Although mobile communication is still popular, various social networks are doing a pretty good job of providing voice calls between their users. However, not only instant messengers like Telegram and Viber provide the opportunity to call each other. Competing with cellular communications is the Wi-Fi Calling service. Many have heard about it, but few know how this feature works and whether it can be connected to such a popular cellular operator in Russia as MTS. First, let's figure out how Wi-Fi Calling works.
Purpose
Calls from MTS via Wi-Fi are made where there is no mobile signal or it is very weak. Typically, this situation occurs when traveling out of town, in basement-type premises, in shopping centers or other places.
This function allows you to call another subscriber even if he does not have the option activated, unlike calls through instant messengers, which require an activated application for both participants in the dialogue to establish a connection.
How the service works is described in the operator’s official video:
Calling over Wi-Fi and LTE? We explain to whom and when new services will be useful
What are these new services? How do they work?
The main feature of Wi-Fi Calling is the ability to communicate by phone in places where there is unstable cellular communication or no connection at all.
To make any usual call, the user only needs to connect to a Wi-Fi network. Essentially, Wi-Fi Calling is a regular telephone call from a subscriber’s number that occurs through the mobile operator’s network. There is no need to install additional applications. VoLTE technology makes it possible to talk on a smartphone without interrupting the Internet session. For example, move along the navigator and continue the conversation, or watch a video on Youtube and call friends. In addition, VoLTE will provide high-quality voice reception wherever there are MTS networks. The clarity of the interlocutor’s voice will be at the HD Voice level, that is, as if the conversation is being conducted in the same room.
And why do I need this?
Let's explain now. There are many situations in which Wi-Fi Calling can be useful:
- you went out of town: ski resort, dacha;
- went to a shopping center or basement;
- came to a massive celebration.
It happens that mobile communications in these situations are unstable, but with Wi-Fi everything can be fine. Access points can now be found in the most unexpected places. For example, at the foot of Mount Everest at an altitude of 5 thousand m or on the slopes of Mount Fuji.
The most important thing is that Wi-Fi Calling will help you save a lot when traveling abroad. In fact, roaming costs can be completely reduced to zero - after all, no additional cost will be charged for this service for both outgoing and incoming calls.
Billing like at home: minutes spent on Wi-Fi calls will be deducted from your package. Those who have already used the service say that Wi-Fi Calling helped save a couple of thousand rubles. A pleasant bonus is also that the quality of communication will certainly be no worse than over a mobile network, and often even better.
Stop. Why do I need Wi-Fi Calling when I have Viber and WhatsApp?
It's simple. Most people use instant messengers to exchange messages and files (photos or videos). We are still used to making phone calls the old fashioned way. In addition, it is not a fact that during an urgent call, your interlocutor has the exact messenger installed that you use. Imagine that you need to call a landline number to your mother or grandmother, who have not yet learned how to use modern applications?
Sounds good. How to connect this magical service?
You only need to take a few steps. First, in your phone's advanced settings, enable Wi-Fi calling. Secondly, enable . MTS users can add it using the USSD command *111*6#, in the “My MTS” application or in their personal account. Third, turn off mobile data and turn on Wi-Fi, and then connect to any wireless network. Information about the active service should appear on the phone screen.
Along with the Wi-Fi Calling connection, you will also have free VoLTE technology, which will take the quality of telephone conversations to a new level.
My phone is an old model and does not support Wi-Fi Calling. What to do?
Indeed, some phone models may not support this service. But many flagship devices from various manufacturers support the technology. Owners of Apple gadgets, starting with iPhone 5S and higher, as well as Samsung, Sony smartphones and other devices can use it. The full list of smartphones can be found here.
Another way out is to install the MTS Connect application if your phone does not support Wi-Fi Calling. It will also allow you to talk where the connection is unstable. You can also use VoLTE technology, which transmits calls over 4G networks.
Does the other person’s smartphone also need to support Wi-Fi Calling and VoLTE?
Not necessary. You will be able to call even those whose devices do not have these technologies. However, if your interlocutor has a VoLTE connection, the sound quality will be even better.
Advantages
Calls from MTS via Wi-Fi have the following advantages:
- the cost of calls even outside the country is equal to the price in your home region - this will save money on telephone calls when traveling to other countries;
- high connection speed – connection occurs in 2 seconds;
- good quality of communication - the interlocutor can be clearly heard even if the participants in the dialogue are separated by thousands of kilometers;
- connection stability - the dialogue is not interrupted until subscribers press the end call button, the connection is not interrupted if the Wi-Fi signal is stable;
- you can talk on the phone and simultaneously transfer data online - this allows you not to interrupt the conversation if you need to view or transfer some files;
- calls can be made to smartphones and landlines.
Conditions
To use, the following conditions must be met:
- You can use the option if mobile Internet or Internet calls are connected;
- If the Internet calling service is activated, then the forwarding option can only be set through the subscriber’s personal account on the company’s official website or by calling the hotline.
Rates
In the home region and when traveling within the country, the following tariffs are provided:
- free incoming and outgoing calls to MTS subscribers;
- the cost of outgoing calls to numbers of other operators is according to your tariff.
When traveling outside the country, the following tariffs apply:
- free incoming and outgoing calls to MTS subscribers;
- the cost of outgoing calls to phones of other operators is according to your tariff.
Other operators
SberMobile implements Wi-Fi Calling through the SberMobile application. Once installed, follow the instructions. Megafon and Beeline offer VoLTE technology.
