T-Mobile recently announced that it will support WiFi calling on select Google Android phones. Similar to the popular UMA feature found on its BlackBerry handsets, WiFi calling lets people use WiFi signal to receive and make calls, as well as receive and send text messages. Unlike UMA, WiFi calling for Android will not seamlessly switch to and from mobile signal to WiFi.
WiFi calling for Android has been confirmed for the upcoming myTouch and Motorola Defy. A friend of my attending CTIA has confirmation from an HTC rep that the feature will hit the recently launched T-Mobile G2. Here’s more information from the official press release:
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.
As some of you know, I am huge fan of UMA. It’s just a wonderful feature. It helps compensate for weak signal in areas with poor coverage or inside buildings. It’s a godsend for international travelers, as it lets you receive and make calls for “free” anywhere in the world. Not being able to hand-off signal isn’t a big deal for me, but it could be problematic for people that like to walk-and-talk or drive-and-talk.
As enamored as I am with the G2, it got exponentially more useful to me with WiFi calling coming in the near future. Hopefully it’ll come before my next international business trip!
Yay!
@Big Blak I'm so excited for this feature. I might flight out of the country to test it out on the day it launches.
@ Rpad
That is dedication if you do do that haha. These phones keep getting better and better.
Does wifi calling use your voice/sms plan?