Turn your tablet into a phone and make calls

There is an obvious similarity between tablets and mobile phones. After all, they both use the same operating system and the iPhone and iPad use iOS and Android is used on phones and tablets too. Some tablets are even available with 3G connectivity and can use the mobile phone network.

There are also 'phablets', which are devices that are too big to be called phones, but too small to be classed as tablets. These blur the distinction between tablets and phones.

If you have a tablet, you may have wondered whether it is possible to make phone calls with it, particularly if you have a 3G model with a SIM card. Surely there can't be that much difference between a 3G tablet and a phone with 3G?

Actually, there is a difference and 3G is provided as an option on tablets so that you can access the internet if you find yourself somewhere that doesn't have Wi-Fi. It means, for example, that you can watch YouTube videos, catch up with online TV and browse the web standing at the bus stop, or at some place that doesn't have Wi-Fi when you are out with your device.

However, the 3G capabilities that are provided with tablets is a data-only connection and it isn't designed for voice calls. The bottom line is that you just can't place voice calls. You need more than just a 3G connection.

This does not mean that there isn't a solution and if you want to make phone calls, but without using a phone, you should use Skype. This free app from the Google Play Store or Apple iOS Store that enables you to call other Skype users for free using voice and video.

It is an example of VoIP (Voice over IP) and the internet is used for communications rather than the telephone network. There are other VoIP apps for Android and iOS, but Skype is the best known and most widely used. Search for VoIP in the Android or iOS store to find alternatives.

You can call any other Skype user for free, but this isn't its only function and you can buy credit for it that enables you to call ordinary landlines and mobile phones. Your tablet uses the internet through Wi-Fi or 3G, whichever is available, but Skype can then route the call to a real telephone. This means that you can actually use your tablet as a phone.

There are other services available from Skype and you can have a telephone number so that people can call you on their mobile phones or landlines. You can even send SMS text messages to mobiles. Browse the Skype website and you’ll find a large range of services that can make your tablet as good as a phone.

The bottom line is that you can't turn a tablet with 3G into a phone, but you can use VoIP apps to place calls to other VoIP users with the same app. You can even make calls to regular phones too.