It's baked directly into the phone's dialer, so you don't need to fire up an app or connect to a service to use it. There are various services including Skype, WhatsApp, Messenger and Viber that provide what's known under the umbrella term VoIP, for "voice over Internet Protocol," to make calls with either a Wi-Fi or data connection.Ĭarrier-branded Wi-Fi calling is slightly different, however. With Wi-Fi, you can call a friend up even if you're in a dingy, underground bar (assuming you can connect to the bar's Wi-Fi, that is).īuilt-in Wi-Fi calling has some advantages over third-party services like Skype. You may already be familiar with using Wi-Fi to send messages when SMS texting is unavailable (iPhone users will be familiar with their native blue-colored texts from iMessage, and apps like Kik and Messenger also provide these services) - and the same applies when you're trying to place a call. For example, when you're traveling to the residential countryside, or you're in a building with spotty reception. Wi-Fi calling is especially useful when you're in an area with weak carrier coverage. But now all networks, including AT&T and Verizon, have it. T-Mobile and Sprint were the first major carriers to support Wi-Fi calling. In most ways, it's like any other phone call, and you still use regular phone numbers. This is the same Wi-Fi connection you have set up at home, or whatever Wi-Fi hotspot you happen to be on when you're out and about, such as at a cafe or library. Instead of using your carrier's network connection, your phone can make a voice call via a Wi-Fi network. 8, 2015 and has been updated most recently on Nov. To help you make sense of what Wi-Fi calling is, why it's important and what you can use it for, CNET put together a handy guide to walk you through everything you need to know.Įditors' note: This article was originally published on Oct. Whether it's because they want to bolster their network coverage or improve user experience, T-Mobile AT&T, Verizon and Sprint sell phones that have Wi-Fi calling features baked in. To compete with this, legacy carriers that use traditional cellular technology have adopted Wi-Fi calling too. There are also phone networks that prioritize Wi-Fi calling first, like Google Fi and Republic Wireless, which offer customers cheaper alternatives to regular phone plans.
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