Wi-Fi Calling Now Available for AT&T Users

[PJL500]

Article Link: Wi-Fi Calling Now Available for AT&T Users[/QUOTE]
Meh, 'will stick with WiFi calling on Hangouts and GV. (though it might be handy when using the onboard number on the iPhone.)

 

[bigjinfla]

Yeah, we lost nothing, but don't go around saying AT&T did us any favors, either.

Have people forgotten that AT&T is in the business of providing CELLULAR service? Jumping on someone's wireless network is not providing service. It's piggybacking on someone else's infrastructure.

Has anyone considered that this reduces their incentive to improve their network because there is so much wi-fi to be had for FREE on their part? What a deal!

Have you considered the fact that in a world where cell phones are absolutely ubiquitous and spectrum is limited by the laws of physics and government regulation there is in no way enough bandwidth available for every connected device to be connected everywhere at all times. There are only certain frequencies currently available to ANY mobile networks that will penetrate buildings very well.

You cannot in any realistic way expect any cellular company to provide you with flawless perfect service coast to coast in all weather/atmospheric conditions no matter what type/size/age of structure you are currently in. This is asinine. This is a juvenile and idiotic demand.

Having the phone be able to switch over to another way of connecting to the network 1. frees up spectrum and improves connection for everyone 2. gives you the user better quality service at zero extra cost to you in any way at all 3. is totally optional so if for some (again idiotic) reason you object to having better service you don't have to opt into it. this isn't turned on by default. you actually have to go and turn it on. so if you're so butthurt about it, by all means don't do it. ATT won't care, neither will any of us.

 

[pat500000]

Does this affect the billing in a way?

 

[bigjinfla]

That's right - it uses your minutes. Of course. You're being charged minutes to use your own wi-fi network when their cellular signal is insufficient to maintain a call.

Oh, but don't complain - plenty of people here will say that this logic is utterly ridiculous, and we should be HAPPY that AT&T is allowing us to use our own paid wi-fi to extend their network.

Because those of us here that can formulate logical thoughts understand that while yes the call maybe accessing the ATT network via our WIFI and internet connection it's being routed over ATTs network to the phone on the other end that could be anywhere in the world, landline, cellular, satellite, etc... This is a service that costs att to provide and expecting them to provide it for free is unrealistic.

You need to understand that when you pay for cellular service you're not ONLY paying for the connection, that is of course part of it, but you're also paying for the backend routing and connecting that has to be done to get your call from your phone to the rest of the connected world that could be on any other network.

 

[bigjinfla]

If you haven't already done so, take a look at the AT&T MicroCell (most AT&T stores sell them). The cell signal in our house fluctuated between one and two bars before I added the MicroCell. Now we get 5 bars and fantastic voice reception.

Why would they want to look at a microcell and pay for this when they can now use wifi that's already there and requires no new expense??

 

[pourali]

I have a iPhone 5s, running 9.0.2, but the option doesn't even show up in Settings / Phone
Any ideas?

It's suppose to according to Apple's website: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203032

 

[bigjinfla]

It's suppose to according to Apple's website: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203032

Depending on the carrier the 5c and later will have the option. If the carrier doesn't support it then it won't. ATT's information says that they are only supporting the feature on the iPhone 6 and later. Some articles I have read seem to say this is because of newer hardware in these phones giving a superior customer experience. Like when calls are being handed off between wifi calling and cellular.

It is possible that the older hardware won't give the experience ATT wants for it's customers therefore they're not supporting it. I would assume that there is some reason for the choice. It would be a VERY bad PR move on ATT's part to not include hardware they could 'just because'. After all they really wouldn't profit much from simply trying to encourage people to upgrade to a newer phone, Apple would.

 

[pourali]

Did you read the article? It's available for iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s users.

According to Apple, it should be everyone from 5c and on: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203032

 

[bigjinfla]

According to Apple, it should be everyone from 5c and on: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203032

Just because the iPhone 5c and 5s are CAPABLE of wifi calling it doesn't mean that ATT is supporting those models. All of their information clearly states that they are not, for whatever reason. This isn't an Apple decision it's an ATT decision.

