WiFi calling and minutes

[mcalict]

I've updated to iOS 8.4 and been trying out WiFi calling. I expected that calls made via WiFi wouldn't be tracked as Cellular usage on iPhone. However the minutes seem to match the phone calls that have been made. I'm referring to the time that's tracked from: Settings > Cellular > Call Time > Current Period

Could this possibly be because technically, and as far as Apple is concerned, the call communications are still handled/trafficked by the cellular carrier?

If I look at my Sprint account's "detailed usage" it separates out minutes into various buckets, including WiFi.

Conversely, from a simple, end-user point of view, it would be nice to look at Cellular Call Time in iPhone Settings, and know what's legitimately cellular (i.e., you'll be billed for). But now that I think about it, that metric is really high level, and doesn't help delineate what may or may not count towards hitting a "barrier" -- i.e., do you have a bucket of minutes or unlimited, nights and weekends free, etc...? Who knows, various carriers may have different fine print regarding what counts and what doesn't. Probably need a separate app for this...

 

[Applejuiced]

More details about Sprints wifi calling.
http://support.sprint.com/support/a...lling/173e331f-8423-453e-93cb-4688f6a91f67#!/
Does Wi-Fi Calling go against a customer's minutes if they don't have an unlimited calling plan?

Because you're communicating over a Wi-Fi network, your activity won't count against any minute, text or data limits on your plan. It's easy to use, and all of your domestic calling and messaging are at no extra charge.

To find out exactly how many cellular minutes you used and what you have left for your billing cycle I'd probably log on to sprints app or website for further details.

 

[Newtons Apple]

OT but still no ATT WiFi calling?

 

[Applejuiced]

OT but still no ATT WiFi calling?

Same thing I was thinking.
Not sure why its taking so long.

 

[EdisEdward]

what's so good about wifi calling? isnt it same as using facetime audio or google hangout?

 

[Gav2k]

Really depends on the network. Most I've just looked at do charge and I can understand why.

An example would be I use wifi calling to call Bob. Bob had a burner style phone with no wifi. So the call goes wifi from me to the network then over the cellular network to him like a normal call.

 

[EdisEdward]

Really depends on the network. Most I've just looked at do charge and I can understand why.

An example would be I use wifi calling to call Bob. Bob had a burner style phone with no wifi. So the call goes wifi from me to the network then over the cellular network to him like a normal call.

ok got it. so i can use wifi, and the receiver can use cellular or landline.

now if we use this feature on tho, would the phone also use up my data plan to make "wifi" calls? or is it smart enough to know that it is on real wifi and not on lte

 

[Gav2k]

ok got it. so i can use wifi, and the receiver can use cellular or landline.

now if we use this feature on tho, would the phone also use up my data plan to make "wifi" calls? or is it smart enough to know that it is on real wifi and not on lte

Yes it's smart enough. Your device carrier name will say 'sprint wifi' for example. If this isn't displayed your not on a wifi call

 

[Gav2k]

what's so good about wifi calling? isnt it same as using facetime audio or google hangout?

There is an additional advantage. If you were on the subway with no reception and a wifi connection you'd still get your calls

 

[Applejuiced]

what's so good about wifi calling? isnt it same as using facetime audio or google hangout?

Its not like facetime audio. With that you can only call ios users. Not like google hangout either.
Much better option when on bad reception area.

 

[Applejuiced]

ok got it. so i can use wifi, and the receiver can use cellular or landline.

now if we use this feature on tho, would the phone also use up my data plan to make "wifi" calls? or is it smart enough to know that it is on real wifi and not on lte

You said it yourself. Wifi calls.
It uses wifi, not your carriers data plan.