Off Grid Communications

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JRHill
JRHill Registered Users Posts: 441 ✭✭✭✭
in In the Weeds--Member's Choice #1
I'm driven by a nagging irritation to make a change regarding our cell phone budget. We have been with Verizon for 20+ years with 2 lines and the last bills are now running at $132/mo (with $22 of it being the payoff of my phone). So it's $110 a month for the service with the 2 smart phones as the least expensive plan from VZ.

The wife and I are retired and 100% off grid for everything. Our travels are related to each of us taking separate trips to town each week for our separate shopping lists (and to just get away from each other for a while o:) ). A few times per year to the big city. At home we have zero cell reception from ANY provider. All phone calls, messages and data go through our Starlink service so there is ZERO minutes, messages or data consumed on our cell plan. Our cell plan is the minimum for data at 5 Gb and of course minutes and messages are unlimited with the separate. 'smartphone access' charge for each line. Verizon loves us because they are sure that they can keep increasing the charges and we will keep paying them.

I have to get this right because if there is a service complexity I will be skinned alive by my beloved wife. I know that when at home our WiFi phone calls and any messaging require the provider's support for completion. This is where the questions come up as I'm vendor shopping because I don't trust talking to a millennial sales clerk at a store or on line. I ask if the service/plan is capable of WiFi calls and messages?  If Yes, are the calls and messages billed at each occurrence or are they just a set fee per month? Then I get a deer in the headlights look. I have had them just say Yes to the 2nd question.

I am confident the big providers like VZ, AT&T and TMobile do support WiFi calls and messaging but some of these smaller organizations that use the existing towers of the big providers may not? Then there is the compatibility of our phones. My Pixel 7a is unlocked and I believe the wife's Pixel 9 can be unlocked by VZ if I can get them to do it.

Who of y'all have navigated the above and what say you?
Off Grid. Two systems: 1) 2925w panels, OB VFXR3648, FM80, FNDC, Victron BMV-712, Mate3s, 240 xformer, four SimpliPHI 3.8; 2) 780w, Morningstar 30a, Grundfos switch, controller and AC/DC pump, 8 T105. Honda EU7000is w/AGS. Champion 3100. HF 4550, Miller Bobcat.
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  • littleharbor2
    littleharbor2 Solar Expert Posts: 2,135 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited July 5 #2
    I have a T-Mobile 55 plus plan I believe it's called. It costs Less than 35 a month per line and I have two lines. But then I live down in Baja and my telcel phone cost me $10 a month unlimited talk and text to USA Canada and Mexico and 3 gigs of data. Telcel does operate in the USA and I do all my payments direct online it makes it real simple.

    2.1 Kw Suntech 175 mono, Classic 200, Trace SW 4024 ( 15 years old  but brand new out of sealed factory box Jan. 2015), Bogart Tri-metric,  460 Ah. 24 volt LiFePo4 battery bank. Plenty of Baja Sea of Cortez sunshine.

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  • Dave Angelini
    Dave Angelini Solar Expert Posts: 7,029 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
    #3
    Been with Tracfone for 20+ years.  5 bucks or so per month per line for 5G. Not for everyone but that and free haircuts from my wife has funded a 2nd IRA. We actually do everything ourselves, it is the Offgrid mentality form Yachting 😎
    "we go where power lines don't" Sierra Nevada mountain area
       htps://offgridsolar1.com/
    E-mail offgridsolar@sti.net

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  • JRHill
    JRHill Registered Users Posts: 441 ✭✭✭✭
    #4
    Dave Angelini said:
    Been with Tracfone for 20+ years.  5 bucks or so per month per line for 5G. Not for everyone but that and free haircuts from my wife has funded a 2nd IRA. We actually do everything ourselves, it is the Offgrid mentality form Yachting 😎
    Does Tracfone support WiFi calls if there is no cell signal? That is a critical need for us.
    Off Grid. Two systems: 1) 2925w panels, OB VFXR3648, FM80, FNDC, Victron BMV-712, Mate3s, 240 xformer, four SimpliPHI 3.8; 2) 780w, Morningstar 30a, Grundfos switch, controller and AC/DC pump, 8 T105. Honda EU7000is w/AGS. Champion 3100. HF 4550, Miller Bobcat.
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  • BB.
    BB. Super Moderators, Administrators Posts: 33,696 admin
    #5
    I have a WiFi capable flip phone from Tracfone... Just connected to our local WiFi and worked fine for many years. Used for my in-laws as they are in a bit of a cell phone "dark hole".