 

[Europa13]

Nobody at AT&T can

Same exact situation here. I was on a different WiFi network and it worked just fine.
Who's your ISP?

You're right. I just went to a public WiFi spot to test it and it did work, but only in Airplane mode with WiFi on. Were you able to get it to work with your home WiFi? I am still unable to get it to work on mine even though I am in Airplane mode with WiFi on. I have a local ISP.

 

[iOSFangirl6001]

For some stupid reason it's only avail on the 6 and newer. I'm not happy about this either.

The reason is simple and not stupid. Only the 6 and newer have the proper combo of hardware and software to fully support it properly

I can't turn on wifi calling.
Unlimited data plan iPhone 6s Plus.

Anyone know why I can't turn it on?

Could be your cell plan, your SIM or other factors.

Did you reuse/transfer a SIM From another phone that is older than 10 months?

Are you a prepaid customer?

Have you tried the following:
Go into Settings>Phone>WiFi calling

Then while that's up swipe up from bottom screen to bring up control center. Tap/Enable Airplane mode then WiFi

Then try enabling/activating WiFi Calling

Why is it that when TMobile launched WiFi calling, everyone was hailing it as the best thing since sliced bread, but it's suddenly a different tune when AT&T launches it?

A major point that needs to be raised is that over 100 million customers are just fine and dandy on AT&T's network without the need for wifi calling.

If TMobile didn't have wifi calling, a significant portion of their subscribers would be screwed due to their shoddy coverage.

Thank god someone finally made this point over the course of the last 3 to 6 articles of the ATT WiFi saga

 

[adammusic]

Can someone explain how this works? I live in the mountains with no cell service. Im currently using the Microcell for in home 5 bars. If I turn on Wifi Calling, will it work just like the microcell? Do I have to toggle off Wifi Calling when I'm other places? Like say I'm at a friends house and on their wifi, my phone will choose wifi calling, but once I walk outside out of range of their wifi, ill drop the call? or does it switch from wifi to cellular during a call?

 

[adammusic]

well, if its domestic long distance its just charged your regular calling rate, which is probably unlimited. calling internationally using wifi calling is the same as calling internationally with cellular. most people aren't like me, they do not have minute plans. i have 100 minutes a month. a wifi call minute is the same as a cellular call minute.

the other end of the call is a real telephone number, so i guess that is where they think its fair to treat it as a real cellular call


what is really criminal is what they do with the AT&T microcell. they have you pay $199 for one

there is an optional unlimited microcell calling plan they want you to sign up for, in case you have a plan that has limited amount of minutes. back in 2009, the unlimited calling feature for your microcell was $19.99 a month extra, this allows any of the registered phone numbers are assigned to our microcell ( up to 10 ) to be able to have unlimited calling. just in case they have legacy plans.

oh , but that is not all. any cellular data that you use on the microcell , even though you are providing them with your own internet connection, goes against your plan.

so even though you paid $199 for a microcell you still have to use wifi to prevent AT&T from charging you for going over.

and through this whole mess, little t-mobile is minding their own business and giving away wifi routers and cell phone boosters for those people who need them. they have been giving away cell phone boosters for probably 10 years, and tmo is even giving out marshmallow to all the old phones, and people just go on forums and say that t-mobile sucks.

Ive gotten two free Micrcocells from ATT. So they do give them out for free too. My data doesn't go against my plan because I'm still on Wifi.

 

[iOSFangirl6001]

Does this mean that I will be able to place and/or receive phone calls over Wi-Fi when I have Airplane Mode on with Wi-Fi enabled?

Yes as long as the "AT&T Wifi" banner is up and you're connected to a decent enough fully compatible WiFi source then yes both incoming and outgoing calls can be relieved over WiFi as an added bonus benefit not mentioned much you'll also be able to send/receive texts , picture or multimedia messages too

That wouldn't be airplane mode..... airplane mode disables all communications emitting from the device (bluetooth, wifi, etc.)

