After doing a lot more research into how the Speakout service actually runs on the Rogers network, I now understand why I cannot get voice messaging using the Speakout network on my iPad. If there was a note in the Speakout literature or web site that stated this, I missed it.

I appreciate the time that people have taken to help me with my objective of using the iPad like a cell phone using the Speakout network.

I removed my Speakout SIM and got a Bell SIM and bought one month of their $15 for 30 days data plan. Their 3g service works fine on my iPad, and I can make phone calls to both land lines and cell phones using either Skype or Line2 on the Bell 3g service (I haven't tried either Skype or Line2 extensively, but over half a dozen brief voice calls they seem to be about the same clarity and will suit my needs fine).

When I am back home in a few days, I will go back to the Speakout SIM and try it again. Maybe I need to have a plan with the browsing rate rather than just the one I have now (talking rate) for Speakout to work with Skype/Line2. We'll see.

I would not pay 10/month for this as I would be paying 1/month(if I want incoming #) at voip.ms

I have no experience with any of the VOIP software you have mentioned. It might be good, likely not though, because I never heard of it.

I do not want you to be paying money until you get a handle of VOIP first. So I am going to get you to download Skype from the app store. http://itunes.apple.com/us/app.....12681?mt=8 It is extremely robust, time tested, and stable VOIP software and this is something you need the first time around.

Skype is better than anything else, because it is adept in punching holes in a network to get a call in and out. It also has some really good proprietary codecs that make a conversation sound good no matter how awful the internet connection is. The trade off is that the call can have a delay like a walkie talkie conversation at times, because the latency of the network, such as 3G/EDGE is so high. With DSL/cable networks, it sounds like a normal phone conversation.

When you get Skype running, make a test call to echo123. This allows you to make an echo test, and give you an idea of the quality to expect.

Once that is done, go to http://www.ring2me.com and get a free local number to forward to Skype. It is free because it uses an extension system, but it is a good idea to test Skype with the regular phone system.

Once you get that done, you can decide if you want to pay money for other services. But do what I said before asking more questions here. You first have to experience VOIP for me to be any more help. An example was the difference of opinion chimpanzee and I had on the quality of VOIP over 3G. We are both right, to a point, but only you can decide if VOIP is good enough for you.

I realize now that it is my own fault for somehow jumping to the conclusion that the iPad in a pristine state could be used to make voice calls.

The only info I have found that indicates that there is a way to make voice calls on the iPad 2 using 3g is info that is at the site of a program called Line2. I have searched but I haven't seen anyone who has the Speakout service post any experiences they have had with Line2. Also Line2 costs about $10 per month, which is of course on top of the cost of the 3g service. They do have a free trial, and if I can get an account set up, I am going to try it out.

From Line2 FAQ

What is Tri-Mode Calling?
Line2 is unique because it uses WiFi, cellular data (3G or 4G), or even cellular voice connections to make and receive calls, all with the same number - an industry first. When you're in a WiFi area, Line2 uses that for calls and texts. When you're in an area with cellular data coverage, Line2 can use that for your calls, allowing you to be mobile without using cell minutes. If a reliable data connection isn't available, for example in a moving vehicle, Line2 can use your cellular voice line to make the call while still using your Line2 number. This is the only calling mode that uses your cell plan minutes, but ensures you will always be able to place a call no matter where you are. These options can be managed in the dialing section of the settings tab.

Can I really turn my iPad or Android tablet into a phone? What's the catch?
There is no catch. We are a phone company but instead of using cell towers, we use data networks and wi-fi networks to transmit your calls and text messages. This is known as VoIP calling, but you can also use Line2 over the mobile network.

Here is a review:
http://www.mobiletechreview.co.....mber=41340

Cancelly my Bell plan is just simpler to me, if I want to. All done on my phone when I may be on the bus or eating in the restaurant.

10/month would be taken out of your account. Data plan of SO is not PAYG.

It has nothing to do with jailbreak, SO 'data' plan has its limitation at Rogers.

But as you said, everyone has their preference.

I have read articles where people have done something called jailbreaking their ipad, and then you can use an application to make the iPad work just like an iPhone for voice calls on 3g networks. One such application is called PhoneIt-iPad for example. I would rather not jailbreak my iPad.

