Wi-fi call back-up service now available with EE

The network EE is to begin switching some of its customers over to to wi-fi enabled calls to help combat mobile signal dead spots. Something that we thought was not needed with EE’s Bacon campaign of everything…everywhere!

The UK network says that the move could potentially benefit people who fail to get a connection or experience dropped calls in their homes and offices.

Other firms already offer a similar service via apps, but EE says its scheme is "seamless" as users are not required to do anything to switch between 3G/4G and wi-fi.

However, there are potential pitfalls.

EE said its Wi-fi Calling facility would initially be limited to pay monthly subscribers using Samsung's Galaxy S6 and S5 phones and Microsoft's new (Nokia no more) Lumia 640, although it is understood that the iPhone 5S and newer Apple handsets will also be supported.

Since it requires specific mobile data components to be built into the devices, it cannot be extended to other older models. However, EE said it would soon offer a compatible own-brand budget smartphone.

To join the service, users send the firm a single text message.

O2 and Three offer rival internet-enabled call services that require apps

EE state that it is expected that five million people would be able to use the service, which also supports text messages, by the summer.

If you thought this could be a great way to save money on phone calls, then you may be wrong! Even if a personal wi-fi network is used, the phone's owner will still be billed as if they had made the call in a normal manner. Furthermore, they cannot use it to make cheaper calls from abroad.

Vodafone will also be launching a similar wi-fi calling service in the summer. We will hav eto see if they will be adding the same charges.

The UK's other two leading networks, O2 and Three, offer apps instead: Tu Go and Three inTouch.

Third-party services, including Skype, Whatsapp, Viber and Apple's iMessage, also provide ways to make voice calls over wi-fi.

Limitations

One of the limitations of EE's Wi-fi Calling is that it cannot switch from one service to another mid-call. So, if someone walks out of a wi-fi covered zone into an area where there is 4G coverage, or vice versa, they still face their call suddenly ending.

EE is marketing the service as a way to make calls in the home or office, where it believes this is unlikely to be a common problem.

EE says customers will be able to receive calls in places where there is no network coverage

EE are currently marketing it as a solution for commuters on the London underground. They say it will make it easier for people to make and receive calls on the platforms, and other wi-fi enabled places without network coverage.

Because phones will automatically switch to wi-fi where it is available, if users log into a congested hotspot they could face poor call quality. They would then need to go into their settings menu to temporarily turn off the wi-fi connection or Wi-fi Calling facility to opt back into 3G/4G.