"How much does the monthly service plan for the N810?"
Not a week goes by when I do not get that question in a blog or video comment. After attempting to explain to each that the Nokia Internet Tablet is not a phone, I get news that it's now easy for the tablet to BECOME a phone.
Skype just launched new monthly unlimited calling plans for the US/Canada, Mexico, and world. These cost from $2.95/mo to $9.95/mo. That covers outgoing calls only. Skype-to-Skype is always free, but inbound calls to phones will require a SkypeIn number. Without a calling plan, a SkypeIn number is $18 for 3 months or $60 for a full year. If purchased with one of the new calling plans, the cost is half that.
With a WiMAX Nokia Internet Tablet and good bandwidth, it would be possible to turn your tablet into a functional phone. Here's a break-down:
- WiMAX Service: $40-$60/month (estimate - could be more or less)
- SkypeIn Number: $3/mo (based on purchase with a calling plan)
- Skype calling plan: $3-$10/mo
What will not be there:
- Coverage in non-WiMAX areas,
- Emergency 911 service
- Picture messaging
- A text messaging plan (Skype can send SMS through the chat interface, but cannot receive it.)
5 comments:
Now if only they would update the app to include video, and make it alot faster then I would be all over this. The other major problem with skype on the N810 is that once in a call the keypad does not work. So if you are ringing a support line you cannot select options which sucks.
I think it is funny that you previously thought it was a bad idea to integrate a phone into the N800 and that it made more sense as a second device, and are now giving hte thumbs up.
Right you are; this is one of the reasons Sprint is a bit reluctant to announce pricing schemes and availability for ther "Xohm" WiMax offering (aside from the technical problems they are having, of course). Earlier numbers indicated that it would be $59 per month, and allow for up to 5 devices to get internet access.
That said, I think your contrast with the AT&T wireless plan is a bit disingenious. First, there is nothing "unreal" about MEdiaNet (or their other data plans). It is the "real" internet; whether or not your phone can take advantage of it is another issue. You can always tether your phone to a bluetooth enabled laptop (or, say, the N800/N810) though; if you have 3G coverage, you should be getting anywhere from 1Mbps to about 2.5Mbps downloads, depending on location and time of day. (The only difference from this and internet service from a regular ISP is that you'll get a "private" IP address, in the range 10.x.x.x, so running services off your cell phone may not be feasible..)
Tethering your WiMax connection does not seem to be an option, at least with the initial devices that will be offerent by Sprint (like the N810 WiMax..).
Second, as for pricing, unlimited MEdiaNet significantly cheaper than what you describe ($15 for unlimited data, on top of your regular phone plan; in the case of 900 minutes per month, it should be about $75, not $90).
That said, if you prefer bringing your N800/N810 with you instead of a cell phone (beware of battery consumption though!), and you are OK with your outgoing calls originating from a number that's different from your SkypeIn number, and if you don't need emergency service, and you don't roam to areas outside WiMax/Xohm coverage (not only limited deployment, but also limited range, apparently), and you keep Skype open on your device at all times -- by all means, use that instead of a cell phone. :)
If you are simply looking for a larger screen for web browsing on your cell phone, why not consider the Nokia E90 communicator?
The title is a little misleading, it implies you couldn't use the tablets as a phone before.
You could already use Skype on the tablets as a phone, just use your SkypeOut and SkypeIn accounts. That's why there's been a dialling pad on the tablet Skype client since day one.
This is just the first package deal, not the first phone service.
Hi
Thats a really interesting post.I use skype at home via desktop PC with a mike and a webcam. Its great for keeping in touch with the in law.
We use interoute at work as our
voip solution.
Will look to make get skype added to my mobile phone
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