Wi-Fi calling behaves just like a regular phone call — users dial a number, and typical features such as three way calling and speakerphone are available. But behind the scenes, something very different is happing.
How does it work?
When you make a call with Wi-Fi calling enabled, your phone will automatically route the call through the strongest network available when you dial, whether that is a mobile or Wi-Fi network. Typically, mobile networks treat Wi-Fi calls as if they are regular calls — they will count towards your phone plan’s monthly minutes allowance, not your data usage.
Is it worth it?
There are many benefits to enabling Wi-Fi calling:
- It’s a great backup solution in case you temporarily lose signal
- At home, you’re almost certainly closer to your Wi-Fi router than the nearest mobile phone tower, so you’re likely to get a more reliable connection
- Since you don’t have to install any additional apps, it doesn’t use any of your phone’s precious storage
However, there are a few limitations to consider:
- If there are many devices connected to the same Wi-Fi network, such as in a large office, call quality may suffer as devices compete for bandwidth
- While Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) has been around for many years, Wi-Fi calling is still relatively new. Although most major networks offer this feature, some networks and some devices, particularly older models, don’t support Wi-Fi calling.