Can you use the ipod touch 4th/5th generation as a phone?

[daddog]

With all the tech heads here I figured I would ask.

I am asking about this because my wife and I are thinking of taking the plunge and getting the family cell phones. Of course the $100+ a month is something I would like to avoid. My middle daughter says she thinks the ipod touch can be used as a phone to make calls. If that is true my thinking is why everyone has not purchased the ipod touch and disposed of their cell phones. Sounds too good to be true. So is there something out there that would allow you to use your ipod touch as a phone (voice and text messages) such as Text Plus?

Thanks in advance. 

[Krupinski]

You can use them to make calls if you're connected to a Wifi network, not sure about receiving calls.

Edit: Yeah, you can receive calls on Wifi too.

[guncrasher]

daddog I guess the reason is that you still need a data plan as you cant be on wifi hotspot all the time.  on my tablet I use skype to make calls to my gf when she's at home using her laptop.  well I guess you can also make calls on laptops .


semp

[daddog]

Thanks guys. Have received some e-mails and PM's answering my question also.