Published : February 22, 2023Staying connected is essential—but what happens when your cellular network falls short, whether at home, in an office building, or while traveling? That’s where Wi-Fi calling comes into play. This feature fills the gap by allowing you to make calls and send texts over Wi-Fi rather than depending solely on cellular networks.
Wi-Fi calling not only provides dependable connectivity but also offers potential cost savings, clearer call quality, and a smooth communication experience. In this blog, we’ll explore what Wi-Fi calling is, how it works, and why it can be a smart choice for enhancing your mobile experience. Ready to learn more? Let’s dive in!
What is Wi-Fi Calling?
WiFi Calling is a feature that lets you make calls and send texts using a WiFi network instead of relying on your cellular network. It’s especially helpful when you’re in places with weak or no cell signal, like basements, remote areas, or buildings with thick walls. With WiFi Calling, as long as you’re connected to a strong WiFi network, you can still stay in touch with clear calls and reliable messaging.
“Wi-Fi calling is a game-changer for connectivity. It allows users to stay connected in areas where cellular signals fall short, enhancing both accessibility and call quality.” — John Legere, Former CEO of T-Mobile
This feature can also save on international roaming costs since calls made over WiFi may be treated as local calls, depending on your carrier’s policies. It’s a convenient way to stay connected wherever WiFi is available.
How Does WiFi Calling Work?
WiFi Calling works by routing your phone calls and texts through a WiFi network instead of your cellular network. When you’re connected to WiFi, your phone uses Voice over IP (VoIP) technology to send your call data through the internet instead of cell towers.
This technology converts your voice into data packets that travel over the WiFi network and then reconnect to the regular phone network on the other end.
To use WiFi Calling, you generally need a compatible phone and to enable the feature in your phone’s settings. Once it’s set up, your phone will automatically switch to WiFi Calling when it detects a strong WiFi signal and weak cellular service.
This lets you make clear calls and send texts even in areas with limited or no cellular signal, all while using your phone’s regular calling and texting features.
Top Benefits of WiFi Calling
WiFi Calling provides practical solutions for staying connected, especially in areas where traditional cell networks fall short. Here’s a closer look at its key benefits:
1. Improved Call Quality
WiFi Calling can significantly enhance call quality, particularly in areas with weak cell signals. Since calls and texts are routed through a stable WiFi connection, users experience clearer audio and fewer interruptions.
Traditional cell networks often struggle in certain locations, like underground spaces, remote areas, or buildings with thick walls, which can block signals. WiFi Calling bypasses these issues by using the internet, which can offer a more consistent and higher-quality connection in many of these environments.
Expert Advice: I believe high-quality calls are essential for effective business communication, ensuring that messages are clear, and fostering a professional image. Reliable call quality enhances client interactions, streamlines team collaboration, and boosts productivity by minimizing the need for follow-up clarifications.
2. Reduced Costs
One of the biggest financial benefits of WiFi Calling is cost savings, especially for international and roaming users. When using WiFi, calls made through WiFi Calling may be considered local or treated under domestic rates, depending on the service provider’s policies.
This is a great perk for travelers, as they can connect with friends, family, and colleagues without the worry of incurring high roaming fees. Additionally, calls made to other WiFi-enabled devices may be free or included in the user’s regular plan, offering even more savings.
3. Seamless Connectivity
WiFi Calling is designed to keep you connected, no matter where you are. It allows for an automatic switch between WiFi and cellular networks without interrupting active calls or messages.
Example: If you’re on a WiFi call at home and step outside where only a cell signal is available, the transition happens smoothly, maintaining call continuity. This seamless connectivity is essential for people who move in and out of WiFi coverage frequently, providing an uninterrupted experience without any manual adjustments.
Disadvantages of Wifi Calling
While WiFi Calling offers valuable benefits, it also has a few limitations. Here’s a closer look at some of the key disadvantages:
1. Dependence on WiFi
WiFi Calling is only as good as the WiFi network you’re connected to, meaning that any issues with the network, like low bandwidth or high latency, can lead to poor call quality. On a weak network, users might experience audio delays, frequent call drops, or distorted audio, making conversations difficult or unreliable.
This dependence can become a problem in crowded areas where WiFi networks are overloaded, such as cafes or airports, or in areas with older infrastructure that doesn’t support high-speed internet. Consequently, WiFi Calling may be just as frustrating as a weak cellular signal if you’re in an area with poor WiFi performance.
2. Limited Availability
Although WiFi Calling is widely available, it’s still limited by device and carrier compatibility. Older smartphones, some budget devices, and certain telecom providers may not support WiFi Calling, leaving users without the option.
Furthermore, the feature’s availability can vary from one country to another due to local regulations or restrictions set by network providers. For travelers, this means that even if your device and home network support WiFi Calling, you might not be able to rely on it internationally. For instance, some countries don’t support VoIP services like WiFi Calling, or carriers may require extra setup steps or fees, limiting its accessibility and convenience.
