As distributed workforces become more common, Wi-Fi calling has emerged as an important capability for teams to communicate clearly using higher-quality audio over cloud phone systems . Unlike cellular calls, Wi-Fi calling uses your Wi-Fi network to provide HD Voice for calls.
In this guide, we’ll overview what Wi-Fi calling is and how to effectively set it up and use it for your business.
What Is Wi-Fi Calling?
Wi-Fi calling allows users to make and receive phone calls (voice or video) over a Wi-Fi internet connection instead of a cellular network. It doesn’t go through a traditional telecommunications provider like AT&T or Verizon.
Most modern smartphones now have accepted, universal standards (APIs) optimized for VoIP calls over Wi-Fi that save battery life and improve call quality.
Wi-Fi itself operates on a series of standards established by the IEEE and the Wi-Fi Alliance. If you have a high-speed broadband connection like cable or fiber, odds are that you also have a wireless router capable of providing Wi-Fi coverage throughout your home or office.
Typically, a wireless router offers approximately 150 feet of range from its location, depending on building materials and other environmental factors. The latest Wi-Fi 6 standard offers faster speeds and greater capacity for connecting multiple devices.
For business continuity purposes, it’s prudent to have a backup internet connection in case your primary network fails.
For example, an LTE-based cellular data connection can provide internet access to keep operations running. With the right configuration, Wi-Fi calling can intelligently switch between Wi-Fi and cellular connections to avoid call drops.
One notable trend from our 2020 Business Communication Report was the acceleration toward empowering remote work.
Current events have also pushed more companies to enable teams to work productively away from the office. Nearly four out of ten companies now have some or all of their workforce operating remotely, using cloud and internet-based tools to collaborate.
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How Does Wi-Fi Calling Work?
The simplest way to make a Wi-Fi call is through a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) system. It works by reaching a carrier over the internet connection to establish a phone line. There’s a lot of happening under the hood to make this possible, but to you, it’s practically effortless.
Apps like WhatsApp, Skype, and Facebook Messenger use VoIP technology to make calls. With today’s capable devices, you don’t have to do much to achieve a strong network connection.
Apps like Nextiva let businesses make Wi-Fi calls from any device — even if it doesn’t have a cellular connection (or SIM Card).
Fundamentally, Wi-Fi calling uses VoIP to provide callers with a better calling experience. You can select the right rate plan and phone number that works for your business.
It’s also a great way to skip paying your cellular company high international rates. With modern advances in wireless routers, you use them for reliable network connections without any dropped calls.
How Much Does Wi-Fi Calling Cost?
Traditionally, phone calls made using a cellular connection come from your monthly allowance. The Wi-Fi calling feature is similar. Wi-Fi calls have no additional cost; it’s taken from your monthly voice plan.
It’s a fantastic option for employees that telecommute. You won’t pay sky-high international calling rates for making cross-border calls. You’re simply using data from your allowance to make international long-distance calls.
With cloud phone services like Nextiva people can call as much as they want across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. And when it’s time to call abroad, they can call around the world for as low as a penny per minute.
Advantages of Wi-Fi Calling for Businesses
The benefits like cost savings, flexibility, productivity gains, and more make Wi-Fi calling an attractive feature for modern businesses supporting distributed, mobile workforces.
1. Cost savings
Wi-Fi calling helps businesses reduce cellular plan costs by enabling employees to make calls via Wi-Fi networks instead of cellular networks. Businesses pay less for cellular plans with fewer minutes.
2. Improved connectivity
Wi-Fi calling helps maintain call connectivity in areas with poor cellular coverage but good Wi-Fi coverage. Employees can seamlessly make or receive calls as long as they have a Wi-Fi connection.
3. Flexible mobility
Employees with Wi-Fi calling-enabled mobile phones (iPhones or Android) can make and receive work calls regardless of location — in the office, at home, or in hotels. This supports flexible work options like telecommuting and mobility.
4. Enhanced productivity
Fewer dropped calls mean employees can conduct business with less interruption. Seamless call hand-off between Wi-Fi and cellular connections also minimizes productivity loss.
5. Single phone number
You don’t need to give out a separate phone number or manage multiple numbers as calls to each employee’s existing phone number will be routed over Wi-Fi where Wi-Fi connectivity is available.
How Businesses Can Implement Wi-Fi Calling
Businesses looking to enable Wi-Fi calling for employees should focus on these key steps:
Confirm employee mobile devices support Wi-Fi calling and have the feature enabled through their carrier. This is the most fundamental requirement.
Configure your business VoIP/PBX platform to allow Wi-Fi calling by enabling the setting and opening the necessary ports. Your VoIP provider can assist with technical details.
Evaluate your office Wi-Fi network and optimize it for voice traffic by prioritizing VoIP and implementing Quality of Service protocols to ensure call quality.
Test Wi-Fi calling by having employees make test calls. The call connectivity and quality should match the cellular network.
Train employees on how to use Wi-Fi calling, when it makes sense to enable it, and any troubleshooting to perform if calls do not connect properly.
Challenges With Wi-Fi Calling (+ Solutions)
Wi-Fi calling allows you to speak to people in remote locations. You don’t need to be near a cellphone tower. You simply need an internet connection. However, providers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon supply mobile data—so long as you’re near one of their towers.
However, Wi-Fi can have a weaker connection than cellular data. Voice quality can be sacrificed if lots of people are using the Wi-Fi hotspot at the same time. This usually happens in crowded places like shopping centers or stadiums.
One drawback of Wi-Fi calling is that it can be subjected to disruptions from your network among other VoIP problems . These issues are preventable, but you might have echoes or delays if you have a faulty network connection.
Video calls made using Wi-Fi can suffer as a result. For this reason, it might not be the best option for remote employees stuck in airports with an overcrowded Wi-Fi connection. They’d probably have a stronger cellular connection. That’s because cellular coverage areas are reliable in urban areas.
And if that wasn’t enough, Wi-Fi calls could extend your battery life . A device that continuously searches for a cellular network to connect to can drain your battery. A device using Wi-Fi calls doesn’t. It simply connects to one network — and stays there until you disconnect.
Best Practices for Effective Wi-Fi Calling
How to make sure you avoid common pitfalls and have a smooth Wi-Fi calling experience?
Choose the right router
Using a high-quality router that supports the latest Wi-Fi standards (802.11ac or Wi-Fi 6) will provide the best experience for Wi-Fi calling.
The router should support dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz) with multiple internal antennas to ensure strong Wi-Fi signals throughout your home or office. Place the router in a central location away from objects that could cause interference.
Optimize your Wi-Fi network
Configure your router to use a less crowded 5GHz network instead of the standard 2.4GHz band if possible. Also, disable features on the router such as Wi-Fi Multimedia (WMM) which can negatively impact call quality.
Set routers to use WPA2 encryption instead of WPA for improved connectivity.
