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WiFi call...like Microcell?
- Thread starter tl01
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In theory, it's just like using your microcell. If you leave a WiFi coverage area your call should switch to cellular. In theory. It seems to work well on T-Mo, but is not yet available on AT&T.
Thank you. Can you use it anywhere you have WiFi? Or just where you are set up to use it like with an Att Microcell? (On T Mo)
I have been using the AT&T version as part of the trial. A few points:
When active, it works and sounds like a normal cell call. Not like a HDVoice call if you have heard that.
WiFi calling is only active when the cell signal is very low or not at all. Leaving wifi to go to cell depends on cell coverage outside of wifi coverage. If cell coverage stinks after leaving wifi coverage the call will drop for that reason. Otherwise, I have completed my wifi calls prior to going anywhere. I used a Microcell a few years back as a trial service and would say wifi calling is better for me in that I have more consistent wifi coverage compared to the limited coverage area of a microcell.
Yes, when you have wi-fi calling enabled, it's no different than being connected to the cell network directly. You place and receive calls exactly the same as when you're just connected to a cell tower. Essentially you're connecting to the carrier's VOIP/SIP gateway over the internet, as opposed to their cellular network.
We have wifi calling enabled on an iPhone 6 (t-mobile), and while at home it always uses my home wi-fi network. When leaving the house, if I'm on a call, it switches over to the cellular connection with no interruption once I'm out of range of my home wi-fi.
WiFi calling has not been out for 2-3 weeks for AT&T. They did have a limited beta, for it using people who were in the iOS 9 beta program. They are still waiting on FCC approval to be able to use RTT instead of TTY before rolling it out.
http://www.fiercewireless.com/tech/story/att-explains-delay-ios-9-and-wi-fi-calling/2015-09-21
I wonder why AT&T needs FCC approval to turn on WiFi calling because of this RTT/TTY issue. Surely people who use TTYs can just TURN OFF WiFI calling and still use it? Why does this OPTIONAL technology require extra FCC approval? Hell, TTYs are nearly obsolete as it is.
Having used a microcell for several years now I can tell you it is much better than living in an area where the actually cellular tower connectivity it weak or poor. The call quality is very good, better than cellular but not as good as Facetime Audio which is better than almost anything for call quality (Assuming both parties have ios devices)
Moving from the MCELL to a cell tower, the call with transfer out fine, but calls can never transfer BACK to the MCELL, hopefully, wifi calling will resolve that issue.
Haven't been able to try HD voice (is that VOLte?) but I'll be in NYC next week and will give it a try
Moving from the MCELL to a cell tower, the call with transfer out fine, but calls can never transfer BACK to the MCELL, hopefully, wifi calling will resolve that issue.
Haven't been able to try HD voice (is that VOLte?) but I'll be in NYC next week and will give it a try
Good question. Why does the FCC require this and in turn delay a feature many could be using today to increase their satisfaction with the provider. I'm sure AT&T is ready to go but just can't yet.
I THINK that it is an E911 issue, since the tower data may not be available, the WIFI location or phone location data needs to be available for E911 calls