Database Users

[Q] Phone calls on A501?

Hi Everybody!
I own an ICONIA A501 since 4 days and I love it!
Since I use a prepaid account to connect to the internet (vodafone.de) I want to recharge that account with some money as soon as it go towards zero Euros...
Well, in order to do that I have to buy some voucher and then call a number (which is free of charge). And here the problems begin:
I need to be able to place calls with a dialer so that I can enter the code on the voucher. As far as I discovered there are no such apps on the A501.
Then I installed some USSD code apps but they didn't work, just like the app "myDialer lite". I can dial but then nothing happens.
Correct me if I am wrong but did Google/Acer simply forget that there are users out there which do not have data plans but prepaid accounts?
I don't want to use my A501 like a Smartphone! For that purpose I have and love my Galaxy I9003.
Are there ANY solutions? At the moment I have at least 2 ways: 1) swap the SIM with another phone and 2) let my prepaid provider draw the money from my credit card.
However, I hope someone has some other approach!
Best regards,
Werner

because the tablet do not support phone call features...
only 3G/Edge/GPRS
I try to find the documentation about this

sanaell said:
because the tablet do not support phone call features...
only 3G/Edge/GPRS
I try to find the documentation about this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
thanks for the reply. I know that the tablet is not intended to be a phone. Would be rather funny to put it to the ear...
However, for those like me with prepaid account it would have been nice to enable us to send at least USSD codes in order to check balance of the prepaid account. I hope I can make it clear.
I really DO NOT want to place regular phone calls (it would be a nice feature though), just call the service line in order to re-charge my prepaid account.
I know this sounds like: "He do not want to use the tablet like a mobile phone but he wants to use it like a mobile phone..."
It's weird I know, but my prepaid provider (Edeka Mobil; uses vodafone.de) give the option to buy a voucher and then call the "Kontomanager" free of charge. During the call I will have to enter the cash code number and then the amount will be credited to my prepaid account. Therefore I am in need of a dialer for phoning AND typing. And IMO Google/Acer forgot us prepaid users.
Werner

I understand well
what I mean is... the tablet will act more as like a Dongle 3G rather than a phone...
I think you can't have the way "not sure" to use for send SMS or MMS or USSD or call... with the tablet...

I agree the tablet does not have the hardware to Dial out to a service. Check and see if the carrier has a update web site to do what you for purchase. Or check out the Google voice service they give you a phone number that routs phone information to txt Google email and chat
But I do not know much about its limits or ability or availability in your country
Good luck

Omaticayan said:
Correct me if I am wrong but did Google/Acer simply forget that there are users out there which do not have data plans but prepaid accounts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think they forgot. It is just that your specific need is not significant enough to have it included in the tablet itself when compared with the amount of users that do not use this specific way to connect to the internet.
As far as solutions goes I was thinking that maybe you could setup a SIP on your tablet: this should allow you to make and receive phone calls over the internet. I have an EVO and I was able to make phone calls with it while having the 'phone' radio off (using wifi), the only problem I see is that you'll need to have a dialer somewhere (SIP droid integrated itself into the dialer so you could set it up as the default gateway for calls or use on a specific pattern basis like GV and intl calls)
SIPdroid setup is very easy (username and pass) but the SIP provider itself might not be that easy to setup (you need to setup rules for inc calls, outgoing.. also you need to connect your GV acct with the SIP and so on)

Thanks so much for all comments!
Fortunately, my internet provider has a web interface where I can query my balance and, if I want to put money to my prepaid account, they let me do it via credit card.
That's okay for me.
To all: have a nice day!
Werner

I have just found your thread (after having posted one before ).
However, I have the same problem. Are you using fyve? I need to recharge the data plan, but cannot do it since I cannot do any phone calls. On the fyve website, I did not find any web interface to enter my code.

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Is working with videocall as well?

Seems to be the same as Skype but with less users.

Data counter with prices

I search for an app. who can keep an eye on how much data calls, in/out coming calls, SMS in and out, and MMS in and out on my phone, but also allows you to insert a price on what each individual function cost of my phone company - help wanted for good ideas

Can't say i noticed any app that could do that, but for me it's easier just to send an SMS to my provider and i get the detailed cost control. Or i can access my personal account on Vodafone site and see the detailed info. Doesn't your network support any of these options ?

Yes - but I'm going on holiday in another country and the prices are quite different from what I normally pay. Therefore, I would install an application with the required functions, so I'm not surprised at my phone bill when I get home.

Attention fellow SPRINT users NEW service you might enjoy!

I just wanted to pass along a new service offered by Sprint, at this time it's a Sprint only thing called StarStar Me ..... that allows you to pay $3 a month for your own ** number (yes asterisk asterisk or star star however you see it). Basically to give you the shortened version of what it does is, you choose your name you want (say you want to give someone your # but they don't have their phone or something to write it down on) they will press the ** and whatever word you sign up for that you pay $3 a month for and that person can call you that way. No need to worry about them knowing your number just the **(enter your word here) and that's it and the call will be directed to your cell phone.
I have shortened the url since it was rather long so you can read more about it and log into your Sprint account and sign up for it.
http://goo.gl/0wbL0
You're welcome, if someone else has already shared this, sorry I have been far too busy lately and haven't checked into many tech things as of late.
:good:

Looking for a good call blocker

Hello everyone!
I was wanting to know if anyone knew of a good call blocker that works well. I have been getting a ton of spam calls from random numbers, they are never the same., so blocking each one seems to be a endless task I would like to be able to block all calls and text msgs from anyone who is not in my contact list. I have a Sprint S8, and Note 8. Any info would be greatly appreciated!

Get a copy of truecaller.
While I used it, it blocked 95% of spam calls.

I use this one and it's very effective.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.webascender.callerid

I personally use YOUMAIL as default voicemail and call blocker. You can set different funny prerecorded greetings, for spammers and marketing I choose one that says, like the following number is disconnected or your calling an Indian CSR.
On top you get free transcribing for like 10 minutes of messages.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.youmail.android.vvm

I'm researching call blockers. I'm currently inundated with spoofing type spam since most of the calls appear to come from my local area. Therefore I plan to setup the call blocker to block any callers not in my Contact list. After the call, I will check my voicemail to determine whether the call was legitimate. If legitimate I will tag them as safe so that future calls will be accepted.
While TrueCaller seems a nice call blocker, the free version has so many ads that they become a major distraction. The free version of Hiya is a joke and can't even meet my limited requirements. I like Should I Answer, but I'm interested in feedback from others before making a decision.