The function "Wi-Fi Calling" (calls over Wi-Fi) was first introduced in iOS 8. However, in Russia this technology has only recently started working. The first operator to declare full support for this option was MTS. Let's take a closer look at what this function is.
What is Wi-Fi Calling
This is a technology that allows you to make calls even if there is minimal or no cellular coverage. The call is made using the operator's network, while Wi-Fi plays the role of a base station.
But you can also make calls via Skype, what's the point of this technology?
The call is made as a regular phone call using your number. Accordingly, the interlocutor does not need the Internet to communicate with you. This is the main difference.
Which iPhone models are supported
Which operators are supported
To date, only MTS has acquired direct support. So far, such calls can only be made in Moscow and the Moscow region. In the future, it is planned to expand the geography of the service provided.
Is it more expensive than regular calls
The cost does not change and is charged at the home rate, even if you make calls in another country.
How to enable this feature
- We go to "Settings".
- We find "Calls over Wi-Fi". This item will not be available for unsupported operators.
- We activate the slider.
After that, all calls will be made using the current Wi-Fi network.
April 2018 was marked by a pleasant innovation for MTS subscribers, thanks to which it became possible to make calls via Wi-Fi networks. And today in our article we will look at information about the possible use cases of the new proposal, and also talk about who it is available to.
Calls over the Internet using VoLTE technology on MTS
This technology allows making voice calls over 4G / LTE networks, in which the sound quality is at the HD level. In addition, such calls can be made in conjunction with the use of the mobile Internet. This means that you can, for example, conduct a conversation over a speakerphone or through a headset, while surfing the network, launch videos or audio recordings in various online services. Another advantage of the technology is almost instant dialing, even faster than in today's popular messengers.
The option of making calls via VoLTE to MTS is available for use on all modern sim-cards, and Internet traffic when making calls is not consumed from the prepaid quota.
The disadvantages of the technology are, perhaps, only the following points:
- Inability to use the service in international roaming;
- Temporary work of the service only on the territory of the capital and the Moscow region, St. Petersburg, Voronezh and their regions (the zone is constantly expanding);
- Outgoing calls are provided for a fee (according to the tariffication terms of the used TP);
- The service is only available on relatively new devices, starting with Samsung S7, iPhone6 \u200b\u200b/ SE and newer.
How to connect or disconnect VoLTE on MTS
- USSD combination *111*6# connects VoLTE calls;
- Combination *111*6*01# disables;
Calls over the Internet via Wi-Fi Calling on MTS
The Wi-Fi Calling service allows MTS subscribers to make calls via Wi-Fi networks even if there is no coverage of the operator's network. It is noteworthy that for this you do not need to install any applications analogous to instant messengers, and the service works even abroad.
In order to make a call using Wi-Fi Calling technology, subscribers need to do the following:
- Activate the Wi-Fi Calling service in the smartphone (for example, on the iPhone it is done as follows: "Settings"\u003e "Phone"\u003e "Calls over Wi-Fi").
- Connect to any Wi-Fi network (be it a home router or a guest network in a hotel, cafe, train station, airport).
- Check the activity of the Wi-Fi Calling icon, and then make a call the way you used to do it over cellular networks (that is, absolutely normal).
Outgoing calls within the Wi-Fi Calling service are charged according to the standard conditions of the tariff plan used. Incoming calls are available free of charge.
As for connecting the service, the activation / deactivation procedure is performed using the same commands as in the case of VoLTE ( *111*6# and *111*6*01# to enable and disable respectively).
Calls over the Internet using "MTS Connect"
The third version of the service of making calls to MTS via the Internet implies the need to use a special application "MTS Connect". The application is an almost complete analogue of today's popular instant messengers. Its functionality includes the following main features:
- Text correspondence tete-a-tete and in group chats;
- Making calls via the Internet;
- Sending files;
- Geo-position exchange;
- Setting statuses, avatars and photos;
- Ability to use international roaming.
You can download the corresponding version of the application today for iOS and Android devices using the following links:
- For iPhone (works on iOS 8.0 and above);
- For Android devices (runs on Android 4.0 and above).
Cost of calls through the "MTS Connect" program
- Outgoing calls to MTS numbers from any country in the world at all tariffs are free and unlimited. If you have a tariff with packages of minutes, then calls through "MTS Connect" do not spend this limit.
- Incoming calls are free and unlimited at all tariffs.
- Outgoing calls to numbers of other operators are charged according to the terms of the tariff for calls in the home region (there is no extra charge for roaming).
The cost of using traffic when making calls via "MTS Connect"
- On tariff "X" ("IKS", formerly "Hype") or when the "VNets" option is activated - traffic for calls to the Russian Federation and abroad is free and does not consume the package in the tariff;
- On other tariff plans, when calling in Russia, the traffic is not charged and not consumed, when calling when the subscriber is abroad, the traffic is paid according to roaming rates for each country.
