Calls over wi fi android 7. Communication without a network: operators have allowed Russians to make calls over Wi-Fi. Is it more expensive than regular calls

Last week, MTS started supporting Wi-Fi Calling technology. True, it works only on smartphones Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge so far. Now I have the last one in my hands (good, bastard!), So it was a sin not to try the technology in action.

It's funny that a long time ago, when I worked as a PR specialist (it was 12 years ago), my client was promoting the so-called NGN communication technology, Next Generation Network. And there one of the features was seamless switching of the phone from a mobile network to Wi-Fi. Like, convenience, economy, everything. Then it seemed fantastic, since I had a mobile phone Sony Ericsson T630 or something like that. But then the years flew by, and the once fantastic technology routinely started working after updating the firmware on the smartphone.

A distinctive handset with a Wi-Fi icon means Wi-Fi Calling is working

What's the point?

In fact, Wi-Fi Calling is replacing the femtocell. All operators have such a trick: if the reception is lousy at home or in the office, you buy a kind of base station surrogate for a reasonable price (in the region of 5 thousand rubles), connect to your Internet and life is getting better. Once I almost bought one from MegaFon, but I was stopped by the fear that half the house would call from my femtocell, and the speed of the home Internet would "slightly" drop. In the case of Wi-Fi Calling, a femtocell is not needed. It is enough to buy the right smartphone (for ridiculous 50-60 thousand rubles, hehe), turn on the function in the menu - and off you go. And all this works, of course, not only at home, but also wherever there is Wi-Fi.

When a function is available, at the top, next to the Wi-Fi icon, another characteristic appears. All new technology challenges are marked with the same icon. You don't need to do anything, everything works without settings. You can set the priority of the mobile network or Wi-Fi.

At home I did not feel any difference, my MTS catches well. The difference appeared in the subway car - earlier, when I entered the tunnel, the connection was cut off, but now you can talk without problems, even if the mobile network is not caught (there is free Wi-Fi in the Moscow metro). In the editorial office, we have a dead corner, where the editor-in-chief dumps the bodies of violators of the deadline. MTS barely catches. I have a habit (quite common) during conversations to walk back and forth, and I had to shorten the route all the time so as not to wander into a bad corner. And for three days now I go wherever I want, because on Wi-Fi Calling, the voice is heard everywhere perfectly, just some kind of HD Voice.

All calls are charged at the regular rate. That is, there is no freebie at home. The latter appears when traveling abroad: calls to Russia are made at home rates (including paid packages), and incoming calls are free. This holiday of life will last until November 17, 2017, and then we'll see.

Yes, of course, S7 / S7 edge are not the most common phones. And not everyone uses MTS. So it is difficult to name a mass service yet. Maybe from the beginning of 2017 the number of compatible devices will grow, but all the same it will be something rather sophisticated and expensive.

But the technology is there, it really works and, I think, will become commonplace for all operators pretty soon. Surely faster than 12 years.

Since mid-November 2016, MTS subscribers in the capital region have received an extremely useful opportunity to receive calls on their smartphones and make calls from them where the signal of the mobile network is weak or even completely absent - in basements, shops and shopping centers, on long-distance trains and in the metro. The new Wi-Fi Calling feature makes regular calls available when connected to any Wi-Fi hotspot.

This is also a science for me: launch almost any messenger and call. Is not it so?

In most cases, when making a call via a messenger, communication can only go with those who have an application installed for the same messenger. In addition, you will miss all calls from those who will dial your mobile number. Unless, of course, you are using.

It looks like we're talking more about some application?

No. Wi-Fi Calling is supported by the smartphone itself, no software needs to be installed. You only need to turn on Wi-Fi Calling on your gadget and connect to Wi-Fi.

Enabling Wi-Fi Calling

If everything is already enabled, the availability of calls via Wi-Fi can be judged by the icon in the status bar.

Wi-Fi Calling Availability

Is it difficult to call through Wi-Fi ?

