- WiFi calling provides an easy, low-cost, reliable, and secure form of communication. It has been proven useful in today’s situation and will likely continue to do so, post-pandemic.
- WiFi calling is a voice service that allows you to make and receive calls via a wireless internet connection. Unlike using a traditional cell signal, you can use your smartphone to call and send/receive messages provided that it’s connected to the Internet.
- WiFi calling is great for staying connected with your family and friends. It allows you to make calls even from the most remote locations, as long as there is an Internet connection.
The new normal has seen more businesses embracing the concept of remote working, where employees are working from different locations outside the corporate office. This has given rise to the need for communication tools that will support collaboration, regardless of physical barriers.
WiFi calling is one such tool, providing an easy, low-cost, reliable, and secure form of communication. It has been proven useful in today’s situation and will likely continue to do so, post-pandemic.
What is WiFi Calling?
If the name isn’t any indication, WiFi calling is a voice service that allows you to make and receive calls via a wireless internet connection. Unlike using a traditional cell signal, you can use your smartphone to call and send/receive messages provided that it’s connected to the Internet. This much is true even in remote places where cellular services are usually compromised.
This service is available on most iOS and Android devices and is performed through apps or software—on both desktops and mobiles. Apps like Facebook Messenger, Skype, and WhatsApp use VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology to enable voice calls. It works by reaching a network via the Internet to connect to a phone line.
Is WiFi Calling Free?
In general, service providers include an allowance for the cost of WiFi calling in their WiFi plans. You may be additionally charged if you exceed this allowance, which can also be the case when you make an international call. Don’t worry, though! You should receive a voice prompt regarding the additional costs before proceeding.
On a personal level, WiFi calling is great for staying connected with your family and friends. It allows you to make calls even from the most remote locations, as long as there is an Internet connection. Business-wise, the technology can serve as a reliable backup connection, which you can use when your network is down. It proves to be useful in ensuring business continuity.
WiFi Calling: Advantages & Disadvantages
Provided that there is an internet connection, WiFi calling guarantees a reliable communication solution even in the event of network failure. It answers the demands of the growing virtual workforce to ensure continuous productivity and monitoring. Here, we are concluding with a rundown of the benefits and potential downsides of WiFi calling.
Benefits of WiFi Calling
- Guaranteed Communication - WiFi calling can connect you to a phone call or messaging even when the cellular network is weak. This is helpful when you’re in locations where cellular signals are inaccessible.
- Easy Set-Up - With WiFi calling, you can use your phone number without requiring any additional number. It should work automatically once it’s enabled on your device. This means you save yourself minutes subscribing to cellular services.
- Free/Low-Cost Services - In most cases, the service is free. Even when you have to pay for WiFi calling, it’s significantly cheaper than the international calling rates of most network providers.
Potential Downsides of WiFi Calling
- Poor Connection - In areas where a sheer volume of people is using the same public network, the Internet connection can be poor. Call drops, lag, and other similar incidents are likely to occur, causing poor communication and inconvenience.
- Incompatibility - Just because the technology is supported by most Android and the latest iPhone models, doesn’t automatically mean that your telco supports your phone as well. You may want to check this with your network provider.
Takeaway
WiFi calling comes with a host of useful and relevant features to cater to the needs of businesses and individuals alike. As the technology for communication gets better and continues to be upgraded every day, easy access to anyone and everywhere improves our way of living in a way that seems improbable not a long time ago.