Customers can call from their numbers over Wi-Fi similarly as in a mobile network
Top-quality calling also in places with limited propagation of mobile signal
Calls smoothly switch to the LTE network when a customer leaves a place with Wi-Fi coverage
T-Mobile has launched internal operation of the Wi-Fi calling service. The new service is based on the Voice over Wi-Fi (VoWiFi) technology, which enables making standard mobile calls and sending text and multimedia messages over a Wi-Fi network. With this technology, customers can make calls and send messages from their numbers in the same way as they do in a mobile network. The operator will put the Wi-Fi calling service into commercial operation within the next several weeks.
“By launching Wi-Fi calls, T-Mobile is confirming its position as a clear leader in innovations in telecommunications services,” says Milan Hába, Vice President Technology & Business Innovations at T-Mobile, adding: “Following the successful launch of Voice over LTE in May this year, we are now introducing another innovative service, which is very useful for customers.”
Wi-Fi calling will be valuable particularly in places where there may be problems with the strength or quality of the mobile signal. Customers will use the service, for example, for making calls in underground premises (restaurants, bars, dance clubs), inside buildings with thick walls or in steel structures used as production facilities and warehouses. A Wi-Fi network is often available in places with limited propagation of the mobile signal; in combination with VoWi-Fi technology, the Wi-Fi network is capable of replacing a mobile network.
Similarly as VoLTE, Wi-Fi calling offers higher-quality voice transmission with suppression of ambient noise. Call connection is fast and the service also supports sending of text and multimedia messages. If a Wi-Fi network is available in a particular place, the phone will use it automatically. Customers do not have to worry about a loss of the signal when leaving a place with Wi-Fi coverage – in such a case, calls will smoothly switch to the LTE network (similarly as in the case of VoLTE calls). The same principle will also apply when switching from LTE to Wi-Fi.