It is recommended to make calls via MTS Connect while abroad via Wi-Fi networks.
Eventually
Summarizing the considered information about calls via the Internet from MTS, it can be emphasized that the operator does not stand still, and tries to quickly pick up all modern trends in technology, and this is commendable. However, in a specific case, speaking about making calls via the Internet, neither VoLTE, nor Wi-Fi Calling, nor, moreover, MTS Connect, cannot be called full-fledged competitors such messengers as Viber, WhatsApp and Telegram. Especially when it comes to the need to make calls while staying outside Russia.
Therefore, before starting to use the new offers from MTS, I recommend that you carefully weigh the pros and cons in order to understand how rational such services are in your particular case.
We bring to your attention information on how you can make calls on portable devices via Wi-Fi Android. We will tell you how to set up Wi-Fi telephony on any Android device, as well as provide links to well-known programs with which you can make calls.
Preliminary preparation
As you know, IP telephony works over the Internet and is appreciated for its convenience and cheapness (if you are going to make calls abroad), because you pay only for Internet traffic, and not for the conversation itself: and if you have an unlimited tariff, then calls to in fact come out completely free. Based on this, the conclusion: in order for you to call, firstly, you must have Internet access configured.
The second step is how to set up Wi-Fi telephony on Android: we mean that you can communicate with friends or family via Wi-Fi for free only if you have the same program installed.
Calling applications
So, we want to show you a couple of popular applications through which you can make Wi-Fi calls.
Skype
The first is the well-known Skype. If someone used it on a computer, they can simply transfer their account to a mobile application with all contacts and the history of calls and correspondence. If you first encountered such a name, then below we will explain how to start using Skype and make your first call.
- Download and install the application on your phone / tablet.
- Start it up.
- If you have a Microsoft account (email and password), then you can easily log in without any registration, the same applies to a Skype account if the program is on a PC. If you are a new user, then click "Create ..." at the bottom of the display.
- The next window will be a warning that this application will not replace full telephony. Click Continue.
- In the third window, you will need to enter your name in the appropriate fields, create a login (nіckname), password and enter the mail to which you want to link your account. Then click the round Next arrow button.
- After that, you will be logged into the account you created. The next step is to add the people you want to chat with. Remember that they, just like you, must have Skype installed and be registered in it. In the main window, click the "Functions" button at the bottom right.
- In the pop-up menu, tap on the "Add people" line.
- The next window will display the found contacts from your phone book, which also have Skype installed: each of them can be added by tapping on the avatar. If suddenly the right person is not in contacts, you need to enter his login at the top in the search window.
- After entering the nickname, all contacts with this login will be displayed, by photo or country, find the desired subscriber and select him.
- After that, you need to select the "Add to contacts" button to send a request to add to friends: now the user will receive a message that you want to add him, to which he must give his consent.
- After you have added the necessary people, in the "Contacts" window you can call all people with the "Online" status. Tap on the required name.
- To make an audio call, you need to tap on the handset icon, and then select "Call Skype subscriber".
- To make a call with a video, tap on the camera icon at the bottom left. Then you will hear the familiar beeps.
As you can see, the first launch will take some time, but it's worth it. From what has not yet been said, we would like to mention that you can be "Online" not only through Wi-Fi, but also through the mobile Internet. In addition to making calls, you can exchange text messages and transfer files of any extension, from a document to a video clip or archive.
Vіber
The second program is still less popular, it is called Viber: unlike Skype, it was originally created immediately for mobile devices, and only later a version for PC appeared. Vіber is only slightly different from Skype in terms of functionality, but many users liked it more because of the juicy interface and the fact that it does not require registration, but only works with a phone number. How to start using the program, see below:
- Download, install and run it on your smartphone.
- When you first start the application, it will tell you about its functions, click "Continue".
- In the next window, the program will ask for access to the phone book: we advise you to agree with this in order to facilitate further settings.
- Next, you will need to enter your phone number and click "Continue".
Where has Wi-Fi Calling gone? Why do I see the name "Internet Calls" on my invoices?
We are expanding and improving services for calls over the Internet. Due to the increase in the number of users, from December 2017 to January 2018, the functionality of the Wi-Fi Calling technology is transferred to new equipment in order to ensure greater fault tolerance, reliability and bandwidth, as well as for further improvement and development of call services.
The Wi-Fi Calling technology has become part of an extended set of services called Internet Calls, so you can see the new name Internet Calls in your invoices. Terms of tariffication and provision of services remain the same.
If for any reason you need to disable the "Internet Calls" service, dial * 111 * 6 * 01 # on your mobileHow to set up call forwarding?
Subscribers with the “Internet Calls” service can set up call forwarding only through their personal account on the ihelper.mts.ru website or by calling the contact center at 0890. Setting up call forwarding through the smartphone menu is not available for subscribers with this service.
