The Advantages and Disadvantages of WiFi Calling

WiFi calling has been a game-changer in the world of business telecommunications. But like many others approaching a newer technology, you’re probably wondering about the disadvantages of WiFi calling, as well as the advantages. Like many people, you’re asking, “Is WiFi calling good?” and “Is WiFi calling secure?” You might even be wondering “What is WiFi calling?” 

In simple terms, WiFi calling is a technology that lets you make and receive calls using your WiFi connection rather than cellular data. In this guide, we’ll explain “What is 

WiFi calling?,” answer common questions about WiFi calls, and break down the advantages and disadvantages of WiFi. 

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What is WiFi Calling?

WiFi calling, also known as Voice over WiFi (VoWiFi), is a technology that allows users to make and receive phone calls using a WiFi connection instead of relying solely on traditional cellular networks. With so many people working remotely, WiFi calling provides a way to stay connected to your team even when you’re not in the same physical location. 

WiFi calling works by converting your voice data into digital packets. These packets are then transmitted over the internet to the recipient. When received, the recipient’s device converts the packets back into voice. In most instances, this conversion is so seamless you have no idea that it’s happening. 

WiFi calling is especially useful in places where your cell phone signal is weak. As long as you’re working from somewhere with a strong WiFi signal, you can communicate with clients and colleagues with crystal-clear audio.  

Disadvantages of WiFi Calling

WiFi calling enables flexible communication even when you don’t have a strong cell phone signal. It’s perfect for remote work as well as working while traveling. However, there are several disadvantages of WiFi calling. Here are some of the main cons of WiFi calling: 

• Dependent on WiFi quality: Perhaps the biggest drawback of WiFi calling is its reliance on a WiFi connection that is both stable and high-quality. If the WiFi signal is weak, call quality can suffer, leading to dropped calls, or poor audio.
• Limited mobility: While WiFi calling is great for indoor or fixed locations, it may not work very well if you’re on the move. For example, if you’re working from a cafe with a WiFi connection, you’ll be fine, but if you want to chat and walk to your next destination in the city, the call may drop if there is no cell phone reception.
• Battery drain: WiFi calling uses a lot of battery power, much more than regular cellular calls. A weak or unstable connection will drain your battery even faster. However, WiFi calling uses less power than it would if your phone were roaming. 
• Compatibility: Not all devices or carriers support WiFi calling, which can lead to compatibility issues in your organization.
• Emergency services: In case of emergency, WiFi calling has some limitations. It’s difficult for 911 and other emergency services to track your location when making a WiFi call. In order to make an emergency call over WiFi, you’ll need to enter in your address when prompted by your smartphone.

Advantages of WiFi Calling

We’ve discussed the disadvantages, so let’s look at the advantages of WiFi calling. Here are some of the main benefits to using WiFi calling for your business: 

• Cost savings: One of the most significant advantages of WiFi calling for businesses is the potential cost savings. Calls made over WiFi are usually considered part of the company’s existing internet plan, which can reduce the need for expensive cellular plans or roaming charges. 
• Improved indoor coverage: WiFi calling can provide better coverage in areas with weak cellular signals, like basements or large office buildings. This ensures that employees stay connected even in areas when traditional reception is limited. 
• International calling: For businesses with international operations, WiFi calling can be a cost-effective solution for making international calls without incurring high charges. For example, an employee traveling abroad can call team members in the US. However, it’s important to note that most major carriers charge extra fees for calling international numbers through WiFi. 
• Seamless transitions: In many cases, WiFi calling allows for seamless transitions between WiFi and cellular networks. Calls can start on WiFi and switch to cellular if the WiFi signal weakens or vice versa. WiFi calling paired with cellular data can add a layer of redundancy that keeps your workplace functioning. 
• Improved call quality: In areas with strong WiFi signals, the call quality can often be better than traditional cellular calls, as WiFi connections offer higher bandwidth and stability. 

 

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Is WiFi Calling Good?

The answer to this question depends on one important factor: Do you have a stable, high-quality WiFi connection? If you do, your WiFi calls will likely be crystal clear with minimal issues. However, a low-quality WiFi connection will result in issues like latency, echoing, jitter, or even dropped calls. This is one of the major disadvantages of WiFi calling. 

Is WiFi Calling Secure?

In general, WiFi calling is considered secure. That’s because the mobile carrier encrypts your voice data when placing a call. Even when using a public WiFi connection, the data is encrypted. Still, you may want to hold off on sharing sensitive information unless you’re in private. 