No. You make and receive calls as usual. In this case, calls made over Wi-Fi are marked in the call history. Whether your potential interlocutor has Wi-Fi Calling does not matter.

Calls over Wi-Fi Calling in call history

And how much does it cost?

You pay for your calls as usual, at your home rate.

And abroad?

As a bonus for its subscribers, MTS does not restrict calls via Wi-Fi abroad until November 2017. Their cost will be no different from a call via a Wi-Fi point in your home.

And how do calls occur that are made with the simultaneous availability of the cellular network and Wi-Fi ?

You decide this in advance for yourself. Set the priority of any of the connections, and all calls with a "double" connection will be made as you specify. If no choice is made, calls go through Wi-Fi.

Setting the priority of calls via Wi-Fi Calling

Which smartphones support the new feature?

At the time of launch, in November 2016, the owners of Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge will be able to use the ability to make calls via Wi-Fi. However, the list of supported models will be constantly expanding.

Wi-Fi is calling a service exclusively for Moscow?

MTS has just started to implement the technology, and Moscow has been chosen only as a starting region. Expansion of the geography of Wi-Fi calling is just around the corner.

What's the Difference Wi-Fi calling from MTS Connect?

- an application with rich functionality, especially when communicating between program users. MTS Connect, in particular, allows you to exchange files and correspond in group chats. Calls via Wi-Fi to MTS Connect are just a detail.

At the same time, Wi-Fi calling is an easier-to-use feature that, again, you just need to enable on your phone.

Recently, mobile operators have begun to actively implement a new technology called Wi-Fi Calling (in some cases it is also called VoWiFi or VoWLAN). In their short explanations, mobile operators usually say that Wi-Fi Calling will allow you to make calls over a Wi-Fi wireless network without really explaining why it is needed and what it benefits the end user. In this article, we will try to explain in more detail the essence of this technology.

Wi-Fi Calling is a technology that allows you to use any Wi-Fi network as an alternative to the cellular operator's core network. Using Wi-Fi Calling, you can make and receive voice and video calls, as well as send and receive SMS messages, in any place where there is Wi-Fi with Internet access, even if this place is not covered by a cellular operator or it is very weak. Such calls and messages work in the same way as when using a regular cellular connection. The only difference is how the phone communicates with your mobile operator. With a regular call, the operator's base stations are used for this, and when using Wi-Fi Calling, communication is carried out via a wireless Wi-Fi network and the Internet.

In addition to being able to make calls from places with poor signal strength, Wi-Fi Calling provides other benefits. For example, it allows you to save money, because such calls are usually paid at the subscriber's home tariff. But, this moment depends on the specific mobile operator and the tariff plan used.

It should be noted that Wi-Fi Calling does not require any additional applications. This is not another Viber for which both subscribers must have an application installed. Wi-Fi Calling is a feature that is supported at the phone level and works completely transparent to the user. After turning it on, the phone will decide for itself how to communicate with the mobile operator, using base stations or using a wireless Wi-Fi network.

Wi-Fi Calling is also sometimes called VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi) or VoWLAN (Voice over Wireless Local Area Network). This name has something in common with another similar technology -. VoLTE technology solves a similar problem, it provides voice calls over the LTE network, but its operation requires a network of base stations of the mobile operator, while Wi-Fi Calling (VoWiFi, VoWLAN) provides communication wherever there is Wi- Fi and Internet.