You do know you can enable/force WiFi on whilst in airplane mode do you not?

It was terrible for both my wife and I during the trial period. Tons of dropped calls and many times when one person couldn't hear the other. We ended up turning it off.

Was the trial time intended for tech fixing? Any chance that it actually works now? I honestly doubt we'll bother trying again. It was a frustrating week neither of us wants to repeat.

There could be a number of reasons why you both had issues non the least if it was early on in the Beta period the expectations shouldn't of been set too high.

That being said possibilities can include:

Not a fully compatible WiFi connection

Poss issues with the WiFi Connection and or ISP used

Were you in a targeted Beta market?
( Upon discussing issues with ATT in the Beta period was informed ONLY Chicago, Manhattan and 2 or 3 other markets were ever intended to be allowed in the Beta yet people found ways to trick/forcibly join )

Persons you both called may not of had compatible coverage/devices on their end


WiFi Calling has improved over the testing period and I would urge you both to give it at least 1 more chance and not completely discredit/discount it if there is potential it could at some point be useful to you

How is battery life on wifi calling. Heard mixed reviews from tmob and sprint users

Pretty good not much noticeable issue or difference

Does this affect the billing in a way?

If you get a paper bill in the mail you'll see a section labeled "WiFi Minutes used" split into night/weekend , Daytime, and Mobile 2 Mobile if applicable


If you get a detailed bill which lists/breakdowns ALL Your usage
WiFi Calling will have a feature code differing from regular calls


If you view your call/usage logs in your online account or the MyATT APP calls will also have a special feature code.


So far on the paper bill I see them listed/coded as WIFI in the online coding it labels em PVWIFI


If by billion you meant costs sorry for the long winded reply. The answer is no
WiFi Calling or WiFi Call Blocking are both 100% FREE Features however looks like all accounts will/must have 1 or the other I'd assume by default accounts whom activated like myself will have "ATT WiFi Calling Feature $0.00" on their account by default while others who've not activated or AT&T records show as ineligible based on plan, region, device etc. will by default have the "ATT WiFi Call Blocking Feature $0.00" added onto their features list

According to Apple, it should be everyone from 5c and on: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203032

Just because the iPhone 5c and 5s are CAPABLE of wifi calling it doesn't mean that ATT is supporting those models. All of their information clearly states that they are not, for whatever reason. This isn't an Apple decision it's an ATT decision.

The reasons for support are both hardware and software related. ATT's WiFi calling has quite clearly been set up in a different manner that either Sprint or T-Mobile and depend on either HD Voice, VoLTE or both preferably to work to their best capacity as ATT intends in short older devices lack the tech.



It's unfortunate but it is what it is in this day and age tech be it computers smartphones etc become outdated in the blink of an eye. Perhaps point to societies tendency to push progress for the sake of progress and the ever evolving changing tech sector as a whole

 

[bigjinfla]

Can someone explain how this works? I live in the mountains with no cell service. Im currently using the Microcell for in home 5 bars. If I turn on Wifi Calling, will it work just like the microcell? Do I have to toggle off Wifi Calling when I'm other places? Like say I'm at a friends house and on their wifi, my phone will choose wifi calling, but once I walk outside out of range of their wifi, ill drop the call? or does it switch from wifi to cellular during a call?

If you turn on wifi calling on your phone and complete the sign up that's all you have to do. If you are in a location with weak cell signal but you are connected to wifi your phone will automatically switch to wifi calling. The calls are very clear and it uses very little bandwidth. You leave it on all the time. If you are at a friend's home and they have given you access to their wifi and your cell signal is weak then wifi calling will automatically take over there as well.

wifi calling is very smart in how it switches back and forth and it's completely seamless and automatic.

 

[macs4nw]

.....Guess my wife 5 doesn't have wifi Calling---

Sorry, you have how many wives? You lucky dog, you... and you have time and energy to read MacRumors?