3. Potential Data Charges
While WiFi Calling itself doesn’t carry additional fees, using it over data-limited WiFi networks can add unexpected costs. Calls made over WiFi will count towards the data usage on any metered or capped connection.
For example, home internet plans with data limits or mobile hotspot connections typically count WiFi Calling data usage, potentially leading to overage fees if you’re not careful. Data consumption for WiFi Calling is relatively low—about 1 MB per minute for voice calls and around 6-8 MB per minute for video—but it can add up if used frequently.
WiFi Calling vs. Traditional Calling
With the increasing availability of WiFi networks, WiFi Calling has become a popular alternative to traditional calling, especially in areas with poor cellular coverage. While both options allow you to make and receive calls, they operate differently and come with distinct benefits and limitations. Here’s a closer look at how WiFi Calling stacks up against Traditional Calling:
| Features | WiFi Calling | Traditional Calling |
| Connection Type | Uses a WiFi network to make calls and send texts. | Uses cellular towers and network signals. |
| Call Quality | Depends on the strength and stability of the WiFi connection; often clearer in low-signal areas. | Depending on cell signal strength; quality may decrease in weak signal areas. |
| Availability | Requires a compatible phone and a WiFi connection; may not work in all countries. | Available in most areas with cellular coverage, including rural and urban areas. |
| Cost | Can reduce costs, especially for international calls, as calls may be treated as local or free. | Typically incurs regular charges, including possible roaming fees for international calls. |
| Mobility | Allows seamless switching between WiFi and cellular when moving in and out of WiFi range. | Relies entirely on cell towers; quality drops or disconnects in areas with poor coverage. |
| Data Usage | May use data on a metered WiFi connection, potentially affecting data limits. | Does not impact WiFi data usage, as it relies only on cellular service. |
| Battery Impact | May consume less battery in low-signal areas, as it doesn’t strain to maintain cell connection. | Can drain the battery faster when the phone constantly searches for a weak signal. |
Cost of Wi-Fi Calling: What You Need to Know
The cost savings of WiFi Calling can be significant. For example, without WiFi Calling, international calls can cost between $0.20 to $3.00 per minute depending on the country and carrier. With WiFi Calling, however, these calls are often free or treated as domestic, especially when calling numbers within the same country.
Some major carriers in the U.S., like AT&T and T-Mobile, allow WiFi calls to U.S. numbers from abroad without additional charges, potentially saving hundreds of dollars on extended international trips.
Quick Tip: CallHippo’s VoIP phone system costs vary depending on the plan and number of users. The Starter plan starts at $18 per user per month, and businesses can upscale based on their requirements.
Setting Up WiFi Calling with CallHippo
Setting up WiFi Calling with CallHippo is a straightforward way to enhance communication by leveraging internet connectivity, especially useful when cellular coverage is limited.
Below are the WiFi calling setup steps of CallHippo –
- Step 1 – Log in or sign up with your CallHippo account.
- Step 2 – Ensure that the device is compatible with Wi-Fi calling.
- Step 3 – Select the number and area.
- Step 4 – Start making WiFi calls!
: WiFi Texting AppUnique Advantages of Using CallHippo
From global reach to detailed analytics, CallHippo equips businesses with tools to improve customer interactions and streamline operations. Here are five unique advantages that make CallHippo a valuable asset for any organization looking to scale its communication capabilities.
1. Advanced Call Analytics
CallHippo’s analytics dashboard offers real-time insights into call performance, customer behavior, and team productivity. By tracking metrics like call duration, missed calls, and peak hours, businesses can optimize customer service strategies and improve overall efficiency.
2. Seamless CRM Integrations
CallHippo integrates with popular CRMs like HubSpot, Zoho, and Salesforce, enabling seamless syncing of customer data and call records. This integration ensures that teams have up-to-date information on all interactions, enhancing personalization and reducing response times.
Know More: Read our case study of CallHippo which showcases how a global IT services firm improved its communication with WiFi calling or VoIP.
How CallHippo Helped Sunday Mobility Stay Connected Globally?
Sunday Mobility, a global IT services firm, struggled with connectivity issues and frequent dropped calls. Partnering with CallHippo’s virtual phone system improved call reliability, boosting productivity by 13%, enhancing customer relationships, and enabling flexible work options for their team.
Conclusion
WiFi Calling is a game-changer for anyone who faces weak cell signals or wants to avoid roaming fees while traveling. Using a WiFi network to stay connected, ensures that your calls and texts are as clear and reliable as possible, wherever you are.
Whether you’re at home, abroad, or in a spot with a low signal, WiFi Calling is a simple way to keep communication seamless and affordable. So make sure to leverage this technology for optimum bottomline results.
Updated : November 11, 2024
Supriya Bajaj is a senior content developer with immense experience in the VoIP telephony domain. With a deep knowledge of VoIP systems and emerging technologies in the field, she provides insightful and targeted content. Known for simplifying complex topics and her thought-leadership articles, Supriya delivers actionable content for both technical and non-technical audiences.
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