How Wi-Fi Calling works

In order for the Wi-Fi Calling technology to work, several conditions must be met. First, this technology must be supported by your mobile operator. Operators usually implement this technology along with VoLTE, as the technologies are very similar. Secondly, Wi-Fi Calling must be supported by your phone. Nowadays, calls over the wireless network are mainly supported by flagship smartphones. Here is a list of models that can work with Wi-Fi Calling at the moment:

Apple iPhone 5c, 5s, 6, 6 Plus, 6S, 6S Plus, SE, 7, 7 Plus, 8, 8 Plus, X
Google Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL
Samsung Galaxy S9, S9 +, S8, S8 +, S7, S7 edge, S6, S6 edge, S6 edge +, A3 (2017), A5 (2017), Note 8
Nexus 5X, 6P
Nokia 3, 5, 8
Lumia 550, 650, 950, 950XL
Sony Xperia XZ1, Xperia XZ1 Compact
HTC 10, U11, U11 Life
BlackBerry Priv, Dtek 50, Dtek 60, KEYone
Huawei P10, P10 Lite, P10 Plus, P Smart

In addition, the Wi-Fi Calling function must be enabled in the smartphone settings. We will describe how this is done just below. After enabling this feature, the phone starts to automatically switch between using Wi-Fi and base stations, depending on where the connection is better. In this case, the very moment of switching occurs almost imperceptibly for the user.

For example, if you are in an open space with good signal reception from a base station, then the base station of the mobile operator will be used for communication. And when you enter the room, the phone will automatically switch to Wi-Fi, since the quality of communication through the wireless network, in this case, will be much better. The fact that the smartphone has switched to using Wi-Fi Calling can be recognized by the Wi-Fi inscription, which will appear at the top of the screen.

How to enable Wi-Fi Calling

If you have an Android smartphone, then you need to open the "Phone" application, click on the button with three dots in the upper right corner of the screen and go to "Settings". Then you need to go to the "Calls" section and enable the "Calls over Wi-Fi" function there. Also, in some cases, the "Wi-Fi Calling" function can be enabled through the "Settings" application, in the section with the wireless network settings.

And on Samsung smartphones there is a special icon in the top curtain that allows you to turn Wi-Fi Calling on and off with one click.

If you have an iPhone, then to enable this function you need to open the "Settings" application and go to the "Phone" section. Here you need to enable the function "Calling over Wi-Fi"

After enabling Wi-Fi Calling, your phone will start using Wi-Fi Calling.

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 consider information about possible use cases for 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, and at this time surf the net, start videos or audio recordings in various online services. Another advantage of the technology is almost instant dialing, even faster than in today's popular instant 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 tariff plan used);
The service is only available on relatively new devices, starting with Samsung S7, iPhone6 / 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, this is done as follows: "Settings"> "Phone"> "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).

Application "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 almost a 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;
Possibility of using in 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 "MTS Connect"

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).

Regions where calls are available through "MTS Connect"

Actual information. Updated March 15, 2019

Moscow and the Moscow region;
Abakan and rep. Khakassia;
Arkhangelsk and Arkhangelsk region;
Bryansk and the region;
Vladivostok and Primorsky Territory;
Vladikavkaz and rep. North Ossetia;
Voronezh and the region;
Kaluga and Kaluga region;
Kostroma and region;
Krasnoyarsk and Krasnoyarsk Territory;
Kyzyl and Rep. Tyva;
Makhachkala and rep. Dagestan;
Murmansk and the region;
Naryan-Mar and Nenets Autonomous District;
Omsk and Omsk region;
Stavropol and Stavropol Territory;
Syktyvkar and rep. Komi;
Tver and region;
Maykop and rep. Adygea;
Ufa and rep. Bashkiria;
Yaroslavl and Yaroslavl region;

The cost of using traffic when making calls through "MTS Connect"

On tariff "X" ("X", formerly "Hype") or with the enabled "VNets" option - 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.

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 growing, 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 influenced 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" → "Telephone" → ... If your operator supports this function, it can be activated, after which the following 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. However, 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 and then tap the handset icon.

5. In addition, this function can be used by clicking on the phone number in the programs "Contacts", "Mail", "Messages", Safari etc.

How to make a Wi-Fi call using Apple Watch

1. Open the application "Telephone".

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" → "Telephone" 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 choose .

On your Mac, open FaceTime 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:

On iPhone, check if features are enabled and "Allow Calls"... Also make sure the device you are using appears under "Allow calls on devices".