Any opportunity to save on mobile device plans is typically welcomed with open arms. The sheer number of subscribers already using Wi-Fi on iOS or Android SIM-enabled devices illustrates just that. With the release of iOS8, comes the highly-anticipated feature of Wi-Fi calling that will impact how individuals use their mobile devices for the better.
Rather than draining voice or data plans, Wi-Fi calling enables users to seamlessly make and receive calls, as well as send messages, through a Wi-Fi connection without relying on device clients or apps. While T-Mobile is currently the only carrier to offer the service on the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, Sprint added it for certain Android devices earlier this year, and both AT&T and Verizon have expressed their intentions to roll out Wi-Fi calling by mid-2015.
The benefits are evident: you can expect to eat up much less of your voice and data plans throughout the month, resulting in more time to stream movies on the go or listen to music. Users are now able to avoid unnecessary service charges and cut bill costs, while the feature also extends coverage to areas without traditional network coverage, and allows individuals to utilize their regular phone numbers.
We are witnessing significant developments in telecom space, and Wi-Fi calling is another positive step forward for both the industry and Meru customers. Using our “Virtual Cell” solution in conjunction with Wi-Fi calling is a win-win. By leveraging the Meru Networks Wi-Fi Virtual Cell solution, customers experience zero-handoff through an architecture that preserves call quality, particularly for roaming enterprise wireless users. If you are connected to Meru Networks Wi-Fi while using Wi-Fi calling, you will no longer have to worry about dropped calls, because of the seamless roaming Virtual Cell provides.
Meru differentiates itself across the market by providing each user device a single virtualized point of access, enabling your network to target the best available access points and manage those connections. This creates the appearance of a single and seamless layer of coverage, allows your network to make connectivity decisions, and provides users with the flexibility to move freely without experiencing disruptive handoffs – which is essential for Wi-Fi calling.
Up until now, Wi-Fi calling has been reserved for select Android and Windows devices. With the activation of Wi-Fi calling for iOS8, users will benefit from enhanced user experience and improved quality of service. In turn, we expect to witness carrier offload and increase of voice traffic over Wi-Fi, and Meru is well-positioned to meet these new demands by providing reliable, flexible and fast 802.11ac Wi-Fi solutions.