I appreciate your comments.

I am using Bell's iPad plan and it is a 250M@15/30 days auto renew(but can be stopped any time). I use it to do everything on my iPhone, including VOIP, no problem there. quality is ok.

If you insist on using SO, well I doubt anyone can help you. Is that possible, probably. Information available ? I very much doubt.

Why is is not possible to have a 365 day expiration date plan on your iPad? Almost every carrier offers one, usually for $100, but Speakout does it for $25.

As for VOIP over 3G, it sucks. Even worse with EDGE! The latency and jitter is embarrassing bad. The Rogers and Bell/Telus 3G networks are rather hostile to VOIP. You can get it working, but the results will not be impressive.

Who offers a Surf the Web plan? Are you talking about Speakout browsing? If so, nothing Speakout offers will work with VOIP. Browsing, and most Apps will work with the iPad though.

It depends on what is intended usage for voip over 3G. I have no problem using it a many occasions doing casual things like 1-800 or restaurant booking etc. It is fine, I specifically use GSM. G.711 however is VERY BAD.

I don't need Speakout in order to have WiFi on my iPad. I only wanted it so that I could make phone calls when WiFi was not available but 3G service was.

I thought that if I added the Speakout Surf the Web plan to my basic iPad Speakout account, then I would be able to use a VOIP type program like Skype to make phone calls when I had 3g access but no WiFi access. From what you say that was an incorrect assumption.

What I meant in my first statement was that it seems it is not possible to have a 365 day expiration date plan on my iPad that will allow me to make phone calls to land phones via the basic Speakout plan on 3G when WiFi is not available because as far as I can see, there is no application/program that runs on my iPad that will let me do that.

It doesn't matter to me if VOIP over 3G sucks, as I would only be making rare brief calls. I am wondering what type of program cell phones use to make phone calls over a 3G network, and if there is an iPad version. Perhaps such capability is just built into their operating system and there is no such program per se?

Thanks again for your comments. They have been very enlightening.

As for VOIP over 3G, it sucks. Even worse with EDGE! The latency and jitter is embarrassing bad. The Rogers and Bell/Telus 3G networks are rather hostile to VOIP. You can get it working, but the results will not be impressive.

Who offers a Surf the Web plan? Are you talking about Speakout browsing? If so, nothing Speakout offers will work with VOIP. Browsing, and most Apps will work with the iPad though.

Bridonca, thanks for your comment. All the VOIP apps I have tried have not worked over 3g, although they work fine with the WiFi turned on and working.

So, it is currently not possible to have a 365 day expiration date plan on my iPad. I hope at some point this becomes possible.

The question I am left with now which I am hoping that someone can answer is that if I get the Surf the Web plan for $10 per month, will that allow me to make VOIP phone calls? My choices seem to be this if it works or buying another SIM and carting the phone around.

Thanks everyone for the help and the suggestions.

Alternatively, use the Bell/Rogers iPad plan. I am using that on my iPhone and make calls via VOIP.

EDIT:
BTW, I have been very careful when cutting the SIM(I used to cut one from PC mobile) so it can be put back to the original large SIM cut out and use in standard phone.

My best advice is to pay $10 for a SIM card, and $25 airtime, which lasts a year, if you do not make too many calls, and use that on the 1661 phone. I cannot think of anything better you could do.

I don't really want to have to look after (and keep charged) a cell phone which I would rarely use when I always will have my iPad with me. I also don't want to have to pay a monthly fee as that would make my rare phone calls very expensive. And lastly, since I cut the SIM that came in the phone down to a micro SIM, in order to use the cell phone I would have to buy another SIM, not a big expense, but an expense none the less (I presume I could transfer my SO minutes to a new SIM, but I don't know for sure).

Regards

I am using a dataplan on my iPhone4(not SO though but the bell one) and use voip.ms when I am on the road.

Though I doubt SO would work this way and it seems that you are better off to just take the 1661 with you as you said you only make calls very occasionally ?

That is actually what I am doing. I use the iPhone4 as a data only device and make occasional voip calls(calling to 1800, restaurant booking etc.). And also take with me my 2630 with SO. It is so small and light but with superb voice quality !