    From TF:

    https://www.tracfone.com/support/wifi-calling

    Wi-Fi Calling

    It is a feature that allows you to make and receive calls and send and receive messages over Wi-Fi. To use this feature, make sure your phone:

    • Is active
    • Has a Wi-Fi calling SIM card
    • Has Wi-Fi calling capabilities (not all phone models support Wi-Fi calling)
    -Bill
    Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset
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  • Dave Angelini
    Dave Angelini Solar Expert Posts: 7,029 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
    #6
    Yes what Bill said and I was wrong, it is $49 per year so 4 bucks per line. Sometimes it can be cheaper on ebay but Tracfone is often as good or better.
    "we go where power lines don't" Sierra Nevada mountain area
       htps://offgridsolar1.com/
    E-mail offgridsolar@sti.net

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  • Dave Angelini
    Dave Angelini Solar Expert Posts: 7,029 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
    edited July 8 #7
    A $20 buck droid from Walmart is living pretty large on less than dinner out for 2 for a couple fones and service for a bit.
    I do turn my data off when I am not home, just to save it if I need it for an EMP or CME. 😉

    The one gotcha on tracphone is you can not let the year run out on service. You could lose the phone number!!!  Bill also taught me years ago about a google voice account for my business. Still great after 15 years for nothing.

    Solar tax credit runs out this year! 

    "we go where power lines don't" Sierra Nevada mountain area
       htps://offgridsolar1.com/
    E-mail offgridsolar@sti.net

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  • JRHill
    JRHill Registered Users Posts: 441 ✭✭✭✭
    #8
    I was too verbose in my OP. WiFi calling is essential for 95% of our phone usage. That's because we are home 95% of the time and there is no signal from ANY provider.
    Off Grid. Two systems: 1) 2925w panels, OB VFXR3648, FM80, FNDC, Victron BMV-712, Mate3s, 240 xformer, four SimpliPHI 3.8; 2) 780w, Morningstar 30a, Grundfos switch, controller and AC/DC pump, 8 T105. Honda EU7000is w/AGS. Champion 3100. HF 4550, Miller Bobcat.
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  • Dave Angelini
    Dave Angelini Solar Expert Posts: 7,029 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
    #9
    go out more!  good for you!
    "we go where power lines don't" Sierra Nevada mountain area
       htps://offgridsolar1.com/
    E-mail offgridsolar@sti.net

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  • JRHill
    JRHill Registered Users Posts: 441 ✭✭✭✭
    #10
    We completed our bucket list some years ago. We live in vacation mode now but instead of paying for reservations we have some chores to do.
    Off Grid. Two systems: 1) 2925w panels, OB VFXR3648, FM80, FNDC, Victron BMV-712, Mate3s, 240 xformer, four SimpliPHI 3.8; 2) 780w, Morningstar 30a, Grundfos switch, controller and AC/DC pump, 8 T105. Honda EU7000is w/AGS. Champion 3100. HF 4550, Miller Bobcat.
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  • Dave Angelini
    Dave Angelini Solar Expert Posts: 7,029 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
    edited July 8 #11
    Good on the bucket list !    I still want to see Brad Paisley and John Fogerty again...
    Out there now I hear!    The Eagles at the Sphere in Vegas were great!

    Watched a 140 knot gust blow the snow off a 12 thousand foot mountain in spring.
    Now get back to those chores...No talking on the phone either😉
    "we go where power lines don't" Sierra Nevada mountain area
       htps://offgridsolar1.com/
    E-mail offgridsolar@sti.net

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  • littleharbor2
    littleharbor2 Solar Expert Posts: 2,135 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited July 9 #12
    My T-Mobile account doesn't allow me to live out of the country. I've been told if more than 50% of my usage is in Mexico they will cancel me. But then they suggested I use Wi-Fi calling. So that's what I do. I have a basic. Samsung phone and you have to turn on Wi-Fi calling and then turn on Airplane mode to make it  work consistently.
      When I am in the states I turn on my T-Mobile phone and get as much airtime as I can so that in a pinch down here without Wi-Fi I can you still use it without getting in trouble

    2.1 Kw Suntech 175 mono, Classic 200, Trace SW 4024 ( 15 years old  but brand new out of sealed factory box Jan. 2015), Bogart Tri-metric,  460 Ah. 24 volt LiFePo4 battery bank. Plenty of Baja Sea of Cortez sunshine.

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  • BB.
    BB. Super Moderators, Administrators Posts: 33,696 admin
    #13
    T-Mobile is supporting satellite texting (no phone/internet--that I am aware of)... USD$15 a month last I heard when rolled out. If you sign up for beta--free during beta, $10 a month after beta. Not sure if T-mobile free beta is still available now...

    https://www.t-mobile.com/coverage/satellite-phone-service

    T-Satellite beta is free for all.

    • The beta is free and open to anyone – on any carrier – until July.
    • After launch, the service will be included with our Experience Beyond plan.
    • For a limited time, when customers sign up for Experience More, they will get free satellite service through the end of the year.
    • Everybody else, including Verizon and AT&T customers, can get it for a limited time for $10/month.

    Qualifying service required. Subscription auto renews for $10/mo. Cancel any time.


