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Communicating with Sailors overseas
My daughter recently deployed to Bahrain (MA) and here is what we've found:
Smartphones can be placed on 'military hold' by the server, since they are so expensive to use overseas. BUT they can be taken and used as an independant device, any time there is a WiFi connection, even without being on a server (like Verizon, etc).
'Text Plus' is an excellent 'app' that provides FREE texting.
'Skype' can be used as a perfect FREE phone call, by disabling the 'video' feature during the call. Because their internet service is not great, making it voice only raises the quality.
We tried two other phone call apps, and Skype is by far the best.
So I hope this is clear: put your smartphone on 'military hold' with the server, take phone to Bahrain, or wherever, use it to access internet via WiFi where available, and use it for FREE unlimited texting and phone calls:)
Views: 860
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Navymom on
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Hi Annie - Thanks for the info. My son has been in Bahrain for about 2 weeks. Can he put his phone on military hold even though he is already there or did he have to do that before he left? We have been skyping with him and that has been great. Connections are not always perfect,but have always been doable. Is text plus something he can access from his phone? Sorry for so many questions, but I am not the most tech savy person. Thanks. Cathy
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Permalink Reply by Annie on
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Hi Cathy, I don't mind the questions at all, we're all figuring this out together.
"Military Hold": this is just to avoid paying the monthly phone fee til he gets back. You could call his provider and ask about it, especially if he is on your plan ('family plan'), or go into a provider store and talk to them about it.
"Text Plus": this is an 'app' for smartphones, and probably IPhones too. Does he have a smartphone?
"Skype": have you all tried disabling the video during your conversations? Even tho you don't get to see each other (blurrily), you get Great sound quality:)
Just keep asking til you get it all figured out, and let me know if you find out anything else too!
What's your son's job? My daughter is an MA.
Annie
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Hi Annie,
My son is an MA also. Thank you so much for the info. We will definitely check out the military hold option. Why should he keep paying if he is not using it? My husband figured out how disabling the video improves the voice quality. He can always hear us clearly so I will do part of the call with no video and then toward the end I will have him type so I can see him for a while too. :-) How long has your daughter been there? Does she like it?
Cathy
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She has been there a little over 2 weeks. Maybe they came in on the same flight. At first she was in shock I think, at the heat and the different world, never having been out of the states. But she had some friends there already, so she was not 'alone'. Also she discovered base has a Free movie theater, and some really delicious food (tell your son to try Cocos). Also she enjoyed a $24 tour of Manama. So she is settling in:) Her name is 'Kat' ........ no last names here:)
Glad you are figuring out Skype, etc. Does your son have a smart phone?
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(you can get them on Craigslist pretty cheap, also when it's time for your 'free' upgrade)
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Yes 8 days is about normal. About that care package, be sure to pack it tight, so nothing can jog around in there. If you use post office's Priority box (ask which size) it is $13.95 if it's under 70 pounds! Also, BE SURE to send everything by air, or it will take a month. Priority is air, by the way. Also are you texting at all? We use text plus, free app.
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