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Airtel, Jio enable calling without mobile network: All about VoWiFi

Earlier, calls were routed through the 2G network, but after the introduction of VoLTE, telecom operators provided 4G-enabled voice calls – also called VoLTE calls now It seems that VoWiFi calls are here!

IMPORTANT HIGHLIGHTS

  • VoLTE is voice calls over a 4G LTE network. Although marketing terminology indicates this as VoLTE, it is actually voice over LTET.
  • VoLTE is based on the IP multimedia subsystem network and is delivered with specific profiles for control and media layers of voice services on LTE defined by GSMA
  • Voice over Wi-Fi or VoWiFi IEEE 802.11 WLANs (Wireless LANs) for transmitting Voice over IP – Also called VoIP traffic

Airtel has apparently introduced voice-WiFi calls for a range of devices. Earlier, calls were routed through the 2G network, but after the introduction of VoLTE, telecom operators provided 4G-enabled voice calls – also called VoLTE calls.

Now, selected telecommunications providers are working to bring VoWiFi to the market. However, to understand how VoWiFi works, you need to understand what VoLTE is.

  • Update: According to Airtel sources, Airtel’s VoWiFi service is being tested in several locations and will be officially launched soon.

What is VoLTE?

It is what it is. VoLTE is voice calls over a 4G LTE network. Although the marketing terminology calls this VoLTE – it really is Voice Over LTE functionality and is a standard for high-speed wireless communication for smartphones and data terminals. This includes IoT devices and wearables.

The VoLTE is based on the IP Multimedia Subsystem Network and comes with specific profiles for control and media layers of voice services on LTE defined by the GSMA.

Using 4G over a call origination network – also called VoLTE – has several advantages. Benefits include superior call quality, improved network coverage and connectivity, longer battery life, video calling while listening, and generally a faster connection.

According to a report published by 4G UK, the great advantage of VoLTE is that the call quality is superior to 3G or 2G connections, as far more data can be transmitted over 4G than over 2G or 3G, overall richer experience.

VoLTE can connect calls up to twice as fast as the current methods, and since 2G and 3G connections are still available when there is no 4G signal, it simply means there is more overall mobile coverage, as is currently the case with 4G Signals, but with 2G or 3G signals, this means that you can not make or receive calls. “

Did you know – Jio was the first to introduce 4G VoLTE services in September 2016.?

What is VoWiFi?

Voice over WiFi or VoWiFi is the use of wireless IEEE 802.11 LANs (WLANs) for transmitting Voice over IP – also called VoIP traffic. The feature can be used over home Wi-Fi networks, home Wi-Fi networks, and public Wi-Fi hotspots.

A report from Ribbon Communications states: “In the past, most consumers have used VoWi-Fi in conjunction with Over-the-Top Communication Services (OTT). Most OTT Service Providers Offer Software Clients for Smartphones, Tablets, and PCs A Wi-Fi network or public Wi-Fi hotspot, as well as an OTT user, can make and receive calls to other OTT participants or PSTN participants. Consumers often use VoWi-Fi and OTT services to avoid roaming charges and mobile network operator (MNO) charges. “

Basically, VoWiFi calls you over wireless networks, which means you can make normal calls in the absence of mobile networks. If you have a bad network, you can make calls over your WiFi connection. An October report from TelecomTalk mentions that Airtel is using/testing the technology on some new phones.

How to make calls using WiFi?

If you’re still wondering what VoWiFi is – WhatsApp calls are an excellent example of VoWiFI. Another app – Facebook Messenger is VoWiFI-enabled. Basically, any application that you can use to make calls over your Internet or Wi-Fi uses VoWiFi technology.

The difference is that you first had to call the app to make calls over Wi-Fi. This time, however, you can just open the native dialer app and start talking on the phone – just like an existing mobile network.

However, WiFi calls must be supported by both your network operator and your device. Currently, Bharti Airtel offers a range of new high-end devices such as the Samsung Galaxy Note 10+, OnePlus 7T and more. Jio offers VoWiFi services for the iPhone 11 Pro.

1 How to make a WiFi call on iPhone?

WiFi calls are not automatically activated on smartphones. To turn it on, go to the Settings menu. On iPhones, go to Settings> Mobile phone> Wi-Fi calls, and then enable Wi-Fi calls on this phone.

2 How to make a WiFi call on Android phones?

On Android, you can usually find the Wi-Fi settings in –

Settings> Networks & Internet> Mobile Network> Advanced> Wi-Fi Calls. Here you can switch between WLAN calls.

Below are instructions for each provider.

Once you have activated the WiFi call, dial as usual or send an SMS. The forwarding of your call or text takes place automatically in the background.

Does my mobile service provider offer WiFi calls?

All major mobile operators offer WiFi calls with support for the latest iPhones and Android phones. The latest phones support WiFi calls for each of the major network operators:

Sprint: Wi-Fi calls are available on the latest Android devices and iPhones. Check in the settings menu of your phone if it is supported. For Android phones, go to Settings and look for the Wi-Fi Call option.

To get device-specific support for setting up Wi-Fi calls,

  • Go to Device Support,
  • Select your phone,
  • Go to Calls,
  • And select Enable Wi-Fi Calls.

T–Mobile: All new T-Mobile phones support Wifi calls. To find out if your latest phone model supports it,

  • Go to the Devices page,
  • Search for your device, select “Wi-Fi” under “Browse by category,”
  • Select “Call, Contacts, and Calendar”
  • And select “Wi-Fi calls.” enable/disable “and follow the instructions.

AT&T now offers 54 devices for sale that support WiFi calling, including the latest models from Apple, Samsung, and LG. To find out if your phone supports Wi-Fi calls, go to Device Support, locate and select your device. Select “Show all tutorials“, select “Call” and then “Wi-Fi calls” to see the instructions.

Note: -If Wi-Fi calls are not listed, your phone is not compatible.

Verizon Wireless does not have a definitive list, but new Android phones and iPhones should support this. Follow the instructions on Verizon’s Wi-Fi Verified Frequently Asked Questions page to enable Wifi calls.

If your handset does not support Wi-Fi calls, you may find some workarounds. With apps like FaceTime, Skype, and WeChat, you can make voice and video calls and send text messages over Wi-Fi.

How WiFi calls are compared to mobile networks

With the growing popularity of free public Wi-Fi hotspots, you might not have to pay a penny to make another call. Cisco VNI estimates global hotspots will double from 2018 to 2021, resulting in 254 million hotspots.

However, a low price is not always synonymous with high quality. Trying to get the best signal for a WiFi call is a challenge. Often the quality of service is provided to individual users with a Wi-Fi network, and there is no guarantee that the bandwidth will suffice for a high-quality call. In addition, signal strength may decrease as more people try to use the same network, e.g. In hotels, airports or sports stadiums.

Consumers may have another complaint with the WiFi call service: There may be a one or two-second delay in the conversation. Remember the delay that you hear with the echo of the same news program airing on different TVs in your home. If you are accustomed to getting an immediate answer through a traditional telephone service, a conversation over Wi-Fi can annoy you.

While it makes no sense for most people to switch to a pure WiFi provider like Scratch Wireless, Wi-Fi calls can make a big difference if you only have a few minutes, poor reception, or travel abroad.

Does WiFi calling drain or spare your battery?

In areas with poor cell coverage, where you receive a decent Wi-Fi signal, you can extend the battery life with a Wi-Fi call. In cases where you receive a weak or no mobile signal, you can turn off the phone to save battery power. However, if you are not connected to a WiFi network, the battery can be discharged if you leave Wi-Fi enabled.

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