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Question

Tablet to replace cell phone??????

Jul 5, 2019 2:29PM PDT

I recently started looking for a tablet that I could use to replace my Galaxy cell phone. I like the idea of a tablet with all that is included in a tablet as well as the ability to make and receive phone calls. This combination seems like a 'no brainer'. But, to my dismay, I have discovered that those tablets that include the 4G/LTE option DO NOT support phone functionality. That is you cannot initiate or receive phone calls. It does support texting but no voice communication. I don't get it. It seems like a very short leap to include voice in a tablet.
Why is this so difficult to achieve?? Why has no one done this by now??? After all this is 2019. What exactly are the issues and what are the problems???

Thank You

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Folks have been waiting
Jul 5, 2019 2:35PM PDT

for this for years. I believe the technology is there but being held back . After all in reality we're just asking for a big cell phone or larger phablet ...
Just my 2 cents

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bag of worms
Jul 5, 2019 3:45PM PDT

the service providers don't want users to use their tablets as phones based on the current fee system. If they did, the current charges would have to change and become similar to fees charged for smartphones.

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Answer
Actually I have made calls on such.
Jul 5, 2019 2:45PM PDT

I use Whatsapp, Google Voice and such. Maybe you want a classic cell phone but didn't ask.

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Answer
still can if in wifi area
Jul 5, 2019 3:43PM PDT

you can still make phone calls if you use skype, google voice and other voip services. just got to be in areas with wifi.

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Answer
Tablets not made as phones
Jul 5, 2019 7:46PM PDT

Tablets are not designed to be phones. An iPhone is actually more powerful than an iPad. Also, tablets were meant to be mini portable computers for Wifi networks. On the other hand smartphones were meant for cellular networks. However, there are some options to incorporate 4G or LTE into a tablet. See the below link for more details.
http://www.tabletpcreview.com/howto/how-to-get-4g-lte-access-for-your-tablet/