In today's world, businesses are always looking for ways to streamline their operations and improve communication with their employees and customers. One of the latest advancements in telecommunications is Wi-Fi calling, which allows businesses to make and receive calls over a Wi-Fi network rather than relying on a traditional cellular network.
Wi-Fi calling is particularly useful for businesses that operate in areas with poor cellular coverage, or for those that have employees who travel frequently and need to stay connected while on the go. By using Wi-Fi calling, businesses can improve call quality, reduce dropped calls, and save money on expensive cellular plans.
In this article, we will explore the benefits of Wi-Fi calling for businesses, how it works, and what to consider when implementing Wi-Fi calling in your organization.
About Wi-Fi Calling
As you are aware by now, Wi-Fi calling is the kind of voice call using the internet, such as mobile data or Wi-Fi, as opposed to the telecom provider. In a normal call, you call using the cellular network, which is the most common way to make a call. But internet calling has some huge advantages that you just can’t get with traditional phone calls. For example, there are plenty of remote areas where cellular networks aren't reachable, so that’s when Wi-Fi calling comes in handy.
Does Wi-Fi Calling Use Data & Minutes?
The next most common question asked by many is whether Wi-Fi calling is chargeable. The simple answer is, that depends on how you get your internet. If you’re using an internet service provider, the cost of your Wi-Fi calls will be reflected in your monthly bill, which isn’t much taking into consideration that Wi-Fi calls don’t use that much data in the first place.
Again, if you’re using data from a cellular plan, the data rates may be higher than your traditional broadband internet plan. So calling via your cellular network may incur higher costs. If you have an affordable data plan with your carrier that goes along with your phone calls, Wi-Fi calling may be an ingenious way to shunt off some of the call traffic and reduce your phone bill at the end of the month.
So as you can see, Wi-Fi calling may be the cheaper option compared to traditional phone calls, but that entirely depends on how you use your internet.
How Does It Work?
The basic form of how Wi-Fi calling works is through VoIP. VoIP stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol and simply means, reaching a carrier over the internet connection to establish a phone line. However, there are several layers of complex technologies working in the backend, making this incredible feat possible. Yet for consumers worldwide, it is practically effortless and budget-friendly as well.
Apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger use these state-of-the-art VoIP technology systems globally to achieve their strong network connection and withstand a load of millions of active users at a time. This is the reason behind them being so user-friendly, reliable, and widely popular.
In short, VoIP technology provides the user with the best calling experience. Moreover, you can call internationally without spending a lot of money.
Benefits Wi-Fi Calling Offers To Its Clients
A Backup Plan
Wi-Fi calling is often misunderstood as being solely dependent on Wi-Fi or mobile data, but it serves as a backup solution for the cellular network in case of poor coverage. While Wi-Fi calling does use data, it offers expanded connection opportunities in areas where the cellular signal is weak or unavailable.
No External Installation Required
One of the greatest benefits of Wi-Fi calling is that it is already built into your smartphone, whether you have an iPhone or another type of device. There is no need to install any external apps for it to function efficiently.
Expanded Connection Opportunities
Another advantage of Wi-Fi calling is that it allows for quick and easy calls from laptops and smartphones without requiring any additional hardware. This is a convenient alternative to traditional office phone systems.
Enhances Your Phone's Battery Life
Wi-Fi calling also helps to conserve your phone's battery life. Constantly searching for a cellular network can drain your battery quickly, but Wi-Fi networks do not have the same effect. This makes Wi-Fi calling a convenient and energy-efficient option.
Multi-Purpose Services
In addition to voice calls, Wi-Fi calling also enables you to send text messages, making it a versatile and multi-purpose service. This is especially useful for businesses that require more than just voice communication.
Offer Cost-Saving Solutions
Finally, Wi-Fi calling is often a more cost-effective option than cellular networks, which can be quite expensive. By offering cost-saving solutions, Wi-Fi calling is a practical choice for those who want to save money while staying connected
Limitations
Its Network Suffer In Public
While Wi-Fi calling can be a handy option at home or in the office, when it comes to public places like railway stations, shopping malls, et cetera, you have to bear with its bandwidth shared with multiple users active on the same network. As a result, your call quality suffers majorly to compete with the bandwidth space.
Wi-Fi Hotspots are Always Not Available Everywhere
Although the United States has several public hotspots across all its regions, there are some remote areas where hotspots are less dominant. As a result, you need to work with a mobile network that has limited data.
Wi-Fi Calling is Relatively New
Despite its immense popularity in recent times, some older flagship mobile brands aren't supporting this feature. In such cases, only the option left is the app installation, which sometimes cannot be that reliable comparatively.
May Undergo Frequent Disconnection In Public
Although Wi-Fi calling is among the most reliable technology at present, they aren't that reliable in public areas. With thousands of mobile connections with a single hotspot, you may experience a frequent halt in connection during its operation.
Unintentional Data Usage Fees Might Incur
There are chances that your Wi-Fi can accidentally connect with the nearest public open hotspot. In such cases, you may incur some hidden costs. In such an instance, you have to beware!