The Nerd complements the Hamster: Time goes by, and today both Megafon and Beeline have begun to support this technology. I use it myself and am happy. From the settings you just need to activate calls via Wi-Fi, no third-party applications are needed. The article was updated in connection with the advent of VoWiFi on Beeline, a link to the original on our website.
How to activate?
To activate the service, you must have one of the following operating systems installed on your device:
- Android – from 4.2.2 and higher;
- iOS – from 8.0 and higher.
There are two ways to connect Wi-Fi calling MTS:
- through the My MTS application;
- via USSD command.
In the first case, you need to go to your personal account on the company’s official website and activate the service. In the second, you need to dial *111*6# and press the call button.
Regions where calls via MTS Connect are available
Actual information. Updated June 4, 2019
- Moscow and Moscow region;
- Abakan and the Republic Khakassia;
- Arkhangelsk and Arkhangelsk region;
- Barnaul and Altai Territory;
- Belgorod and region;
- Blagoveshchensk and Amur region;
- Bryansk and region;
- Vladivostok and Primorsky Krai;
- Vladikavkaz and rep. North Ossetia;
- Voronezh and region;
- Ivanovo and region;
- Kaluga and Kaluga region;
- Kostroma and region;
- Krasnoyarsk and Krasnoyarsk region;
- Kyzyl and rep. Tyva;
- Magadan and region;
- Maykop and republic Adygea;
- Makhachkala and the Republic Dagestan;
- Murmansk and region;
- Naryan-Mar and Nenets Autonomous Okrug;
- Novosibirsk and region;
- Omsk and Omsk region;
- Eagle and region;
- Petrozavodsk and rep. Karelia;
- Stavropol and Stavropol Territory;
- Syktyvkar and the Republic Komi;
- Tver and region;
- Tomsk and region;
- Tula and region;
- Ufa and the Republic Bashkiria;
- Khabarovsk and Khabarovsk Territory;
- Chita and Transbaikal region;
- Yakutsk and rep. Sakha;
- Yaroslavl and Yaroslavl region;
How to make calls via the Internet?
To use the function, you need to follow the following procedure:
- activate the option on your smartphone - how to do this depends on the device model;
- join any access point;
- If the Wi-Fi calling icon appears on the screen, you can call the subscriber. This should be done in the same way as when making calls using mobile communications.
Activation of the option on the device depends on the type of phone. For example, on iPhone the service is included like this:
- go to the “Settings” menu;
- go to the “Phone” sub-item;
- enable the “Wi-Fi Calling” option.
Next, follow the specified algorithm.
In Tele2
Using Wi-Fi, you can make calls and exchange messages only using SIM cards registered in Moscow and the Moscow region. Supports phones running iOS 7 and above or Android 4.0 and above.
Please note that the "Beep" and "City Number" will be disabled after using Wi-Fi Calling. You can enable them using USSD codes indicated on the operator’s website.
Install the “WiFi calling” application labeled “Tele2” in Google Play or AppStore. Follow the instructions. Do not turn off Wi-Fi and the application to make calls or send messages using them.
We'll show you how to enable the function on devices with the iOS operating system in the picture:
What phones can you call from?
Wi-Fi calls can be made from any device if it has the operating system listed above. The smartphone model does not matter. This means you can call from iPhone X, Sony, Samsung Galaxy S9, Huawei, LG, Motorola, Highscreen, Alcatel and MTS.
Wi-Fi calling from MTS is an alternative to mobile communications. You can call from anywhere where there is an Internet connection. This allows subscribers to always be available for conversations, even when traveling abroad, and at the same time not spend more on a conversation than provided for by the tariff in their home region.
Tariffing call
When using the service, all calls are paid according to the terms of the client’s current tariff plan. But at the same time, the system will always consider that it is located in the region where the SIM card was purchased. For example, when calling from another region, all calls made to the home subject of the Russian Federation will be considered local, and those to the host region will be considered long-distance. The subscriber needs to be especially careful when making calls from other countries, since a call to the country where he is located will be considered international, and to the region of connection - a call at standard rates.
Description
The Wi-Fi Calling service allows you to make calls over the Internet without installing an application. The client pays the cost of the call at the price for his home region, which allows him to save significantly when calling from other countries.
An additional bonus for the user will be the ability to make calls even in the absence of coverage from cellular operators. For the service to work, it is enough to connect to almost any wireless network.
The technology is available for owners of the following devices:
- Samsung Galaxy A3, S6, J2, J5 LTE, C5, Note 8 and others;
- iPhone 5S, 5C, 6, 6Plus, 6S, SE, 7, 8, etc.;
- Huawei Nova, Nova 2/2i/2 Plus;
- Sony Xperia XZ, XA1, XA1 Plus, XZ1, etc.;
- LG G6, X Venture, K11, K9 (2018), V30 and others;
- Highscreen Razar, Fest, Easy Power, Fest XL, Boost 3, Power Ice Evo, etc.
Possible problems
If your phone has two SIM cards, make sure that the card with Wi-Fi Calling has higher priority. In Samsung Dual SIM you need to put it in the first slot.
The access point may be faulty. Other people's Wi-Fi network settings may prevent you from using the technology. If you can't use a function, see if there is a special icon at the top of the screen. Make sure it is connected correctly and completely. The operator and information on his website can help you find a solution.
