Wi-Fi calling lets you make and receive voice calls and SMS over a wireless internet connection instead of your regular mobile network. You need to have a device that supports it, as well as a mobile provider that offers it and access to a stable Wi-Fi network.
The following mobile providers currently offer Wi-Fi calling on their plans:
Normal calling involves making a call over a mobile network, while Wi-Fi calling is where you make a call via the internet through a Wi-Fi connection.
This means that in areas where your mobile network signal is weak and you have access to Wi-Fi, you could be better off using Wi-Fi calling than making a regular phone call.
Depending on the device you use, there are different ways to turn on Wi-Fi calling.
If you have an Android phone, you can turn on Wi-Fi calling by going into your phone app and pressing the 'more' button, or the 3 dots in the top right. From there, go to settings.
Depending on what version of Android you have, from here you'll either need to tap calls and then Wi-Fi calling, or you may be able to tap a switch to turn on Wi-Fi calling directly after hitting settings.
The following are some of the Android devices that support Wi-Fi calling in Australia on the 3 major networks:
Other Android phones by Oppo, LG, Huawei, HTC, Motorola and more might also be supported depending on your provider, so check directly with them.
To turn on Wi-Fi calling on your iPhone, go to Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling.
If Wi-Fi calling is available, you'll see "Wi-Fi" in the status bar while viewing the Control Centre. Then your calls will use Wi-Fi calling.
The following Apple devices allow Wi-Fi calling in Australia via the 3 main telcos:
It depends what you're looking to get out of Wi-Fi calling as to whether it would be considered good.
If you're in a mobile blackspot or there's an outage, then Wi-Fi calling is useful as long as you have a strong Wi-Fi connection.
But the flip side also applies - if you have a weak Wi-Fi connection, then Wi-Fi calling could be just as susceptible to drop outs as over a mobile network.
| Response | |
|---|---|
| Network coverage | 85.32% |
| Data rollover | 34.14% |
| 5G | 27.3% |
| Customer support options | 24.32% |
| Wi-Fi calling | 18.02% |
| Brand | 14.14% |
| International calls | 11.17% |
| Data sharing | 10.9% |
| Other | 3.15% |
| eSIM | 2.52% |
| None of the above | 2.34% |
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