How to set up your smartphone?
- make sure that you have the Internet Calls service in the list of connected services (for example, in the Services section of the My MTS application or in the Personal Account on the MTS website). If the service is not activated - activate it: dial * 111 * 6 #, press the "Call" button;
- register in an available Wi-Fi network;
- make sure an icon appears at the top of the screen indicating that calls are available via Wi-Fi (handset with a Wi-Fi icon). To make a call or receive an incoming call via Wi-Fi, no further action is required - all calls will automatically go through Wi-Fi.
My smartphone supports Wi-Fi Calling technology. Why is the service not working on my smartphone?
The service works only on devices certified for sales in Russia. If this particular device and service does not work for you, then:
- make sure that you have the Internet Calls service in the list of connected services (for example, in the Services section of the My MTS application or in the Personal Account on the MTS website). If the service is not activated - activate it: dial * 111 * 6 #, press the "Call" button. The service will not be activated if you had previously activated the MTS Connect service on your number (Internet calls and MTC Connect services are mutually prohibitive, i.e. if one of the services is connected, the other cannot be connected to the number before shutdown first). If the number has activated the service "MTC Connect" and you want to use the service "Internet - calls", then to disable the service "MTC Connect" dial * 111 * 6 * 00 # on your smartphone. After making sure that the service is disabled, dial * 111 * 6 # to activate the "Internet Calls" service;
- make sure that the “Calls via Wi-Fi” (or “Wi-Fi Calling”) function is enabled in the settings of your smartphone;
- check for registration in a Wi-Fi network with Internet access;
- make sure that an icon appears on the top of the screen, indicating that calls are available via Wi-Fi (handset with a Wi-Fi icon);
- Not every Wi-Fi network supports Wi-Fi Calling. The operation of the service can be impeded by the settings of the Wi-Fi network, for example, if the network administrator has set a prohibition on data encryption (IPSec).
- On Samsung Dual SIM phones, Wi-Fi Calling works only if an MTS SIM card is installed in the main slot. Sony smartphones support Wi-Fi Calling technology through any slot if an MTS SIM card is inserted in it and data transmission priority is enabled.
- Yes, you receive and send SMS as usual. To do this, you do not need to leave the Wi-Fi Network, but your phone must be registered in the 2G / 3G / 4G mobile network.
What to do if the connection during a call via Wi-Fi is intermittently interrupted, the audibility is poor or one-way?
For the correct operation of voice services in a Wi-Fi network, a minimum latency is required - Latency, also known as ping. Latency over 80-100 milliseconds negatively affects quality. You can find out the latency of the Wi-Fi network through the Speedtest application.
The latency increases when the Wi-Fi router is exchanging a large amount of data (when watching online videos, torrents turned on, etc.), or several routers are working nearby simultaneously on the same channel (for example, with neighbors).
What can help:- disconnection for the duration of the call of services that create an increased load - torrents, videos, etc.
- switching the router to a free channel
How do I make calls over the Internet?
Now, when calling from a mobile to a landline phone, you must always indicate 8 - area code - city phone number. For example, to call a city number in Moscow, dial 8 (495) xx-xx-xx from your mobile. ...
Wi-Fi Calling technology is available on devices:
| Samsung | Highscreen | Apple | Sony | Lg | Huawei |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung: Galaxy A3 | Highscreen: Boost 3 | Apple: iPhone 5S | Sony: Xperia XZ | LG X Venture | Huawei: Nova |
| Samsung: Galaxy S6 | Highscreen: Boost 3 Pro | Apple: iPhone 5C | Sony: Xperia XA1 | Lg g6 | Huawei: Nova 2i |
| Samsung: Galaxy S6 Edge | Highscreen: Power Ice Evo | Apple: iPhone 6 | Sony: Xperia XA1 Plus | LG G7 (2018) | Huawei: Nova 2 Plus |
| Samsung: Galaxy S6 Edge + | Highscreen: Boost 3 Se | Apple: iPhone 6 Plus | Sony: Xperia XA1 ULTRA | LG Q7 (2018) | Huawei: Nova 2 |
| Samsung: Galaxy J2 | Highscreen: Boost 3 Se pro | Apple: iPhone 6S | Sony: Xperia XZ Premium | LG Qsytus | |
| Samsung: Galaxy J5 LTE | Highscreen: Razar | Apple: iPhone 6S plus | Sony: Xperia XZ1 | LG K11 | |
| Samsung: Galaxy J7 LTE | Highscreen: Fest | Apple: iPhone SE | Sony: Xperia XZs | LG V30 | |
| Samsung: Galaxy A7 LTE | Highscreen: Fest Pro | Apple: iPhone 7 | Sony: Xperia XZ1 Compact | LG K9 (2018) | |
| Samsung: Galaxy J2 Prime | Highscreen: Fest XL | Apple: iPhone 7 plus | |||
