WiFi Calling on T-Mobile Network
Wi-Fi Calling is a free feature for T-Mobile customers with selected Wi-Fi capable phones. The feature allows to place or receive calls via a WiFi network instead of the cell network. A great solution for people who have cell signal reception issue at home or office.
Minutes used while connected to the Wi-Fi network count against available rate plan minutes And the hand-off between networks is disruptive. Currently, T-Mobile offers Wi-Fi Calling on devices including the Nokia E73 Mode, BlackBerry Curve 8520, BlackBerry Bold 9700 and the new BlackBerry Curve 3G. 2G, myTouch 4G and Motorola DEFY. T-Mobile hints that more Android smartphones will have this capability.
The capability comes as an app on the smartphone. WiFi calling supersedes @Home UMA and HotSpot Calling.
T-Mobile solution does not require additional equipment as the other completive products do. Competitive products include the Sprint Airave, Verizon Network Extender and AT&T 3G Microcell.
Press Release
T-Mobile Extends Wi-Fi Calling to Android Smartphones
Wi-Fi Calling To Be Available on New T-Mobile myTouch, Motorola DEFY and More
BELLEVUE, Wash. – Oct. 6, 2010 – T-Mobile USA, Inc. today announced its continued innovation of Wi-Fi Calling technology with the upcoming availability of built-in Wi-Fi Calling solutions planned for a wide selection of Android™-powered smartphones, including the recently announced new T-Mobile® myTouch® and Motorola DEFY™ with MOTOBLUR™.
A leader in bringing innovative and easy-to-use solutions to market to enhance indoor coverage for consumers and provide cost saving for businesses, T-Mobile hosts approximately 40 million Wi-Fi calls per month, a number that has grown steadily since the company launched Wi-Fi Calling in June 2007. In addition to consumers benefiting from enhanced coverage, T-Mobile business customers – from small business to multinational corporations – have long taken advantage of the company’s Wi-Fi Calling plan offerings, enabling them to take advantage of the enhanced coverage, as well as the opportunity for reduced domestic and international minute usage, increased enterprise mobility cost savings and improved productivity benefits this solution can deliver. Currently, T-Mobile offers Wi-Fi Calling on numerous devices including the Nokia E73 Mode™, BlackBerry® Curve™ 8520, BlackBerry® Bold™ 9700 and the new BlackBerry® Curve™ 3G.
"T-Mobile’s expansion of Wi-Fi Calling to Android smartphones is an excellent innovation, and part of our ongoing initiatives on behalf of our customers to enhance indoor coverage," said Torrie Dorrell, vice president, connected family products and services, T-Mobile USA. "This new execution of Wi-Fi Calling technology helps us ensure that our customers’ Android-powered smartphones can keep them connected to the important people in their lives where they work, live or play."
The implementation of Wi-Fi Calling for Android smartphones brings a new solution to a fast-growing mobile platform and broader range of smartphones for consumers and business customers. Powered by Kineto’s Smart Wi-Fi Application, T-Mobile’s Wi-Fi Calling for Android smartphones will be ready to use out-of-the-box, providing the ability to make voice calls and send SMS from accessible Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n) access points across the globe in addition to the connectivity available through T-Mobile’s mobile network. The application will also include a tutorial for the benefit of first-time users of the feature.
Availability
Wi-Fi Calling for Android is anticipated to be available on a growing selection of T-Mobile’s Android-powered smartphones in the coming months.
The new T-Mobile myTouch is expected to be available in time for the holidays, exclusively from
T-Mobile USA in four colors -white, black, plum or red. Customers can visit http://mytouch.t-mobile.com for more information.
Motorola DEFY with MOTOBLUR is expected to be available exclusively to T-Mobile USA customers in time for the holidays. For more information on Motorola DEFY with MOTOBLUR. Customers can visit http://www.T-Mobile.com for more information.
Q&A
What is Wi-Fi Calling?
Wi-Fi Calling is a free feature for T-Mobile customers with a Wi-Fi capable phone. Minutes used while connected to the Wi-Fi network count against available rate plan minutes.
What are the benefits of Wi-Fi Calling?
The benefits of Wi-Fi Calling include the following:
Best Coverage:
- Wi-Fi Calling provides a coverage option to improve upon your current in-home coverage experience
- Wi-Fi Calling works anywhere there is an open Wi-Fi signal available
Keeps you connected to those who matter most:
- Provides the coverage you need at the price you want
- No extra fees for improved coverage
Supported by T-Mobile:
- Supported by T-Mobile’s customer service
How does Wi-Fi Calling differ from Unlimited HotSpot Calling?
HotSpot Calling was grandfathered in October 2009. The feature provided unlimited minutes over Wi-Fi for $9.99 per month.
Wi-Fi Calling allows customers to use their mobile phones to connect to any Wi-Fi signal. Wi-Fi Calling uses included minutes and has no monthly cost. Calls made via Wi-Fi Calling use regular plan minutes.
How does Wi-Fi Calling differ from T-Mobile @Home?
T-Mobile @Home was grandfathered in March 2010. The service provided home phone service for $9.99 per month. It allowed customers to have their landline and wireless phone services on one bill and with one provider.
Wi-Fi Calling allows customers to use their mobile phones to connect to any Wi-Fi signal. Wi-Fi Calling uses included minutes and has no monthly cost. Calls made via Wi-Fi Calling use regular plan minutes.
How much does Wi-Fi Calling cost?
Wi-Fi Calling uses included minutes and has no monthly cost. Calls made via Wi-Fi Calling use regular plan minutes.
What equipment do I need to use Wi-Fi Calling?
To use Wi-Fi Calling, you will need the following equipment:
- A Wi-Fi Calling capable device
- Wi-Fi Internet access:
- Cable
- DSL
- FiOS
- Wireless Router (does not need to be T-Mobile branded)
How do I set up Wi-Fi Calling on my phone?
To set up Wi-Fi Calling on your phone, click here.
Trackbacks & Pingbacks