Received my Nokia 6086 yesterday. TMobile @home works well enough with my Apple Airport Express wireless network, although I expect it will work better when I get my TMobile Linksys router.
A BIG HOWEVER - for some reason, every couple of hours my Nokia receives unrequested uploaded files named FILE.EXT, FILE000.EXT, FILE001.EXT, etc. etc. Files are not text/readable - "unsupported format". I go to my phone's "received files" folder (in the "gallery") and delete them but they keep coming back.
I've been with TMobile continuously since it was Voicestream and this never happened with any previous handset. Never happened on my computers either (I have good network security). Just since yesterday with my Nokia 6086. TMobile says it is a handset problem and has offered to replace it but that will take smetime. Nokia says it's a service provider problem. My ISP (Cox Communications) has no clue.
Any suggestions?
When you were using your Airport, did you have to change the security settings? I'm having problems staying connected to my closed network.
I have had the same problem too with a Nokia 5300 - i just received the handset in the mail the other day. Have you been able to solve this problem?
For two weeks, TMobile Hotspot in SoCal has had relay server problems preventing the sending of email from Microsoft Outlook. This is a recurring problem at TMobile and one hopes the home service isn't similarly problematic. Might want to wait a bit to see if they can overcome this recurring issue.
Got my Linksys router today for use with Tmobile @Home. Works like a charm with my Nokia 6086. If this service continues as is (i.e., without unexpected price increases or serice downgrades) I may well ditch my Verizon landline and save $50/month (net).
Still waiting on a solution to the unrequested file uploads (FILE.EXT, etc.) to my phone I mentioned previously, however.
Trish - I did not need to modify my Airport settings. I do, however, operate my T-Mobile and routers on different channels.
My system is cascaded as follows: Cable modem --> T-Mobile Linksys --> Airport Express. T-Mobile on channel 11, Airport on channel 1.
Trish - to follow up, my Airport router is used ONLY by my computer while my T-Mobile router is used ONLY by my cellphone. One of the reasons I have different channel settings.
My airport router is just an access point
Everyone is talking about ditching their home landline but prey tell how'd you get DSL to run that wifi over? ...unless all of you are cable internet users.
Will the service work with a non T-mobile hand set such as the E65 or N80, or any other handset with wifi support?
A company called Kineto Wireless is currently working on a Symbian UMA software solution, but it may not be out for a while. Press release here.
Sorry, those links should be:
http://www.kinetowireless.com/
and
http://www.kinetowireless.com/news/press_releases/chimei.html
I'm thinking seriously of switching over from Cincular to TMobile based on this new (hotspot@home) service. In addition to really poor service (dropped calls when at home or my office), the attitude of Cingular has really sucked in the last two years. So this forum is helping me make up my mind. So far nothing to really discourage me. I will be doing a family plan (one phone for me, one for my wife) along with the @home feature. I see reference in this forum that folks got a $10 per month cost for the @home? and the router was free? with a rebate?
The recent literature from a TMobile store indicates $20 per month per phone or $30 on a family plan. Anything different out there?
Gramps
Gramps - there is a promotion going on for those that sign up for @home hotspot on T-Mobile's website http://www.t-mobile.com .
If you are setting up a new T-mobile account at that website, the router will come with a $50 rebate whichy means it will be free. Also, the service is $10 online but I've seen it for $20 in stores. So do it online.
Gramps - I forgot to add. My example was for individual plans. Family plans are different. But you really should do the math if you're keeping the family plan for awhile. The "base" family plan may appear cheaper but for two people you may spend more monthly for a two-person @home hotspot plan (20 +5) than you would for two individual plans (10 + 10). At least in some circumstances. Over thime this would add up to a point where you might lose money on a family plan relative to two individual plans. But it depends on which base plans you get. Again, you should do the math.
Jay - you actually answered your own question in my case. I am a cable internet user. Where I live, cable is cheaper, faster and more reliable than DSL.
I haven't finally decided to ditch my landline, though - at least not yet. I may just keep a bare-bones $10-15/month local-call-only service so I can still answer calls from those that haven't yet learned of my new system - s well as to make sure that my @home service stays reliable. But that would likely be temporary.
So, does anyone have tried using this router outside US? I imagine the service should work as if the user would be in US (no roaming charges, etc) as long as he/she is under Wi-Fi, but just wondering if anyone has actually tried it...
I will be out of the country for 3 months and I would like to take the router with me and use it at the place where I will be staying, where they already have high speed connection. By the way, does anyone know what is the minimum internet connection speed required to have acceptable service?
I have exactly the same question - I am moving to UK next month and this would be great to keep in touch w/ my family in US.
I've been using HotSpot@Home service for about a week now. People I've called have said the call quality is great, one even said it was better than Cincinnati Bell landline service.
Had no problems setting up router and connecting Nokia 6086. I haven't figured out why my DLink router will not access internet after connecting it to one of the WAN ports on the T-Mobile Linksys router.
BUT, the call quality on my end with the Nokia 6086 has been very spotty. I've had many dropped calls, versus switching to T-Mobile cellular network. Router is upstairs on second floor and I am using Nokia on first floor, but, I'd say within 20 feet or less from router. I was expecting that all calls going through WiFi router at home would be crystal clear and rock solid versus T-Mobile cellular network whose signal strength at my home is terrible (1 to 2 bars, at most). This is why I'm trying HotSpot@Home, to take advantage of WiFi network and use T-Mobile cellular service as backup. In fact, I started a call on WiFi, drove out to highway and the call did transfer from HotSpot@Home to cellular network.