    Tried it in the California Sierra Nevada mountains on the way to Nevada in my car--Worked fine for Texting (may take a few minutes longer to find sat and send/receive messages).

    -Bill

    Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset
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  • JRHill
    JRHill Registered Users Posts: 441 ✭✭✭✭
    #14
    I recently went into a T-Moble store at the town where we shop. A young millennial gal stepped right up to me with a clip board and asked why I was there. I told her I was a Verizon customer and I was looking for other options. After a few simple questions she asked where we live. I pointed due north from inside the store and said I live across the river (Columbia) and 25 miles north as the crow flies. Absolute wrong answer. Deer in the headlights look. I chuckled as I left the store. Many people not know direction other than Up, Down, Over and Out, depending on which way they are facing at the moment. 

    Anyway, she insisted there was full T-Mobile service where we live. Um, no. Zero. Just sign here....
    Off Grid. Two systems: 1) 2925w panels, OB VFXR3648, FM80, FNDC, Victron BMV-712, Mate3s, 240 xformer, four SimpliPHI 3.8; 2) 780w, Morningstar 30a, Grundfos switch, controller and AC/DC pump, 8 T105. Honda EU7000is w/AGS. Champion 3100. HF 4550, Miller Bobcat.
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  • Dave Angelini
    Dave Angelini Solar Expert Posts: 7,029 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
    #15
    Show me the money😉😉

    Yes, Verizon owns Tracfone now. Verizon acquired Tracfone Wireless, Inc. in November 2021. The acquisition included all of Tracfone's brands, such as Straight Talk, Simple Mobile, and Walmart Family Mobile. Verizon is now transitioning Tracfone customers to its own network, though customers can still use their existing plans and phones for now. 
    "we go where power lines don't" Sierra Nevada mountain area
       htps://offgridsolar1.com/
    E-mail offgridsolar@sti.net

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  • JRHill
    JRHill Registered Users Posts: 441 ✭✭✭✭
    edited July 11 #16
    One of the things I hate with a passion is a 'come on' deal and then they nail you a year or two later. This is the world of subscriptions which much has been made about. (Bwahh-hah, people with two or three airline data subscriptions and they never review their credit card statement) Once they hook you its a forgotten thing. Like I should talk after 25 years of Verizon. But I haven't forgotten. Every month I see it creep up. Now its $132/mo and there are almost no call minutes and .2Gb of data. But a bunch of time over Starlink. I call VZ and there is no better plan (I've always been better calling customer service than going into a store).

    I'm an angry old man. But I'm cautious. The wife has to have a seamless thing with no transition annoyance. And using her current Pixel 9. This is my precaution. If I screw up I will be eating with the pigs. The dogs will be inside belly up with the ceiling fan. A guy just can't screw around in times like this.
    Off Grid. Two systems: 1) 2925w panels, OB VFXR3648, FM80, FNDC, Victron BMV-712, Mate3s, 240 xformer, four SimpliPHI 3.8; 2) 780w, Morningstar 30a, Grundfos switch, controller and AC/DC pump, 8 T105. Honda EU7000is w/AGS. Champion 3100. HF 4550, Miller Bobcat.
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  • Dave Angelini
    Dave Angelini Solar Expert Posts: 7,029 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
    #17
    Dogs living with cats and mass hysteria. 
    The thing about fighting with Pigs, I have heard, is you will both get muddy and the Pigs will like it!
    "we go where power lines don't" Sierra Nevada mountain area
       htps://offgridsolar1.com/
    E-mail offgridsolar@sti.net

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  • JRHill
    JRHill Registered Users Posts: 441 ✭✭✭✭
    edited July 11 #18
    True. I have to stay 'relatively' fit lest I have some usable belly fat.

    And don't forget those movies where the pigs are fed, ahem, well. This comes to mind with some of these cell phone sales reps.
    Off Grid. Two systems: 1) 2925w panels, OB VFXR3648, FM80, FNDC, Victron BMV-712, Mate3s, 240 xformer, four SimpliPHI 3.8; 2) 780w, Morningstar 30a, Grundfos switch, controller and AC/DC pump, 8 T105. Honda EU7000is w/AGS. Champion 3100. HF 4550, Miller Bobcat.
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  • JRHill
    JRHill Registered Users Posts: 441 ✭✭✭✭
    edited July 14 #19
    So I have reviewed Tracfone's web site but I can't find anything related to charges related to WiFi use. Obviously there is no cellular data being used but is there any charge related to WiFi usage? (For calls and texts since those have to go through their network.)
    Off Grid. Two systems: 1) 2925w panels, OB VFXR3648, FM80, FNDC, Victron BMV-712, Mate3s, 240 xformer, four SimpliPHI 3.8; 2) 780w, Morningstar 30a, Grundfos switch, controller and AC/DC pump, 8 T105. Honda EU7000is w/AGS. Champion 3100. HF 4550, Miller Bobcat.
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