What is Wi-Fi Calling?

By: David Theisen, Marketing Intern

Edited By: Aliyah Kennedy, Marketing Specialist

Have a question? Call us at: (1-877-553-8476)

Wi-Fi calling is a feature that allows you to make voice calls and send messages over a Wi-Fi network instead of using your mobile network's cellular connection. This can be particularly useful in areas where cellular reception is poor or nonexistent. With Wi-Fi calling, as long as you have access to a Wi-Fi network, you can make calls and send texts as you normally would through your phone's dialer or messaging app.

How Does Wi-Fi Calling Work?

Wi-Fi calling works by using your Wi-Fi connection to connect to your mobile provider's network, which then routes your calls and messages as if you were using the mobile network. Essentially, when you make a call or send a text, your phone converts this information into data that is transmitted over the Wi-Fi network to your provider. Your provider then sends this data to the recipient’s phone, just as it would over a cellular network. This means you can make calls and texts even if you have no cellular reception, as long as you are connected to Wi-Fi. 

In addition to the technical aspects of how Wi-Fi calling works, it’s important to understand the benefits and how it can personally help you. Wi-Fi calling provides an excellent solution for areas with poor network coverage, allowing you to make calls and send texts even without cellular reception. This not only improves call quality in these areas but also helps conserve the phone’s battery life. At Jethro Mobile, we are dedicated to providing reliable communication options and increased flexibility for our users. That is why we offer Wi-Fi calling on our SC490 phone, ensuring you can stay connected in any situation.

How to Enable Wi-Fi Calling on iPhone and Android 

To enable Wi-Fi calling on your iPhone, follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling.

2. Toggle the ‘Wi-Fi Calling on This iPhone’ switch to the 'on' position.

3. You may need to enter or confirm your address for emergency services.

For Android devices, the steps can vary slightly depending on the manufacturer, but generally, you can enable Wi-Fi calling by:

1. Opening the Phone app.

2. Tapping More or the three-dot icon, then Settings.

3. Tapping Calls > Wi-Fi calling to switch it to the ‘on’ position.

What Are the Benefits of Wi-Fi Calling? 

There are many benefits of Wi-Fi calling which include:

• Extended coverage: Connect to Wi-Fi at nearby hotels or restaurants to maintain call quality in areas with poor cellular reception. 

• Reliable connection: Stable connection at home as well as the ability to make calls and send texts from locations where mobile signals cannot reach, such as basements or buildings with thick walls.

• No international roaming charges: With Jethro Mobile, when you use Wi-Fi calling, you are not borrowing a foreign wireless carrier’s network, so you don't have to worry about paying extra for international roaming when you call home.

• No need to install additional apps: You can call anyone using your phone number as usual.

• Multi-Device support with certain carriers: You can receive and make calls on multiple devices with the same phone number.

• Business continuity: If there is a network outage, you can still use Wi-Fi to connect with coworkers.

• Network congestion relief: During peak hours, there’s no need to worry with Wi-Fi calling. This can improve call quality and reduce call drops, especially in high-population areas.

Is Wi-Fi Calling Free?

Wi-Fi calling is generally free when calling a number within the same country. However, if you are calling an international number, there may be additional charges unless your mobile plan specifically includes free international calls over Wi-Fi. It's important to check to see the specific details of your plan. Jethro Mobile offers calling and texting to many countries and unlimited talk and text to over 80 countries, including Canada, Mexico, Japan, and many more. All of our plans, aside from the Starter Plan, have this feature included. Check out this page to see all of the countries you can call and text and, for the ones that are not unlimited, how many minutes you have available.

Does Wi-Fi Calling Use Data?

Wi-Fi calling does not use data from your mobile data plan. However, it does use a small amount of data from your Wi-Fi network. Voice calling typically uses about 1–5 MB of data per minute, and video calls use more, depending on the resolution.

Conclusion

Wi-Fi calling is a powerful feature that allows you to make and receive calls over a Wi-Fi network, bypassing the need for a strong cellular signal. This technology is a game-changer for those who frequently find themselves in areas with poor cellular reception or for those who wish to save on their mobile data usage. The benefits of Wi-Fi calling are numerous, including improved call quality, the ability to connect from remote locations, and potential cost savings, especially on international calls.

Remember, while Wi-Fi calling does not consume your mobile data plan, it does require a stable Wi-Fi connection, and charges may apply if you call international numbers, depending on your mobile plan. Overall, Wi-Fi calling is an excellent option for staying connected without relying solely on cellular networks, offering convenience and flexibility for modern communication needs. Whether you're at home, in the office, or on the go, Wi-Fi calling ensures that you can stay in touch with ease.