WIFI calling

We’ve all been there. Enter WiFi calling – the hero feature that uses the internet (Wi-Fi) to keep your calls connected when your cellular network can’t.

In this article, we’ll demystify what WiFi calling is, how it works (and how it differs from regular cellular calls), examine its pros and cons, and discuss common challenges on public WiFi.

We’ll also highlight use cases for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and digital nomads, and compare some popular WiFi calling solutions (Google Voice, Zoom Phone, Skype, etc.).

Finally, we’ll subtly introduce an option called Sonetel that offers reliable and affordable WiFi calling tailored for business needs. Spoiler: you can even try Sonetel for free. Let’s dive in!

WiFi calling – also known as Voice over WiFi (VoWiFi) or simply internet calling – enables you to make and receive phone calls using a Wi-Fi network instead of your cellular carrier’s towers. In essence, your voice is converted into data packets (using Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP) and sent over the internet to the recipient, rather than traveling over the traditional cellular radio network. Practically speaking, if your phone has WiFi calling enabled and you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network, your calls and texts can be routed through Wi-Fi. The experience on the phone is the same as a normal call – you use your regular phone dialer and contacts – but behind the scenes the call goes over the internet.

One big difference is that WiFi calling bypasses cellular base stations. This is a lifesaver in places where cell coverage is weak or nonexistent (think basement offices, rural cafes, or that notorious corner of your house with zero bars). Your phone will automatically use Wi-Fi if it’s available and stronger than the cellular signal, so you can keep chatting without interruption. In simpler terms, WiFi calling lets you talk and text over Wi-Fi just as you would over cellular – you get the same phone number and dialing experience, but you’re using the internet as the highway for your voice.

How is this different from regular cellular calling? Traditional mobile calls (now often using VoLTE – Voice over LTE) rely on your carrier’s network of cell towers. If you’re not within good range of a tower, your call might drop or never connect. WiFi calling, by contrast, uses any internet connection (your home WiFi, office network, or even a public hotspot) to reach the carrier’s systems and then the telephone network. That means if you have broadband and WiFi, you have a way to make the call – even if your carrier’s signal is playing hide-and-seek. WiFi calls also don’t use your cellular voice plan minutes or roaming fees; they typically count as normal calls under your plan or are free, since you’re already paying for the internet data. Essentially, WiFi calling blends the technology of VoIP with the convenience of your mobile phone’s native dialer. No special app is needed (unlike, say, Skype or WhatsApp) because the feature is built into most modern smartphones and supported by major carriers. You just need to enable WiFi calling in your phone settings and, in many cases, register an emergency 911 address for safety – then you’re ready to call over Wi-Fi whenever it’s available.

Like any technology, WiFi calling comes with a mix of advantages and disadvantages. Let’s break down the key pros and cons to help you decide if it’s right for you.

Pros of WiFi Calling

• Better Coverage & Call Quality: WiFi calling can dramatically improve voice quality in areas with weak cellular coverage. Instead of suffering through a crackly call or watching your bars drop to zero, your phone can seamlessly use a solid Wi-Fi connection to keep your call clear. It’s like having a private cell tower in your pocket – super useful in concrete buildings, underground spaces, or remote locations where regular signals struggle.
• No Extra Cost (Usually): In most cases, carriers don’t charge extra for WiFi calls. Calls and texts over Wi-Fi to domestic numbers are typically treated the same as any other call under your plan. If you have an unlimited calling plan, a WiFi call will be “free” (covered by your plan) – and it won’t eat into your cellular data either. This can also mean savings on roaming or international calling fees.
• No Special App Needed: Unlike some app-based calling services, WiFi calling is built into your phone’s native dialer on most modern iOS and Android devices. You use your existing phone number and contacts, so the person you call sees your normal number, not some weird alias. There’s no need for both parties to have the same app or service – if you can normally call their number, you can call it over Wi-Fi just the same. Convenience level 100 percent.
• Extends Battery Life: Interestingly, using WiFi calling can help your battery last longer. When your phone has poor cellular reception, it expends a lot of energy “hunting” for a signal. WiFi calling lets it relax and use Wi-Fi, which is less draining than a constantly searching radio. So your phone isn’t dying by lunchtime just because your office is a cellular dead zone.
• Low Bandwidth Requirement: You don’t need ultra-fast internet for voice calls. Even 1 Mbps is enough for a decent voice call, which most Wi-Fi networks easily surpass. Roughly, a voice call uses about 1 MB of data per minute (and a video call 6–8 MB per minute) – tiny amounts by today’s standards. This means WiFi calling can work fine even on modest broadband or a busy network, as long as you have some connectivity. And it won’t significantly hog your bandwidth.

Cons of WiFi Calling

• Dependent on Wi-Fi Quality: The Achilles’ heel of WiFi calling is, of course, the Wi-Fi itself. If you’re on a congested network – say, a crowded airport or coffee shop – you might experience lag, poor audio, or dropped calls due to everyone sharing the bandwidth. A weak Wi-Fi signal is just as bad as a weak cell signal for call stability.
• Not Universally Supported: While most newer smartphones and carriers support WiFi calling, not every device or plan does. If you have an older phone or a very small or regional carrier, you may find WiFi calling isn’t available.
• Potential for Dropped Calls on the Move: WiFi calling works best when you stay within the Wi-Fi network’s range. If you start a call on Wi-Fi and then walk out of range (for example, leave your house and drive off), the call may drop if the handoff to cellular fails.

Sonetel is a cloud-based business phone service tailored for entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses that want to harness WiFi calling (and VoIP in general) for their communications. You may not have heard of Sonetel in the same breath as Google or Zoom, but it’s a bit of a secret weapon: it offers global phone numbers, free or very cheap calls via the internet, and a suite of business features integrated into one app.

To sum it up, Sonetel is an excellent WiFi calling solution for small businesses that need a professional phone presence without breaking the bank.

Ready to upgrade your calling experience? Try Sonetel for free today and discover how WiFi calling can revolutionize the way you communicate. No more dropped calls or sky-high charges – just clear, convenient conversations wherever you have Wi-Fi. Your business connections deserve the best, so take the leap and keep the conversation flowing with WiFi calling.