 

[adammusic]

If you turn on wifi calling on your phone and complete the sign up that's all you have to do. If you are in a location with weak cell signal but you are connected to wifi your phone will automatically switch to wifi calling. The calls are very clear and it uses very little bandwidth. You leave it on all the time. If you are at a friend's home and they have given you access to their wifi and your cell signal is weak then wifi calling will automatically take over there as well.

wifi calling is very smart in how it switches back and forth and it's completely seamless and automatic.

So i get like 1 bar of service at my house. Using the Microcell, I get all my texts messages with no issues. Will using Wifi Calling cause problems with text messages?

 

[JGRE]

Except not everyone uses Skype for calls. And others don't have iPhones.

You don't need to have a iPhone to run Skype; it also works on Android and Windows Phone so on 99% of all mobile devices.

 

[donrsd]

Could be your cell plan, your SIM or other factors.

Did you reuse/transfer a SIM From another phone that is older than 10 months?

Are you a prepaid customer?

Have you tried the following:
Go into Settings>Phone>WiFi calling

Then while that's up swipe up from bottom screen to bring up control center. Tap/Enable Airplane mode then WiFi

Then try enabling/activating WiFi Calling

Tried airplane mode, nothing.

My SIM card is from my iPhone 6, which also was on att.

I'm not a prepaid customer, though I do have unlimited data + 450 "anytime minutes" with free mobile to any mobile.

HELP!!!!!

 

[paulsdenton]

To test, put your phone in airplane mode then turn on WiFi. If you're not blocked you will be able to force your phone onto the WiFi network.

Tried this and it worked fine; made some calls to land lines and cell phones on other carriers, all successful. So will Wi-Fi calling happen automatically when the cellular signal drops below a certain threshold? Will it also kick in mid-call when it might otherwise be a dropped call?

I don't see any downside to activating this. Where I work has very bad cell service-we have to go outside to make calls. I hope this helps alleviate that situation.

 

[iOSFangirl6001]

Nice! That was faster than I expected.

Hopefully this will quell the whiners and haters a bit. If not a nice in your face by ATT to those saying "ATT is moving slow" or "oh this won't be live for weeks months etc" lol

My wife's iP6 doesn't even show a WiFi Calling setting. We are on AT&T. Anybody have any idea why not? Its running iOS 9.0.2.

Did you perhaps do the updates to iOS during the brief period ATT disabled it?
Might be worth installing the Beta Profile and joining iOS 9.1 Public Beta

Can I return my microcell to att? Bought it less than 30 days ago. Wifi calling is working for me in So Cal.

I think the microcell only has a 14 day return period

So this should work on planes with WiFi and allow you to send standard text messages, right?

In theory yes granted with ALL The airlines in stupid invalid fear of cell phone usage on planes I wouldn't count on it.

Yup. I'm wrong. I just tried that out. Is this a new feature?

Yes, Airplane Mode and Wifi work!

Nope not new by any means if you mean using WiFi in AP Mode. ATT WiFi calling of course is fairly new still

Turned off airplane mode. Wifi Calling goes away, Comes back, Will it stay on? Have strong Wifi is the house.

In theory yes as long as you stay connected to the same WiFi source and that source has the greater strength over your cell signal odds are it will stay connected I've legit literally gone 50 ish hours straight at home with it being constantly attached to

"AT&T WiFi" at least as far as I knew can't account for while I slept and did whatever else not looking at the phone

I'd like to know what the signal threshold/tower congestion criteria is for the phone to choose Wi-Fi over the cellular connection. I know the "dots" don't tell the whole story when it comes to the quality of the signal; but I have between two and three dots on my iPhone 6 in my home usually and my phone has stayed on "AT&T Wi-Fi" since I enabled Wi-Fi calling a couple hours ago. I'm not complaining at all -- the sound quality is fantastic -- I'd just be curious to know what the criteria are for the phone to stay with Wi-Fi calling vs. switching back to cellular.

