Not everyone knows the differences between the two types of calls that exist. For years, smartphones began to allow calls via WiFi and many prefer them. They are better?
Keep in mind that not all calls are the same. New technologies, such as Wi-Fi calling and VoIP calling, offer users different ways to make and receive calls. And of course, these are not the same as traditional calls via telephone coverage.
In this article we analyze WiFi calls compared to normal calls via coverage, we will analyze their main differences and we will see which are better and which are worse. Although, as you will now see, it will always depend on the moment and the context.
First things first, what are WiFi calling? Although WiFi calling has been around for over a decade, its popularity is only recent. As its name suggests, this technology allows you to make and receive calls and send messages over a WiFi network instead of using a traditional mobile network.
This feature is especially useful in areas where cellular network coverage is weak or non-existent, or when the audio quality of a cellular call is poor. Perfect example: in a rural house without coverage, but where there is a router with the Internet via fiber optics.
Most of the world’s major networks such as Vodafone or Movistar support WiFi calling. And normally the operators do not charge a supplement for the services of these calls, but it can vary from one network to another.
How does WiFi calling work and how is it different from traditional cellular calls?
When you make a normal call, your smartphone sends a signal to the nearest cell phone tower. The tower forwards the call to the nearest base station, which connects it to the recipient’s device. The call is transmitted over the cellular network to the recipient’s device.
Today Voice over Long Term Evolution (VoLTE) is used for mobile calls. This technology enables high-speed wireless communication on smartphones. In VoLTE, the phone converts voice into data packets and uses 4G technology to send that information to the carrier.
WiFi calling also works similarly. Think of them like a VoIP call – the ones from WhatsApp or FaceTime – but instead of sending data to the Internet, it sends it to your mobile phone provider, turning it into a normal voice call.
When you make a call or send a message using Wi-Fi calling, your device sends the data over the Wi-Fi network to the cell tower. From there, the call or message is sent to the recipient.
Keep in mind that if you go out of the range of the WiFi network during a call, it will be interrupted. However, most modern smartphones seamlessly switch to normal mobile calling once you get out of Wi-Fi range, allowing you to continue without interruption.
The pros of WiFi calls
Better call quality: As already mentioned, WiFi networks typically have stronger signals and more bandwidth than cellular networks. This means that calls made over WiFi tend to have a better sound quality and fewer dropped calls.
Provides coverage in areas with weak cellular signals: If you’re in an area with a weak cellular signal, but a strong Wi-Fi signal, Wi-Fi calling can help you stay connected.
You don’t need to install any app: WiFi calling is a built-in feature in most modern smartphones, and you don’t need to install any additional app to use it.
WiFi calls do not use LTE or 5G data: WiFi calls use the Internet connection provided by the WiLFi network, which means it does not consume data from your mobile plan. This can be useful for users with limited data plans or those who want to avoid additional data charges.
The cons of calls over Wi-Fi
The call can be dropped as soon as you leave WiFi coverage: One of the limitations of WiFi calls is that the call can be dropped as soon as you leave the range of the WiFi network. And while most network providers have implemented switching between coverages, occasional call drops can still occur.
Not all devices support Wi-Fi calling: Not all smartphones and mobile devices can make calls over Wi-Fi, so you will need to check if your device is compatible before you start using this feature.