Also, the call quality on the Nokia is not great. I hear lots of static or "white noise", kind of like a crappy cellular connection. This is puzzling. Also, the phone seems to switch to T-Mobile cellular network "randomly" even though I am very close to the router and getting full 4 bars of signal strength.
So, to date, I'm not completely sold on HotSpot@Home and need to fish or cut bait in next few days if I want to cancel and return equipment without any penalties.
NOTE: I did have to sign up for a $39.99 minute plan in order to add the $9.99/month promotional fee for HotSpot@Home service. But, since I started the process online and then spoke to CSR, I only had to commit to a 1 year contract (but, not sure if that's because I was also asking for any corporate discounts or programs).
Tex - your "white noise" iswsuie sounds more like a router placement and/or configuration problem than a service problem. Check to see if your router is away from other signal-emitting devices (microwaves, electrical wires, wireless phones, etc.). Ditto yourt phone itself. Also, I spent a lot of time on Linksys' tech support chat rooms - they were very helpful. Also make sure your physical connections are good - that means using good-quality ethernet cable to connect your router, cable modem etc.
Try experimenting with different channels in the Linksys setup - I use channel 11 but you may find a differentt channel works best.
Tex - one other thing - a new SIM card may help. I did that and it vastly imptoved my Wi-Fi connection time, "handoffs" and various other maladies.
John,
Thanks for the suggestions. The T-Mobile Linksys router is next to my D-Link router, but, are now on different channels (in fact, T-Mbl HotSpot@Home tech support had me change from my original channel setting (11) to 6 and now to 1. There are multiple wireless phones near the routers. There are also BT devices near the handset.
Tech Support had me go to TMbl retail store where the rep said he had same problem with static/noise/etc with his Nokia 6086 and recommended replacing it with another one, which is what T-Mbl is doing. Just waiting for it to get here. They also mentioned that a new SIM card might be another fix.
I'm going to keep trying, but, my main issue is dropped calls, which, supposedly, the new handset will cure.
I'm not holding my breath, but, I'm giving them every opportunity to succeed(fail?).
Any one knows if the Wi-fi service will work on international T-Mobile Hotspots? primarily in Europe??
Has anyone tried using these phones and the hotspots without paying for the unlimited hotspot calling? I would like to try this out but I don't want to pay extra every month.
I have this service because I won the promotion from T-Mobile on July 3. I wrote about everything that I won in a post that can be seen here:
http://www.mynewhustle.com/index.php/pictures-from-the-t-mobile-home-promo/
Here are my issues:
The switching from router to cell tower of course
My phone will spontaneously reboot for no reason, and has done this at least 4 times.
The router almost constantly drops calls, and there was a point where I had to reboot it everyday!
This past Sunday, my router decides to all of the sudden block port 80, even after I rebooted the thing twice! I ended up having to reset it and re-enter all the credentials.
Wired versus wireless connection. Check this out: If my desktop and another computer are both connected via wired connection, I can browse both computers by name with no problem. But I can't browse by name when going from wired to wireless connection, I HAVE to use the IP address. Again, no rhyme, no reason.
I use a Linksys WRT54g-TM router, and this surprises me because I always recommend Linksys products. Add to this that my 'free' plan seemingly isn't free, because T-Mobile doesn't want to give contest winners the full benefit of using the @Home service. My minutes are all being pulled from my Whenever minutes instead of being free when I'm on the home network! This is so unfair, and I will go and talk to them about this tomorrow. Are there any other contest winners out there? I really want to get into contact with you please!
Hi, thinking about getting the hot spot @home service, sorry if I missed the answer to this above:
Are calls received when you in a hot spot at home free as well, or do they subtract from your minutes?
If I make an international call (say call Germany from my cell phone) when I am at home on the WiFi network, do I use minutes or is it free (this would be the deal maker for me since I make a lot of international calls)?
Well they say u can't use it on networks u have to log into... but why doesn't someone write a program that lets windows mobile phones like wing or dash or mda use it? that way they can use explorer to log in and then they will be able to make calls, since they are also wifi enabled. Have they not hired anyone smart enough to do that or what???
I have a Sierra air card on sprint and want to try hot spots. Will this work together?
I get no tower signal in my home - in a valley in the woods. Have 5MB Cable,Linksys router, and stand-alone Linksys WAP 11 Wifi Access point with no authentication. Works fine for my laptops. The Nokia 6086 can't find the Wap11 (SSID 'linksys'), and fails.Tried to force the SSID using 'hidden" - no good. Must I have an intergrated Wifi Router?Any ideas?
I got my Samsung t409 and was able to use it with my old Linsys router fine until the router went crazy.
I replaced it with a new Netgear 624v4 and could never connect again.
Tried with and without encryption and all levels of encryption.
I've tried now with several open networks including a tmobile hotspot@home in a tmobile store and have no luck connecting at all! [except at the tmobile store. my t409 failed 4 times then finally connected].
With no encryption networks the error is w006 - problem with encryption! =-P
I called t-mobile and after some steps they sent a replacement t409... STILL no connection!!
I get no cell reception inside my house so I need this or another service.
I'm going to call tmobile again and if they dont offer a fix other than 'buy our router' I'm gonna need to switch carriers.
I've known others who get fine service here but didnt think to ask the service.