Why do I need a provider for Wifi Calling/Texting?

[ncrispi]

I am a little confused with the T-Mobile and AT&T rollout of Wifi-services such as calling and texting.... Since it is over wifi and not a carrier .... why do I need a sims card or provider such as AT&T to use this feature..?

 

[nickspohn]

You don't need a SIM card. Plenty of apps on the App Store do this. The only difference with Tmobile is that it works automatically over wifi without needing an app.

 

[ncrispi]

You don't need a SIM card. Plenty of apps on the App Store do this. The only difference with Tmobile is that it works automatically over wifi without needing an app.

Yeah, so im saying... Why do I need Tmobile in the first place to get Wifi Calling?...

 

[richwoodrocket]

Because you are still using their network and they make you pay for it.

 

[ncrispi]

Because you are still using their network and they make you pay for it.

How am I using their network if I am on wifi though....? is it not the same as Imessage where it sends it over wifi and you do not need a carrier for that...

 

[richwoodrocket]

How am I using their network if I am on wifi though....?

It's using wifi to transmit your call to the network where it goes to the other phone. Not all phones support it.

 

[ionjohn]

How am I using their network if I am on wifi though....? is it not the same as Imessage where it sends it over wifi and you do not need a carrier for that...

It still takes your plan minutes so that's why, you don't get unlimited calling, you only get better quality and signal

 

[nickspohn]

How am I using their network if I am on wifi though....? is it not the same as Imessage where it sends it over wifi and you do not need a carrier for that...

So how would you send an iMessage to someone who isn't using iOS?

 

[eelw]

The call is placed through your normal cell phone line. If you don't need this requirement, then yeah Skype or other VOIP services would also work.

 

[Azzin]

So how would you send an iMessage to someone who isn't using iOS?

You can't.

 

[nickspohn]

You can't.

That was the whole point.

 

[ronm99]

I am a little confused with the T-Mobile and AT&T rollout of Wifi-services such as calling and texting.... Since it is over wifi and not a carrier .... why do I need a sims card or provider such as AT&T to use this feature..?

To receive a WiFi phone call, you obviously need network support. The call is to your phone number, and your cellular provider needs to direct it to your phone.

To send a WiFi phone call to someone else, it technically doesn't need to go through your provider. However, someone has to provide the infrastructure to connect your phone to the person you are calling. The way the WiFi calling protocol is set up, this is your carrier.

The whole point of the WiFi calling protocol is to extend the range of your phone, not to replace it.

If you don't want to use your carrier, there are a host of VOIP solutions out there that don't need SIM cards, etc. You can even call with your iPad. You just won't be sending and receiving calls with your normal cell phone #.