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T-Mobile @Home - Technical Information
This article is designed to provide answers to common technical questions about T-Mobile @Home. Use the links below to help you locate the answer to your question.
What is the benefit of T-Mobile @Home over offers from other companies? ›
Can I keep (or port) my current home phone number? ›
How many calls can one T-Mobile wireless router handle? ›
What devices can cause Radio Frequency (RF) interference? ›
Can I use my existing router and T-Mobile’s wireless router? ›
Where should I put the wireless router? ›
What are the bandwidth requirements for T-Mobile @Home? ›
How secure is T-Mobile @Home? ›
Can I make or receive a call from any wireless router? ›
Can I make or receive calls from outside of the United States? ›

What is the benefit of T-Mobile @Home over offers from other companies?

The benefits of T-Mobile @Home over other companies include:
  • Unlimited calling – local and domestic long distance.
  • Includes voicemail, call waiting, call forwarding, and caller ID.
  • Keep your home phone, and say goodbye to a big phone company bill.
  • You can also port your home phone number and continue using the same phone.
NOTE: Access to and the quality of service is dependent on the security and set-up of the network.
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Can I keep (or port) my current home phone number?

Yes! If you are porting a home phone number to T-Mobile, the following information will apply:
  • Porting your home phone number from a landline phone company to T-Mobile should take 6 days, but could take longer.
  • You should receive a text message on one of your mobile lines informing you of the day your port will take place.
  • Your old carrier may require a PIN number or password to allow your number to be ported over to T-Mobile.
  • Be sure to remove any Call Forwarding before porting your number.
  • Check for any messages stored in Call Notes or any other network stored messaging service, as they will be deleted when you port out.
  • You may lose your current landline service for up to an hour while the port request is completing. You will lose the dial tone on your landline phone when the port is complete.
  • Begin the setup process for your new router after your current landline has lost its dial tone.
NOTE: For any and all questions regarding the status of your port request, call 1-877-453-1304.
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How many calls can one T-Mobile HotSpot wireless router handle?

T-Mobile wireless routers can support up to five simultaneous voice calls depending on the Internet bandwidth available, distance from the wireless router, and environmental factors, such as RF interference.
The T-Mobile wireless router with home phone connections can support up to 2 home telephone lines (with up to four handsets on each line), and up to 5 T-Mobile @Home mobile devices simultaneously, depending on the available Internet bandwidth, the distance from the wireless router, and environmental factors such as RF interference.
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What devices can cause RF interference?

Anything that uses 2.4 GHz spectrum may cause interference. Examples include:
  • 2.4 GHZ cordless phones
  • Wireless printers and other devices
  • Baby monitors
  • Microwave ovens
  • Some cordless phones
  • Some home video surveillance equipment
  • Other wireless routers—remember to operate on different channels or disable unused wireless routers
  • Bluetooth®*
NOTE: Such interference does not necessarily mean your communications will be degraded or blocked.
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Can I use my existing router and T-Mobile’s wireless router?

T-Mobile wireless routers can be connected to an already existing wireless router. Connect in the following order: modem > current wireless router > T-Mobile Wireless Router > desktop computer and/or wireless computer.
For best voice quality, we suggest that the HiPort wireless router be placed first in a multi-router setup. Make sure that the Wi-Fi enabled phone connects to the T-Mobile wireless router. Also, make sure that if the wireless is turned on for both routers, they are on different channels to minimize interference.
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Where should I put the wireless router?

The placement of the wireless router is extremely important to ensure adequate coverage in the usage area. Position the wireless router at a central location, about three to four feet above the ground and away from any clutter. Ensure that the router is not hidden and is kept away from any interference, like 2.4 GHz cordless phones, microwave ovens, and baby monitors. If the wireless router is hidden, sitting on the floor, in a closet, or placed inside of an entertainment center, the coverage may be dramatically reduced.
NOTE: The composition of walls, the amount of furniture in the rooms, and other electronic items in the home could reduce coverage range.
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What are the bandwidth requirements for T-Mobile @Home?

A broadband Internet connection is required to be able to place calls over Wi-Fi. Each voice call requires 100 KB/s upload/download speed for optimal performance.
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How secure is T-Mobile @Home?

Calls made via wireless router with home phone connection are secure.
However, a cordless home phone is subject to the same security vulnerabilities using the T-Mobile wireless router with home phone connection as it would be plugged into a standard telephone jack. Call security is dependent on the cordless phone’s voice encryption between the phone and the phone’s base station. For increased security, plug a corded phone into the T-Mobile wireless router.
Wi-Fi enabled phones provide their own security, beyond anything provided by a wireless router. Even in “unsecured” networks, Wi-Fi calls remain secure. Additional security, such as WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) and WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) can be added within the home to protect wireless data.
NOTE: T-Mobile does not make specific recommendations on the best method of securing a local network.
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Can I make or receive a call from any wireless router?

Open, or unsecured, wireless routers may be accessed with the T-Mobile Wi-Fi phone. Typically, a wireless router is set up with security features turned on. Secure wireless routers may be used if you have access to the key or passphrase from the network owner. Networks that require you to log in to a Web page will not work for T-Mobile Wi-Fi phones without a Web browser. 802.1x networks will not work.
NOTE: Actual experience on a non-T-Mobile wireless router may vary.
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Can I make or receive calls from outside of the United States?

This service is only for use in the United States. Calls can be made to international locations and standard international long distance rates apply.
NOTE: There are no call handoffs to or from networks other than T-Mobile USA’s network, and Wi-Fi calls cannot be made or received at T-Mobile HotSpot locations outside of the US.
*The Bluetooth word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by T-Mobile is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.

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