Wi-Fi Calling, also known as VoWiFi or Voice over WiFi, is a technology that allows users to make phone calls with their current phone number over a Wi-Fi network instead of using the traditional mobile network (2G, 3G, 4G or 5G). This technology allows users to make voice calls and send text messages using an Internet connection instead of a mobile or cellular network, which can be useful in places where mobile coverage is weak or non-existent.
The advantages of Wi-Fi calling include:
- Improved coverage: Wi-Fi Calling allows you to make calls and send text messages in places where the mobile signal is weak or non-existent, such as in large buildings or in rural areas.
- Cost savings: Wi-Fi calling does not use voice minutes or text messages from the mobile network, so it can be a cheaper option for people who have limited plans or in countries where voice rates are very high.
- Improved voice quality: Wi-Fi calling can provide improved voice quality compared to traditional voice calls, especially in areas where cellular coverage is weak.
The disadvantages of Wi-Fi calling include:
- Depends on an Internet connection: Making Wi-Fi calls requires a stable Internet connection. If the Internet connection is weak or interrupted, the call quality may be affected.
- Not all mobile phone operators offer Wi-Fi calling technology. Therefore, it may not be available to all users or in all countries.
To find out if you can take advantage of Wi-Fi calls, you should check with your mobile operator if it allows it. In the United States, the operators that support Wi-Fi calls at the moment are Alaska GCI, Altice Mobile, Appalachian Wireless, AT&T, C Spire, Consumer Cellular, Cricket, Family Mobile, H20 Wireless, Metro by T-Mobile, Mint Mobile, Nex-Tech Wireless, PureTalk, Red Pocket, Simple Mobile, Spectrum, T-Mobile USA, Ting, TracFone / Straight Talk, Ultra Mobile, US Cellular, Verizon Wireless, Xfinity Mobile, the rest of the carriers don't support it yet.
In Canada, the mobile phone operators that allow VoWifi are: Bell, Eastlink, Fido, Freedom Mobile, Koodo, Rogers, SaskTel, Shaw, Telus, Videotron, Virgin Mobile.
In United Kingdom, the mobile phone operators that allow VoWifi are: 3, BT, EE, ID Mobile, O2, Sky, Vodafone.
In Ireland the mobile phone operators that allow VoWifi are: 3, Eir and Vodafone.
In the Isle of Man, the mobile phone operators that allow VoWifi are: Manx Telecom and Sure Mobile.
It must be taken into account that it is a technology that does not benefit the cheapest companies since by using this system they cannot charge for calls that are made outside the contracted rate, on the other hand the benefit they can obtain by offering This service is to free your mobile networks from traffic that can be diverted by broadband networks.
Wi-Fi calling can also be called and appear on your phone as VoWiFI or WiFI calling.
Wi-Fi calls differ from VoLTE calls in that VoLTE calls use the SIM card's mobile data connection while Wi-Fi calls use the Wi-Fi connection and therefore do not consume tariff data.
How to activate Wi-Fi calling on Android?
From Android devices, if both the device and the telephone company allow it, the option to activate them will appear from Settings -> Connections -> Wi-Fi Calls.
A toggle button can also appear from the quick settings panel by swiping down from the top of the screen.
How to activate Wi-Fi calling on iPhone?
From the iPhone 5S it is possible to make Wi-Fi calls with iOS, yes, as long as the telephone company allows it.
To activate it, open the settings, then click on "Phone", within the phone settings you will see the option "Wi-Fi Calls" click to access and activate it. You may have to fill in data or confirm the emergency data.
What differences are there between Wi-Fi calls and a call on WhatsApp or another messaging application?
There are some differences between Wi-Fi calling and calls made through messaging apps like WhatsApp. Here are some key differences:
Application dependency: Wi-Fi calling depends on the mobile operator's ability to offer Wi-Fi calling technology, while calls made through messaging applications such as WhatsApp depend on the application's ability to connect to the Internet.
Phone numbers: Wi-Fi calls are made through the user's mobile phone numbers and do not require a specific application to make calls. Instead, calls made through messaging apps like WhatsApp are usually made between users who have the same app installed.
Additional features: Messaging apps like WhatsApp often offer additional features, such as video calls, voice messages, and the ability to share photos and videos. These features are not available on Wi-Fi calling.
Voice quality: In general, the voice quality in Wi-Fi calls and in calls made through messaging applications is similar. However, quality may vary based on internet connection and other factors.
