Everything You Need to Know About Wi-Fi Calling

Republic Wireless and Google’s Project Fi promise to smoothly integrate Wi-Fi technology. The purpose? Wi-Fi calling – and it may just change the way you use your phone (and affect how much you pay for your cellular phone bill).

What is Wi-Fi calling?
Wi-Fi calling has been around a long time. The technology is already a part of Facebook Messenger, Google Hangouts, Skype, and even WhatsApp. These apps let users switch between cellular service and Wi-Fi service. It’s using a phone to make calls, while also sending texts, without using your mobile network.

Read More: 4 Useful WhatsApp Tips

Carriers are jumping onboard. Many already offer Wi-Fi calling within their phones, while others are hoping to improve not only user experience, but the coverage of their network.

So, what is Wi-Fi calling? It’s simply making voice calls using a Wi-Fi network. You could be using a hotspot at your local coffee shop, or you might be at home, using the Wi-Fi network you’ve already set up.

You are still making your phone calls the same way, dialing numbers, waiting for the ring, but you aren’t relying on your phone service provider to connect the call. It doesn’t matter where you are — out in the country or in the basement of a dive bar — as long as you have Wi-Fi access, you can still make your phone call.

The Benefits of Wi-Fi Calling
It might sound a little familiar. Skype, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger have this sort of function, but with a twist. Apps aren’t necessary and you don’t need to connect to a service in order to use Wi-Fi calling. If your phone signal is dropped, you can automatically switch it to Wi-Fi calling.

The perk is clear: you can use your contacts, without having to add in others, as you do with third party services (like Skype). No one needs to download a separate app to take your calls — and it doesn’t take any extra effort on your part to use the service.

For domestic calls, it won’t charge you any more, however — you will need to check with your carrier to see if your minutes will still be billed or if there are any extra charges when you use that service.

The better your connection, the better the call. You’ll need at least 1Mbps minimum to keep your call solid. Anything less and you risk a dropped call.

Wi-Fi Calling — Less Apps, More Talking
Keep the conversation going. Extend the life of your Android cell phone’s battery by installing PowerPRO by PSafe. Not only can you see how your battery is doing, but you’ll also receive suggestions to improve its life.