Wifi calling - Handsets

[Dr Who]

Hi All

Why are certain handsets wifi enabled and others not? Is it hardware or software? As it just seems funny that the new P9 is not on the list but the G8 is which is a cheaper version of the P8 ( Huawei ) is. Also if one buys a phone abroad, lets assume its a Galaxy s6 which is wifi enabled here, would it also be?

I have been meaning to get a new smart phone and am travelling so might consider pricing it in Dubai when I am away.
Regards

 

[Ockie]

From what I understand, it is the software. Wifi calling is standard since Android 5.1.1, but for some reason the OEM's takes it out or blocks it. Whether this is on instruction from the networks I dont know. Same with Volte. Meizu for example will now be including Volte for my M2 Note soon in a software update after many people on the Flyme forum started having a piss fit about it.

 

[JK1]

If this is a dumb question apologies beforehand.

Wifi calling will use data to make the call.

Whatsap calling will also use data. Is it therefore necessary to get a device which is wifi calling enabled.

Why cant you use whatsap?

Thanks

 

[Ockie]

If this is a dumb question apologies beforehand.

Wifi calling will use data to make the call.

Whatsap calling will also use data. Is it therefore necessary to get a device which is wifi calling enabled.

Why cant you use whatsap?

Thanks

Not a stupid question at all.

Where Wifi calling really shines is:

1. People who for some reason really struggles with mobile signal in their homes or office but have a fixed internet solution with wifi
2. International roaming (this will depend on the carrier regarding billing method though)

 

[Ockie]

If this is a dumb question apologies beforehand.

Wifi calling will use data to make the call.

Whatsap calling will also use data. Is it therefore necessary to get a device which is wifi calling enabled.

Why cant you use whatsap?

Thanks

Not a stupid question at all.

Where Wifi calling really shines is:

1. People who for some reason really struggles with mobile signal in their homes or office but have a fixed internet solution with wifi
2. International roaming (this will depend on the carrier regarding billing method though)

 

[Dairyfarmer]

Why cant you use whatsap?

Not everyone has WhatsApp or wants WhatsApp.
With WhatsApp the person receiving the call also gets charged data. Why must I pay for you to call me? Cost is not the issue. The network "charges" caller and receiver for the same call.
The quality of connectivity in SA is terrible, unless you are in a city. WhatsApp works badly on EDGE or even so-called 3G you get outside of the city. 90% of SA has limited connectivity.

 

[wombling]

I have the LG V20. It has WiFi calling.

 

[Chris_SA]

Iphone has Facetime enabled on all devices (Audio and Video over Wifi)

Not here to start android vs ios - just giving answer to question...

 

[sjm]

Iphone has Facetime enabled on all devices (Audio and Video over Wifi)

Not here to start android vs ios - just giving answer to question...

Facetime is not Wifi Calling

 

[Chris_SA]

Facetime is not Wifi Calling

why?

 

[Dave]

why?

WifiCalling allows calls to and from any phone, whether cellular or fixed landline.

 

[Chris_SA]

WifiCalling allows calls to and from any phone, whether cellular or fixed landline.

ah you talking about voip then?

I have lync (Skype business) on my phone which allows me to do this.

 

[Dave]

ah you talking about voip then?

I have lync (Skype business) on my phone which allows me to do this.

It's a form of voip, but it isn't voip in the way you mean, native WifiCalling is built into the phone firmware and the phone sees the wifi network as just another network mast that it can log on to, its a seamless transition between wifi connection and cellular connection without any interaction needed from the user.

 

[Dr Who]

Just for clarity - Wifi calling unlike Whatsapp calling, if I understand correctly will allow me to make and receive calls as if I was in SA. Friends/Family can call me and they would not know the difference assuming I had a wifi connection.

While on business I had an urgent matter to attend to at home and the person I needed to contact was an iOS user and never had whatsapp so I could not call him. If one purchased a phone could it become active on Wifi calling after the fact EG P9?

 

[snowwolf]

WiFi calling enables you as a user to dial anyone, as if you were in your home country, as well as receive calls over WiFi, when someone dials your "local" number.

If I have a WiFi Calling enabled phone, and I'm in a deadzone in my house signal wise, but have fixed line internet, people can still reach me on my local number.
Same as if I am travelling overseas. Network provider and cost dependent, someone can call my SA number and I receive it as a normal call when connected to a WiFi network.

In terms of Apple devices, I know the 6, 6S and 7 support it.

Whatsapp/Viber/Facetime are methods of calling someone, but it's not exactly WiFi calling.
eg: I cannot call a 071 number for example from a FaceTime enabled phone, and get connected to a user as an ordinary call. If they don't have FaceTime, call doesn't connect. Same as WhatsApp or Viber.

 

[P924]

There are plenty of apps that allow SIP calls if your phone does not natively support it.

 

[Dave]

If one purchased a phone could it become active on Wifi calling after the fact EG P9?

Theoretically possible, but unlikely on a Huawei or other budget phone, more likely only on "big brand" makes like Samsung.

There are plenty of apps that allow SIP calls if your phone does not natively support it.

And how many of those allow you to receive incoming calls dialled from a standard landline calling your mobile number?

 

[DA-LION-619]

WiFi calling basically means your call goes through the WiFi network not the cell phone network.

So if you have no signal, you can still make and receive calls.

The whole point of making international calls at local rates means that the call is transported through the internet.

 

[JK1]

Thanks guys. I am learning here.

 

[Dr Who]

Ok back too the original question:

Does a phone have to be purchased from Cell C to have this ability, or would any version of the same phone purchased from say Takealot also be compatible ? Cell C no longer offers the Galaxy S6 but only the S7 at a much higher price, but you can by the S6 from Takealot so if I were to do this would it work on Wifi?

Then secondly a P9 is a flagship phone so I assume that it should be able, if a G8 which is a mid term is on Wifi calling. My phone stopped working so I now need to decide how to get another. Also it seems funny that most iphones have this but not as many Android phones do.

Final question: Has anytime used this service outside the country?