Can someone explain why WiFi calling is controlled by the carrier?

[James E1]

I don't understand why WiFi calling is controlled by the carrier. Why won't it just work if I have WiFi signal? Is there really a reason or are they just screwing us? I know you can use other apps to make calls using WiFi but why can't the phone app on the phone just do this without the hassle of using an extra app?

 

[anon(238680)]

Because then it would be free and you wouldn't need the carrier.

 

[digitalbreak]

I don't believe it is controlled but it's availability is based on two things:

- Having the right band
- Ability for the device to be 'certified' to work in that carrier network

As long as the OEM has done the above, then it should be Ok here in the US.

 

[James E1]

Because then it would be free and you wouldn't need the carrier.

Most of the time I am not connected to WiFi so I would need the carrier.

 

[James E1]

I don't believe it is controlled but it's availability is based on two things:

- Having the right band
- Ability for the device to be 'certified' to work in that carrier network

As long as the OEM has done the above, then it should be Ok here in the US.

Not following you. What does this have to with WiFi calling?

 

[anon(238680)]

What does this have to with WiFi calling?

I believe what he's saying is the phone hardware has to support wifi calling, many do not.

 

[digitalbreak]

Not following you. What does this have to with WiFi calling?

To support WiFi-calling in a phone, the OEM should have support for that in their software. Then, for instance, if you don't have, Band 12, WiFi-calling for T-Mobile will not work. So, you also need the software support. And when you have the software support and the right bands, you will need to have certified the device with the carrier network at least here in the US so they can send you the right settings when you use the phone in their network. T-Mobile is open to letting many devices get certified but ATT and Verizon are always skeptical in who they allow.

 

[smvim]

I don't understand why WiFi calling is controlled by the carrier. Why won't it just work if I have WiFi signal? Is there really a reason or are they just screwing us? I know you can use other apps to make calls using WiFi but why can't the phone app on the phone just do this without the hassle of using an extra app?

Not quite sure what your question is based on, as you referenced to there are numerous third-party apps you can use that are independent of your carrier. Carrier supported WiFi calling is curated by your carrier so if you feel like they're 'screwing' you then don't use carrier supported WiFi calling. There's Skype, WhatsApp, Google Hangouts, Signal Private Messenger, and numerous other alternatives. If you're expecting your carrier to give away services that's just not likely, their business models are based on maximizing profit not social services.

 

[James E1]

To support WiFi-calling in a phone, the OEM should have support for that in their software. Then, for instance, if you don't have, Band 12, WiFi-calling for T-Mobile will not work. So, you also need the software support. And when you have the software support and the right bands, you will need to have certified the device with the carrier network at least here in the US so they can send you the right settings when you use the phone in their network. T-Mobile is open to letting many devices get certified but ATT and Verizon are always skeptical in who they allow.

Isn't the purpose of WiFi calling being able to make and receive calls when you have no cell signal? Why the need for band 12 when you have no signal?

 

[digitalbreak]

Isn't the purpose of WiFi calling being able to make and receive calls when you have no cell signal? Why the need for band 12 when you have no signal?

You can read more here.

Carrier-branded Wi-Fi calling is a bit different, however. It's baked directly into the phone's dialer, so you don't need to fire up an app or connect to a service to use it. You can set it as your default way of placing a call, or if you lose phone signal, it will automatically switch to Wi-Fi calling.

 

[James E1]

Not quite sure what your question is based on, as you referenced to there are numerous third-party apps you can use that are independent of your carrier. Carrier supported WiFi calling is curated by your carrier so if you feel like they're 'screwing' you then don't use carrier supported WiFi calling. There's Skype, WhatsApp, Google Hangouts, Signal Private Messenger, and numerous other alternatives. If you're expecting your carrier to give away services that's just not likely, their business models are based on maximizing profit not social services.

I am asking because as far as I know I have never used it. I am with at&t and it's part of my plan. All phones from the m7 and before are at&t carrier phones. Every phone after the m7 are unlocked from the company. I live in an area with good coverage for cell signal and don't travel much. I apparently don't need it that much but it would be nice to know it's working if I do. It just seems to me that since it's WiFi calling and not from the cell signal that it should just work with the built-in dialer without having to rely on an extra app or carrier.

 

[Stevenmc8602]

I don't believe it is controlled but it's availability is based on two things:

- Having the right band
- Ability for the device to be 'certified' to work in that carrier network

As long as the OEM has done the above, then it should be Ok here in the US.

Sadly no... It is controlled by the carrier... That's why all the phones that even they sell in their stores don't even support it (looking at u ATT)