Post by Mike Harding on Apr 8, 2024 6:33:27 GMT 10
Edit:
It seems there are issues with the process I have outlined below.
It all works as I suggest but it appears the SIM in the handset is debited as though it had made the call directly via the mobile network which seems wrong to me as I'm, effectively, paying for the call twice, once via the SIM in the handset and second via the data used by the SIM in the modem. This is what happens with an Aldi SIM in the handset, it may be different with other carriers? Time to have a word with the telephone ombudsman I think.
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I'm considering buying a modem for use on the mobile networks for my caravan, most modems are able to be fitted with an external antenna which gives them considerably more transmit/receive ability than a mobile phone handset so the modem will give you reception in locations where the handset doesn't have a hope.
The modem requires a SIM card in order to operate; a SIM with decent data allowance (100GB to 200GB per year) costs about $200 and then I'll still need the SIM with my usual number in my handset in order to make/receive calls which means apart from the cost of the modem its running cost will be an extra $200 per year.
There is a way around this: WiFi calling - here's how to do it:
Insert a SIM with your usual number and a decent amount of data into the modem.
Ensure you can connect to the modem with your handset using WiFi.
Buy a cheap SIM; Aldi $5 or a $2 "Starter" SIM any old SIM which will connect to the mobile network and insert that into your handset.
Ensure your handset connects to the mobile network.
Turn on VoWiFi.
Turn on "Flight mode".
Turn WiFi back on.
The logo "VoWiFi" should/will probably appear at the top of the display.
And, Hey Presto!, you can now make and receive calls over WiFi using the SIM in the modem and saving yourself $200 per year.
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The one downside to this technique is that when you are away from the caravan your phone won't work, there are a few ways to deal with this:
1 - Put the modem SIM into your handset when you leave - this is a pain.
2 - Use the cheap SIM in your handset for emergency use and let message bank take incoming calls to the modem SIM.
3 - Put the SIM in the modem on divert to send all calls to your handset SIM number.
It seems there are issues with the process I have outlined below.
It all works as I suggest but it appears the SIM in the handset is debited as though it had made the call directly via the mobile network which seems wrong to me as I'm, effectively, paying for the call twice, once via the SIM in the handset and second via the data used by the SIM in the modem. This is what happens with an Aldi SIM in the handset, it may be different with other carriers? Time to have a word with the telephone ombudsman I think.
----
I'm considering buying a modem for use on the mobile networks for my caravan, most modems are able to be fitted with an external antenna which gives them considerably more transmit/receive ability than a mobile phone handset so the modem will give you reception in locations where the handset doesn't have a hope.
The modem requires a SIM card in order to operate; a SIM with decent data allowance (100GB to 200GB per year) costs about $200 and then I'll still need the SIM with my usual number in my handset in order to make/receive calls which means apart from the cost of the modem its running cost will be an extra $200 per year.
There is a way around this: WiFi calling - here's how to do it:
Insert a SIM with your usual number and a decent amount of data into the modem.
Ensure you can connect to the modem with your handset using WiFi.
Buy a cheap SIM; Aldi $5 or a $2 "Starter" SIM any old SIM which will connect to the mobile network and insert that into your handset.
Ensure your handset connects to the mobile network.
Turn on VoWiFi.
Turn on "Flight mode".
Turn WiFi back on.
The logo "VoWiFi" should/will probably appear at the top of the display.
And, Hey Presto!, you can now make and receive calls over WiFi using the SIM in the modem and saving yourself $200 per year.
----
The one downside to this technique is that when you are away from the caravan your phone won't work, there are a few ways to deal with this:
1 - Put the modem SIM into your handset when you leave - this is a pain.
2 - Use the cheap SIM in your handset for emergency use and let message bank take incoming calls to the modem SIM.
3 - Put the SIM in the modem on divert to send all calls to your handset SIM number.