Apple unveiled a new feature known as Wi-Fi calling this year at World Wide Developer Conference. The Wi-Fi calling will let user make calls from a wireless network rather than carrier towers. Currently, only T-Mobile offers this new exciting feature whereas AT&T will get this service till the start of 2015.
Ralph de la Vega, President of AT&T announced that the company would not offer the Wi-Fi calling feature of the iPhone 6 and iOS 8 to its customers till next year. Moreover, de la Vega stated that they are not in a hurry to release this Wi-Fi calling system. since the company considers this feature something as an addition to the current services instead of replacement.
On the other hand, T-Mobile disclosed a new aspect of the Uncarrier campaign soon after the proclamation of De La Vega about W-Fi calling. The company stated that the entire line of handset of T-Mobile will support Wi-Fi calling and texting. The technology which T-Mobile has presented is definitely faultless .
It will allow the user of T-Mobile iPhone 6 to connect with Wi-Fi for making calls without disconnecting their cellular network. In simple words, users can begin a call on T-Mobile and later on can swap to their Wi-Fi calling. The Wi-Fi feature of T-Mobile will also offer the service of messaging on iPhone 6.
T-Mobile seems so satisfied with the new Wi-Fi feature that it has stopped selling the phones that do not contain this feature.
Furthermore, T-Mobile has launched a new program for customers who want to switch their device to Wi-Fi calling. The company has named it as T-Mobile Jump Program. Through this program T-Mobile users can get hold of the wireless router from the company without any cost. In short, T-Mobile will sell a built in Wi-Fi calling service for its users.
On the other hand, De la Vega pointed out the chief cause behind the T-Mobile’s obsession with Wi-Fi calling service. He informed that it will certainly help T-Mobile to attract the smartphone users who live in areas where the signals are not that sufficient. Since it is nearly impossible for T-mobile to form a large network like AT&T Mobile. Including Wi-Fi is the simplest way to invite people to avail the services of T-Mobile even if they do not get adequate reception in their area.
As far as other mobile carriers are concerned, the picture is still not clear. Sprint offers Wi-Fi calling feature for selected Smartphone whereas Verizon has not announced anything yet regarding this feature.
Deborah Campbell