What's The Difference Between Cellular Data And Wi-Fi Calling?
With Wi-Fi calling, you don't have to worry about dropped calls, poor signal quality, or missing important conversations because of weak cellular connectivity. Whether you're in a remote location with no cellular coverage or a crowded city center with thousands of people around you, you can enjoy an uninterrupted calling experience.
Moreover, Wi-Fi calling technology has been designed to adapt to different network conditions, ensuring that you stay connected even in the most challenging situations. With Wi-Fi calling, you can count on reliable and crystal-clear calls, whether you're calling your loved ones or participating in an important business call.
One of the unique features of Wi-Fi calling is its ability to extend your device's battery life. Unlike cellular data, which constantly searches for nearby networks, Wi-Fi calling connects you to a single network, allowing your device to conserve energy and extend its battery life. So, you can make long calls without having to worry about your phone's battery dying.
How To Enable Wi-Fi Calling On iOS and Android?
iOS:
- First, go to Settings on your iPhone and navigate to the Phone setting.
- Here you will see the Wi-Fi calling option if your device supports it.
- Lastly, enable the “Wi-Fi Calling” option.
- Now you might need to enter or confirm your address to access emergency services.
With that, Wi-Fi calling should be enabled on your iPhone.
Android:
- Open the Setting option on your Android device.
- Tap on Network & Internet, and then click on Wi-Fi preferences.
- Tap the Wi-Fi calling option (In some devices, there may be an ‘advanced options’ button that leads to this option).
- Turn that feature on, and your Wi-Fi calling is ready to use.
Looking for the Best Wi-Fi Calling Experience? Try LimePhone
What if I told you there is a platform that has all the Wi-Fi calling features you could ask for right under one roof? Look no further, it's LimePhone.
What's so special about this platform? Well, it offers some scintillating features besides just voice or video calling. You can enjoy calling forwarding, virtual numbers, scheduling online meetings, and a whole lot more.
LimePhone lets you get a work number, organize contacts, and take your businesses to the next level. Not just that, you can even indulge in advanced routing, customer caller id, voicemail assistance, call analytics, missed call alerts, call notifying, and the list goes on.
One of the plus points about LimePhone is it provides access to VoIP technologies on existing devices without the need to upgrade to any newer hardware. What's more? With our free trial, you can access other paid features, like getting a toll-free or a vanity number for your business. Using our voicemail services, you can send your voicemails as mp3 files to any of your other existing devices with minimum data and maximum convenience.
So, what are you waiting for? Just visit limephone.io today, and start the trial for free! Manage your personal as well as your professional life - all in one place with LimePhone.
FAQs Associated With Wi-Fi Calling Feature
- How fast my Wi-Fi connection is needed to support Wi-Fi calling feature?
- There is no lower limit for this, yet minimum 2Mbps would be sufficient for its seamless working.
- Can Wi-Fi calling be hacked?
- Although you may connect to an unsecured network during the Wi-Fi call, your mobile carrier encrypts your voice regarding whether it's routed to cellular or Wi-Fi mode. So even if you are using Wi-Fi calling in the public, you can rest assured it won't get hacked due to its automatic voice encryption by your carrier.
- When should I use the Wi-Fi calling feature?
- The point to remember here is that Wi-Fi calling is not completely connected to Wi-Fi, rather its package is included in the calling plan. So, when this Wi-Fi calling feature is enabled on your smartphone, you can call via the cellular network.
- Your mobile automatically detects between the cellular and Wi-Fi network, whichever has the better signal. Also, if you have a dead spot in your home where the cellular network isn't reachable, Wi-Fi calling is an incredible feature that can be accessed with no hassle.
- Also, you can use this feature during an international call to prevent international roaming charges.
- Should I keep Wi-Fi calling feature on all the time?
- To make sure, you get the strongest signals all the time, better to keep Wi-Fi calling feature on every time during its usage. So that the mobile carrier can automatically detect the stronger signal among cellular and Wi-Fi networks as well as for public areas.
- What kind of connection is Needed for Wi-Fi calling?
- Typically, Wi-Fi calling uses around 100-120kbps bandwidth, which is just a small percentage of the total bandwidth. If there is someone at home, streaming large videos on the same Wi-Fi network, it might result in weak voice quality on your call. Video calls on your Wi-Fi network require a stronger bandwidth than a voice call.
- How much is the voice quality on a Wi-Fi call?
- After doing intense research, the quality of the Wi-Fi call depends on several factors the signal within a building and the number of occupants. The more occupants, the weaker might be the signal, which depends on the network operator and the plan you are using.
Final Words
Above is a brief look into Wi-Fi calling as the innovative technology that has eased the life of many by offering uninterrupted voice services despite living in remote areas where cell service isn’t available, or people who just want a cheaper alternative to traditional phone calls.
The bonus feature is that it comes pre-installed on most of the smartphones in the market. Although you won't find this in older phones, thanks to VoIP apps like Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Viber, etc., everyone can get the best out of Wi-Fi calling.
We hope this article gave you everything you needed to know about this amazing feature. Be sure to check out the trial at limephone.io and try Wi-Fi calling and many other features completely for free!
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