In my experience testing it in Beta and now it seems to be a case of the closest and strongest signal wins at least that seems to be my theoretical observation or maybe all pure luck/chance

Definitely though once you're on AT&T WiFi seems reasonably EZ to keep connected to it until WiFi connection is lost or one turns it off

Hmmm strangely it doesn't have a Phone setting. Its just WiFi, Bluetooth, Cellular, etc. It's not under the Cellular tab either. I wonder if I need restore it or something.

See above reply. Don't know why you posted similar comments twice but eh I'm no mod so whatevs

If you are on a plan with metered minutes you will most likely get moved to unlimited soon. Many, many people here have. So, in the end, no minutes billed.

@

fmaloy

To be fair with regard to minute portions of plans carriers don't just "move you" and technically speaking the minutes are billed they are just billed @ $0.00 and are irrelevant other than creating a call record for various reasons , tracking usage and making sure "network abuse" isn't happening ( ex 50,000 to 99,000 plus minutes used in a cycle )


Interesting note on this once upon a time ATT and Verizon "unlimited" plan components for voice or texts in the fine print and billing capped minutes and texts at ATT at 99,999 each and Verizon at 9,999 each interesting tidbit from their detailed billing formats back in the day when unlimited was in its infancy

Can someone explain how this works? I live in the mountains with no cell service. Im currently using the Microcell for in home 5 bars. If I turn on Wifi Calling, will it work just like the microcell? Do I have to toggle off Wifi Calling when I'm other places? Like say I'm at a friends house and on their wifi, my phone will choose wifi calling, but once I walk outside out of range of their wifi, ill drop the call? or does it switch from wifi to cellular during a call?

It depends on your phone and if you're in an area with sufficient HD Voice or VoLTE Coverage. In theory yes in the same fashion MicroCell is supposed to handoff calls to the regular cellular network WiFi Calling should do the same but with greater reliability plus for some in some instances WiFi Calling can in some cases pass from Cellular to WiFi whereas MCell does NOT support incoming handoffs/handover

WiFi Calling is like MircroCell on steroids then cloned infinitely lol

 

[iOSFangirl6001]

So i get like 1 bar of service at my house. Using the Microcell, I get all my texts messages with no issues. Will using Wifi Calling cause problems with text messages?

Nope in fact AT&T WiFi Calling is despite its name a nice triple threat that will do wonders for you.

Threat 1>
Calling improvements

Threat 2>
Can still send/recieve text, video, IM, picture or MultiMedia Messages or iMessage

Threat 3>
Since you'll be on WiFi Data usage won't be eating away at your ATT Data plan bucket , throttle thresholds, or 4G LTE High Speed Data caps

Tried this and it worked fine; made some calls to land lines and cell phones on other carriers, all successful. So will Wi-Fi calling happen automatically when the cellular signal drops below a certain threshold? Will it also kick in mid-call when it might otherwise be a dropped call?

I don't see any downside to activating this. Where I work has very bad cell service-we have to go outside to make calls. I hope this helps alleviate that situation.

In theory in my experience and testing from Beta to now it's a game of closest and strongest signal wins and hands off 1 way or the other when/where possible pretty seamlessly

 

[adammusic]

Nope in fact AT&T WiFi Calling is despite its name a nice triple threat that will do wonders for you.

Threat 1>
Calling improvements

Threat 2>
Can still send/recieve text, video, IM, picture or MultiMedia Messages or iMessage

Threat 3>
Since you'll be on WiFi Data usage won't be eating away at your ATT Data plan bucket , throttle thresholds, or 4G LTE High Speed Data caps




In theory in my experience and testing from Beta to now it's a game of closest and strongest signal wins and hands off 1 way or the other when/where possible pretty seamlessly

Awesome thanks ! ill try it out for a month and then get rid of the microcell if theres no issues.

 

[whsbuss]

AT&T WiFi calling enabled now - Phila suburbs. Hopefully it will work.

 

[questionmark32]

So the only way I can evoke wifi calling is when I'm in airplane mode? I only get 1-2 bars in my house, so I can't use wifi calling unless my call fails? How do I force wifi calling?