Sunday, November 10, 2024

The Joys of Wi-Fi Calling

 

If your cellular coverage is weak or unavailable, your device can still make and receive Calls and Texts via Wi-Fi with "Wi-Fi Calling". This means you may be able to make and receive Calls and Texts while outside the US without extra roaming charges. You'll need a Wi-Fi Calling-capable device and an active Wi-Fi network. This helps when you're in a poor coverage area, in a foreign country, or when your device is in Airplane Mode with Wi-Fi enabled.

Benefits of Wi-Fi Calling:
▷ Increased network coverage, you can make calls & texts where there is poor or no coverage including outside the US.
▷ No app or special number is needed to use. You can use your assigned phone number.
▷ Wi-Fi Calling usually gives you a much clearer and high fidelity sound than normal phone circuits, even better than a wired home phone.
▷ Wi-Fi Calling is available on many, but not all, wireless devices. To set up Wi-Fi Calling, follow the instructions in your phone's Settings.
▷ Your connection is automatic after initial setup. Wi-Fi Calling can be disabled at any time by toggling it off in your device settings. This is convenient when your phone tries to connect to a weak and unusable Wi-Fi signal.
 Note: If you call 911 while using Wi-Fi Calling and they are unable to find you using your device location, the address provided during Wi-Fi Calling Setup will be used. The call will be routed to the nearest emergency response center that can send police, medical assistance or fire responders to that location. To ensure proper routing of emergency calls, please keep the address of your Wi-Fi Calling location up-to-date. Otherwise, you'll be connected to the nearest emergency center based on the cell site's location.

For Wi-Fi Calling to Work:
 Wi-Fi must be turned on and connected.
 Wi-Fi calls always act like they originate in the US, even when you're outside of the US. You'll need a country code to complete calls even if it is a local call.
 Calls to US numbers are billed the same as your Talk & Text plan, normally it is "Unlimited" (except for 411 or premium calls).
 Calls to international numbers are billed according to your international long distance plan even if you're in the country you're calling.
▷ "Wi-Fi Calling" must be activated on your phone. If it is not available on your phone's menu, your carrier may not permit Wi-Fi Calling.
▷ In order to activate Wi-Fi Calling, you normally must provide an address for 911 calls. Keep this in mind if you are not calling from that address. Your address info gets transmitted to the emergency dispatcher for all 911 Wi-Fi calls. If address validation fails, you'll be required to re-enter a valid address.
 To select your calling preference while traveling outside your wireless coverage area or internationally, ensure "Wi-Fi Calling" is turned on and select 'Prefer Wi-Fi' or 'Prefer other cellular networks', then restart the device.

 How to Set up Wi-Fi Calling on Android or iPhone

 Prepaid Phones That Support Wi-Fi Calling