Business WiFi Calling

Now that you understand what WiFi calling is, let’s talk about a few different ways you might use it for your business. Business WiFi calling helps you stay connected to your team in a variety of settings, including: 

• Office communications: Large or multi-story buildings are especially susceptible to weak cellular signals. WiFi calling ensures that employees can communicate without interruption within the building.
• Remote work: As remote work becomes more prevalent, WiFi calling is one way to keep coworkers connected while working in flexible environments. 
• Healthcare facilities: WiFi calling can be crucial in healthcare settings, allowing medical staff to confer with colleagues or access patient information throughout the hospital or clinic.
• Warehouses and manufacturing: Industrial environments often have weak reception. WiFi calling helps employees communicate effectively even without a strong cellular signal. 
• Business travel: When your employees travel for business, they can use WiFi calling to stay in touch with colleagues and clients without incurring roaming charges. This is especially advantageous for international business trips. 
• Small businesses: Small businesses and startups can benefit from WiFi calling to save money. Business WiFi calling allows you to maintain a professional appearance without blowing your budget on expensive business phone plans. 

Does WiFi Calling Cost Money?

In most cases, WiFi calling doesn’t cost any money. Your phone utilizes a WiFi connection to place your phone calls instead of using data. You can even save money in cases where you pay for the amount of data your company uses. 

How to Turn on WiFi Calling on Apple and Android

Both Apple and Android phones support WiFi calling. To make WiFi calls from your smartphone, all you need to do is enable the feature in settings. Here’s a step-by-step process for turning on WiFi calling on your Apple or Android device: 

Apple

1. Go to Settings.
2. Press Mobile Data.
3. In the WiFi calling section, you’ll be able to toggle WiFi calling on or off.
4. You’re now ready to place a WiFi call!

If you want to exclusively use WiFi calling, turn off your cell phone data. You can do this by accessing Settings, Cellular Data, and then toggling the button off. 

Android

1. Go to Settings. 
2. Press Network & Internet.
3. Press WiFi Preferences.
4. Press Advanced.
5. Toggle on the WiFi calling button. 
6. You’re now ready to place a WiFi call!

If you want to exclusively use WiFi calling, turn your cellular data off by putting your phone into airplane mode.

Cell Phone Data vs WiFi Calls

When it comes to using cell phone data vs WiFi calls, it’s always not a matter of one or the other. They are two different methods for making calls, and using both can allow you more seamless communication in a variety of circumstances. When you place a call with cell phone data, your phone pings off the nearest cell phone tower. You can walk or drive and continue your voice call without interruption, as long as you’re in range of a tower. If you live in or are traveling somewhere remote, however, those towers may not be close enough to access. Additionally, if you’re abroad for business, using your regular data usually costs extra money. 

In contrast, WiFi calling uses your WiFi connection. As long as your WiFi is high-quality, you can communicate in even the most remote areas. Plus, WiFi offers higher bandwidth than cell phone data. This leads to higher call quality and more seamless conversations. You can make WiFi calls from most countries, which means you can save money on international calling fees. It’s important to note, however, that some countries, like Australia, China, India, and Singapore, do not support WiFi calling. Another one of the disadvantages of WiFi calling is that in crowded places, such as at the airport, there may be so much competition for bandwidth that your call suffers. But as long as you have a good WiFi connection, you can count on crystal-clear WiFi calls. 

Devices that Can Make WiFi Calls

If you’re ready to start making business WiFi calls, you’re probably wondering what kind of device to use. Luckily, there are a wide range of devices that can make WiFi calls. Here are some of the most common devices capable of making WiFi calls:

• Smartphones: In general, most smartphones, regardless of the operating system (iOS or Android) support WiFi calling. 
• Tablets: Most tablets with cellular capabilities also support WiFi calling. Even if the tablet doesn’t have cellular service, you can download a WiFi calling app, such as Skype or WhatsApp, and make calls almost instantly. 
• Laptops and computers: Although laptops and computers don’t usually have a cellular connection, you can download certain applications that enable WiFi calling. 

Getting Started with WiFi Calling for Your Business

WiFi calling can be a great way to maximize your business connectivity, especially if members of your team are in remote areas without reliable cellular service. Most smartphones, tablets, and computers support WiFi calls in some way, which gives you more flexibility to conduct your business. 

The most important thing to know, however, is that you need a high-quality WiFi network with a high-speed internet connection. If you’re looking for business internet to support your WiFi calls, call OneStop Communications today. We work with some of the nation’s top providers and can help you compare plans and pricing to find the right provider for your needs. 

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