Okay, so when is Android going to get a FREE VOIP application that works over WiFi, 3G and 4G?
I know there is Line2 that works great, but comes with a $9.95 a month pricetag.
Oh, you say, Google Voice, right? Well, almost. Out of the box, you can call for free, but it still originates a call over the cellular voice network, so you are still dinged a minute of voice time each call you make, AND, if you want to drop your wireless carrier (like I did) and just use WiFi, you are out of luck…almost…
You can piece together a solution with SIPDroid and IPKall. But, SIPDroid is STILL BUGGY in that on most phones (including mine) in that it plays audio out of the back speaker instead of the earpiece on my phone. But for now, it works for me. I can make and receive calls completely over my WiFi network – no cellular service required. This means I can make and receive free voice calls as well as completely free SMS anywhere I can get a WiFi signal. (And where I live, it is available pretty much everywhere.)
Now you can see why the cellular companies are racing to get the fastest data networks deployed! Voice service can easily be eliminated with a 4G Hotspot like the one Clearwire offers. (I tried it, and it does work, but service fees still too high in my opinion. $45-$55 is what they offered, I’m looking for $30-$35 for unlimited.)
Unfortunately, the bug in SIPDroid prevents it from being deployed mainstream. IPKall quit giving out free phone numbers for awhile, but it looks like you can get one again. So grab one now before they are gone again…
I imagine Google could easily flip a switch and not require voice minutes or the cellular service, but it is probably not in their best interests… But sooner or later they will have to do it. Wide open market. And once they do, better for us consumers.
I’d be more than happy to pay $30/month for an unlimited data plan, either 3G or 4G, NO VOICE. Anything more doesn’t meet my needs. Until then, I stick with WiFi and free hotspots. 