| Samsung: Galaxy A5 2016 | Highscreen: Fest XL Pro | Apple: iPhone 8 | |||
| Samsung: Galaxy J5 2016 LTE | Highscreen: Easy Power | Apple: iPhone 8 plus | |||
| Samsung: Galaxy A3 2016 | Highscreen: Easy Power Pro | Apple: iPhone X | |||
| Samsung: Galaxy J7 2016 LTE | Highscreen: Easy XL | ||||
| Samsung: Galaxy J5 Prime | Highscreen: Easy XL Pro | ||||
| Samsung: Galaxy A7 2016 | |||||
| Samsung: Galaxy S7 edge | |||||
| Samsung: Galaxy S7 | |||||
| Samsung: Galaxy C5 | |||||
| Samsung: Galaxy A5 2017 | |||||
| Samsung: Galaxy S8 | |||||
| Samsung: Galaxy J3 2017 | |||||
| Samsung: Galaxy S8 Plus | |||||
| Samsung: Galaxy A3 2017 | |||||
| Samsung: Galaxy J7 2017 | |||||
| Samsung: Galaxy A7 2017 | |||||
| Samsung: Galaxy J5 2017 | |||||
| Samsung: Galaxy Note 8 | |||||
| LG Galaxy Note 8 |
For a number of objective reasons, Internet calls are becoming more and more popular all over the world. At the same time, the quality of communication is constantly increasing, and the final price of a conversation is usually significantly lower than for a call via a cellular network, or is completely absent.
In contact with
Of course, the development of IP telephony is mainly affected by the spread of free Wi-Fi internet distribution points. For example, while abroad, you can make calls from a hotel without roaming charges, or contact the required subscribers from a subway car in a tunnel where cellular communication is simply not available.
One of the main problems with Wi-Fi calls in the past was the need to have appropriate clients on the devices of both subscribers. That is, in order to contact via Skype, for example, both users had to install the appropriate application on their smartphone (or deposit money into their Skype account and make paid calls to regular phone numbers). Now everything is a little simpler.
Function allows you to make and receive phone calls even in places with minimal or no cellular coverage. To use this feature, you need an iPhone 5s or later.
Currently the only operator fully supporting at the hardware level, is "MTS" (how to set up, see below).
In the case of MegaFon, Tele2 and SberMobile, to make calls via the Internet, you will need to install a special operator application (links below), but Beeline users still have to be content with third-party solutions, such as: Viber, Telegram, WhatsApp, Skype and other VoIP clients.
How to enable Wi-Fi Calling with iPhone
First you need to enable support for Wi-Fi calls by going to "Settings" → "Phone" → ... If your operator supports this function, it can be activated, after which the message will appear in the status bar immediately after the operator's name "Wi-Fi".
To call emergency services, you may need to additionally provide or confirm your address. Typically, the iPhone uses cellular for emergency calls, however, if it is not available, calls will be transmitted over Wi-Fi. In doing so, the device can reveal your location, even if location services are turned off.
How to make and receive Wi-Fi calls on other devices
You can also make and receive Wi-Fi calls from other iCloud-connected devices, even when iPhone is turned off or connected to a different Wi-Fi network. This feature can be used on the following devices: iPad and iPod touch with iOS 9 or later, Apple Watch with watchOS 2 or later, Mac with OS X El Capitan (not available on computer models, including Mac Pro released before 2012).
In order to make a call via Wi-Fi using an iPad, iPod touch, Apple Watch or Mac, the user needs to:
1. Add a device to use the function in the iPhone.
2. Open the FaceTime app.
3. Select "Audio".
4. Enter a contact or phone number, then tap the handset icon.
5. In addition, this function can be used by clicking on the phone number in the programs "Contacts", "Post office", "Messages", Safari etc.
How to make a Wi-Fi call using Apple Watch
1. Open the application "Phone".
2. Select the desired contact
3. Press the handset icon.
4. Select a phone number or FaceTime address and then call.
How to add a device
Before adding a device, you should update its software to the latest version.
1. Go to the menu "Settings" → "Phone" and activate the functions and "On other devices".
2. Select the required devices for Wi-Fi calling.
4. Turn on the function on the device.
On iPad or iPod touch, go to "Settings" → Facetime → IPhone Calls and select .
On your Mac, open the FaceTime app and go to Facetime → "Settings" → "Settings"and then select IPhone Calls → "Update for Wi-Fi Calling".
5. A 6-digit code will appear on the screen, which you will need to enter on the iPhone and press "Allow".
Apple Watch activates automatically when the option is enabled "Calls to other devices".
If you have problems adding a device, you need to check the following:
Check if features are enabled on iPhone and "Allow calls"... Also make sure the device you are using appears under "Allow calls on devices".
