WiFi calling – telephoning via WLAN
If the signal to the mobile network is not strong enough, you may not be able to make a call, which happens a lot in buildings. This can be remedied by so-called WiFi calling – or telephoning via the WLAN.
What is WiFi Calling?
WiFi calling refers to making phone calls via the WLAN. WiFi is an abbreviation of the English term “Wireless Fidelity” and was originally used to identify a device that can receive WLAN. In our context, however, WiFi is used synonymously for WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network), i.e. a wireless local network.
Please note that WiFi calling is not the same as making a phone call via the mobile internet. The latter is also referred to as Voice over LTE (VoLTE). In addition to telephony costs, VoLTE may incur additional costs for the consumption of the mobile data volume.
| WiFi Calling | VoLTE (Voice-over LTE) |
| Phone call via the WLAN | Phone call via mobile internet-> Additional costs for consumption of mobile data volume |
What do I need to use WiFi calling?
To be able to use WiFi calling, you need a mobile phone provider that supports this function as well as a suitable, preferably inexpensive mobile phone subscription. Swisscom, Salt, Sunrise, UPC, yallo and Wingo are among the providers with whom you can make a WiFi call.
Which providers offer Wifi calling within Switzerland?
- Swisscom
- Salt
- Sunrise
- UPC
- Yallo
- Wingo
Advantages and disadvantages of WiFi calling
In well-insulated buildings or underground, the signal strength of the mobile network is often not sufficient to make a normal phone call. Since Wi-Fi is now available in almost all buildings and in many underground stations, you can simply switch to the Wi-Fi calling function to make a phone call in good quality.
The disadvantage of WiFi calling is that you have to log into an additional network and the router must be permanently in operation.
+ Telephone calls even without a mobile phone network
– WLAN router permanently in operation
Can I do WiFi calling with smartphones?
To use it, you need a smartphone that is able to establish telephone connections via the Wi-Fi network. Whether a smartphone is suitable for a WiFi call depends on the respective mobile phone provider with which you operate the smartphone. As a rule, Apple devices from iPhone 5s and Samsung devices from Samsung Galaxy S6 should be WiFi-calling capable. Salt already offers WiFi calling from the Samsung Galaxy S5. With some providers, a Sony, HTC or Huawei device can also work. You can find out about the latest developments on the websites of the mobile phone providers.
Devices purchased elsewhere may also be suitable, provided that so-called open-market software is installed on them. The mobile phone providers require different minimum versions of the installed operating system.
How can I activate WiFi calling?
Before you can use WiFi calling, you must activate this function on his smartphone. To do this, open the general settings on your smartphone and tap your way through to the phone settings, sometimes also connection settings, until you can finally activate the function “WLAN calls” or “WiFi calling”. The names of the menu items sometimes vary depending on the device and provider. However, most mobile phones now also offer a search function in the settings where you can quickly find the activation.
- Select smartphone settings
- Go to “WLAN Calls” or “WiFi Calling
- Wifi calling enabled
Is WiFi calling free of charge?
No, not necessarily, unless you have a flat rate. The prices for a WiFi call depend on the tariffs of your subscription. You pay the same for a WiFi call as you would for a normal call with your subscription.
WiFi calling abroad
Whether WiFi calling is possible abroad also depends on the respective provider. Of the Swiss providers, only Salt currently allows WiFi calling abroad; and without additional roaming charges, which can be very high for mobile telephony.
| Provider | Wifi calling abroad |
| Salt | Available |
| Swisscom | Not available |
| Sunrise | Not available |
| UPC | Not available |
| Wingo | Not available |
| Yallo | Not available |
WiFi calling with Sunrise
Once WiFi calling is activated, the smartphone automatically connects to the WLAN for making calls with Sunrise. SMS and MMS can also be sent via WiFi calls with Sunrise. To use WiFi calling from Sunrise, you need:
- For Apple: at least iOS 10.3
- For Android: at least version 7.0
- A good WiFi connection
- A Sunrise, MTV subscription or prepaid.
Costs: Same costs as via the mobile network
Wifi calling abroad: No
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WiFi calling with Salt
Salt offers WiFi calling both in Switzerland and abroad. Even when abroad, only the costs that would be incurred by a classic mobile phone call when in Switzerland with the subscription or prepaid tariff taken out are incurred. With Salt, it is only possible to send SMS via WiFi calls, not MMS. To use WiFi calling from Salt, you need:
- A smartphone purchased from Salt (at least to guarantee flawless WiFi calling).
- A Salt subscription or prepaid contract.
- Recommended: Flight mode so that the phone does not connect to a mobile network.
Wifi calling abroad: Yes
Costs
- Abroad: Same costs as via the mobile network
- Domestically: Same costs as via the mobile network, without roaming charges
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WiFi calling with Swisscom
The costs for a WiFi calling call with Swisscom are the same as if you were calling via the mobile network. As soon as the WiFi function is activated, the smartphone automatically connects to the WLAN instead of the mobile network when a call is made. International use is not possible. To use WiFi calling from Swisscom, you need:
- An inOne-mobile or NATEL-infinity subscription
- For Apple: at least iOS 10.3
- For Android: at least version 7.0
Costs: Same costs as via the mobile network
Wifi calling abroad: No
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WiFi calling with Wingo
After you have activated the WiFi calling function in the menu of your smartphone, it automatically connects to the WiFi when calls are made. Calls are billed in the same way as calls made on the mobile network. Wingo does not currently offer WiFi calling abroad. To use WiFi calling from Wingo, you need:
- Wingo Mobile subscription or Flat Pass.
- Smartphone with WiFi calling function.
- Good WiFi connection.
Costs: Same costs as via the mobile network
Wifi calling abroad: No
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WiFi calling with Yallo
Within Switzerland, Yallo also offers WiFi calling to its customers. The costs for SMS/MMS sent and calls are the same as for the mobile network. To use WiFi calling from Yallo, you need:
- For Apple: at least iOS 10.3
- For Android: at least version 7.0
- A WiFi calling enabled smartphone
- Good WLAN connection
Costs: Same costs as via the mobile network
Wifi calling abroad: No
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Conclusion: Useful, but still too little developed
WiFi calling can be very useful. In case of poor or no reception, you can still be reached via your own phone number. This could also be used to avoid roaming charges abroad – however, the Swiss offer still needs to be expanded here. If you want to try WiFi calling, first find out the exact costs in your mobile phone subscription.
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