PHONES

DATA-BASED CALLING/MESSAGING APPS

Most in the Rota community utilize data-based calling/messaging apps.

• Uses your cellular data or wifi instead of being charged per minute for cellular voice or per text over cellular

• Call or message numbers in the US or any other country

• Choose a cellular data plan with sufficient data (unlimited is best) for when you are not on wifi

  • • 300-400 minutes of app calling uses approximately 1 GB.

• One limitation is that you cannot call land-lines (typical for businesses). You would have to call using cellular voice which may incur a per-minute charge depending on your phone plan.

Popular Apps

• WhatsApp:

  • • Use your current phone contacts (users tie their cell number to their WhatsApp contact)

    • Call/message anyone with WhatsApp no matter what country the phone number is from

• Facebook Messenger:

  • • Call/message anyone with a Facebook messenger account

    • Your contacts who may be apprehensive about Facebook can simply make an account to access messenger without having to participate any other social media components

• Google Hangouts:

  • • Call/message anyone with a Google account and the Hangouts or Duo app.

    • Can be tied to a Google Voice number

PHONE PLANS

It is easiest to establish these US-based phone plans before leaving the US.

Plan information as of 21 Mar 2020.

Visit carrier websites to confirm plan information.

Popular plans:

• T-Mobile

• Google Fi

• Spain Phones and Plans

To call base office phone numbers (DSN lines), dial +34 956 82 XXXX (the last 4 of the DSN number)

• example: for DSN 727-2643, dial +34 956 82 2643

• Room phones in the Navy Lodge and NGIS are DSN lines. To reach other DSN lines, dial the 7-digit DSN number.