FaceTime not work over cellular connection?

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Level 1

1 points

FaceTime not work over cellular connection?

I have discovered that when I am out and about with my MacBook Air, and am not connected to a wi-fi network, but am using my Sprint USB modem connected to the internet, and try using FaceTime, that FaceTime says no network is found to connect to, or something along those lines. I find that disappointing.

Does it only work over a wi-fi network and not cellular? I am planning on purchasing a non-USB modem, through Sprint again, the Novatel MiFi 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot, to use instead with my Air, and for my new iPod Touch... will FaceTime work with that cellular wi-fi?

I am thinking that Facetime doesn't recognize the internet network connection with the USB modem, is because it's maybe that I am connecting to the internet with the hardware of the USB modem plugged directly into the Air, and not via an external signal ... that probably doesn't make any sense, but, I am at a loss as to why it won't connect to the internet via my USB modem... and am hoping that when I upgrade to the Novatel Mifi, it will recognize and work with it, otherwise, I again will find that very disappointing.

Anybody have any ideas? Thank you in advance for your time and thoughts and suggestions.

JPH

iMac 27" 3.06 GHz Intel Core Duo / Macbook Air 13", 1.86 GHz Intel Core Duo, Mac OS X (10.6.7)

Posted on Apr 25, 2011 9:27 AM

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Answer 1

Best reply

IdrisSeabright

Level 10

155,591 points

Apr 25, 2011 9:30 AM in response to MrJPH

FaceTime will not work over 3G. However, if you have a MiFi, the iPad (and the MacBook) should recognize that as WiFi and work.

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Answer 2

Apr 25, 2011 9:34 AM in response to MrJPH

FaceTime for Mac is for Wi-Fi or Ethernet use.

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=FaceTimeforMac/1.0/en/fth35515.html

Behind a firewall: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4245

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Answer 3

MrJPH Author

Level 1

1 points

Apr 25, 2011 9:44 AM in response to MrJPH

Thank you very much, Meg, and J D, I appreciate your quick replies!

Well, then I hope that the MiFi WiFi will work.

It wouldn't matter what the source of the internet WiFi signal is, would it? Meaning, like here at my home, I am connected to WiFi via my AirportExpress, via my cable modem source... connecting to WiFi via the MiFi's source of the cellular network, it should/would work? Or is that two different beasts? Still cellular, and not really WiFi?

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Answer 4

Apr 25, 2011 6:16 PM in response to MrJPH

If you have a mifi - it will appear as a Wifi access point to both an Air and a iPad and will allow you to use Facetime.

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Answer 5

MrJPH Author

Level 1

1 points

Apr 26, 2011 7:35 AM in response to Mark Shykula

Sweet! Thanks, Mark, I sure hope so! Not that it would be a deal breaker if it didn't, because could always just hop over to Skype, but, would be more convenient and nice if we all could just use FaceTime.

Thank you all for your time and replies, I appreciate it! All the best to you!

JPH

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