Verizon customers will be able to make phone calls over just a wi-fi internet connection Dec. 8. The capability, known as wi-fi calling, will be rolled out on the Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge first. According to Verizon, more Android smartphones, iPhones, and other iOS devices will get the feature “via future software updates expected early next year.”
To use wi-fi calling, make sure the latest software update is installed on your phone. Go to the settings menu and turn on Advanced Calling. Once Advanced Calling is enabled if you travel outside a solid 4G LTE connection, Verizon will find the nearest wi-fi hotspot to support the call. The capability includes video calls. In some cases, Verizon will use both 4G LTE and wi-fi to get the best connection.
AT&T launched Advanced Calling in October. Sprint and T-Mobile have offered the feature for awhile, but have possibly done so illegally by failing to get FCC approval. Both AT&T and Verizon have obtained permission from the FCC.
Sprint offers advanced calling for the iPhone 5c and newer. To check if your Android smartphone is compatible, Sprint suggests updating to the latest software and checking your phone settings to see if there is an option to enable wi-fi calling.
AT&T wi-fi calling is only available on the latest iOS smartphones: iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus. Finally, T-Mobile offers advanced calling for 37 smartphones listed here.
Wi-Fi calling is replicated through apps like Skype and WhatsApp, but adding the feature to smartphones’ software make the experience seamless and more productive. Check your specific carrier’s plan, but in most cases the feature does not cost any more than a regular voice or video call.
