Verizon Wireless announced Friday it will bring a software update on Dec. 8 to allow Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge owners to use Wi-Fi network when making and receiving calls. Wi-Fi calling is most useful when the customers are in a place where carrier services are weak or absent.
Wireless carriers have been delivering the wireless network feature to improve call quality as well as extend their voice network coverage. According to CNET, the Big Red is the last US major carrier to offer the feature. Sprint, T-Mobile and AT&T have done so with the latter rolling it out in October for iPhones as it trailed the first two carriers.
Verizon Wirelesss aid the software update that brings Wi-Fi calling will roll out in phases to Samsung's Android handsets and is expected to other Android phones as well as iPhones early next year.
Verizon Wireless rolls out Wi-Fi calling nearly a month after the New York-based telecommunications titan was granted by the Federal Communications Commission a waiver, since the feature does not meet FCC rules when it comes to accessibility for hearing- and speech-impaired individuals.
A useful technology that uses unlicensed wireless, Wi-Fi comes with challenges. It has a short range, hence, users must hand off between networks if they are mobile. Airwaves can also be congested because it is unlicensed and there could be many interferences from various networks.
Verizon Wireless promotes the Wi-Fi calling as part of its "advanced calling" voice-over LTE since it completely runs on Internet technology that promises clearer calls, video and voice services. All Wi-Fi calls to US numbers re free while regular rates apply to international calls.
Some Wi-Fi only carriers like Republic Wireless, Project Fi and Scratch Wirless default to Wi-Fi first before cellular, in addition to AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile.
As the name suggests, Wi-Fi calling allows anyone to make calls using a Wi-Fi connection instead of 3G or 4G. It comes handy when one is out of carrier signal and the restaurant where he is in happens to have a Wi-Fi. Then, making calls is possible.
According to Droid Life, Verizon Wireless' Advanced Calling is in the My Account section of the carrier's website and is free.
