We all worry about being out of reach and being unable to make important calls due to poor network coverage. Some customers experience poor network coverage in their households or office parks. In addition, customers who travel abroad want to stay in touch but are worried about high roaming costs. In both of these cases, Wi-Fi networks are generally present and can be used to stay connected. For these reasons, Vodacom has introduced Wi-Fi Calling which gives you the ability to make calls and send SMSs over a wireless internet connection (a Wi-Fi network). This capability ensures that you can still make calls when cellular network coverage is not favourable. It also allows you to make calls at local South African rates when travelling abroad.

What is Wi-Fi calling?

WiFi Calling is a capability that enables your iPhone and select Android phones to make calls and send SMS over a WiFi network when cellular network coverage is not favourable. Instead of using your carrier's network connection, you can make voice calls via a Wi-Fi network. That means using a Wi-Fi connection you have set up at home, or whatever Wi-Fi hotspot you happen to be on when you're out and about, such as at a cafe or library. In most ways, it's like any other phone call, and you still use regular phone numbers.

Wi-Fi calling is especially useful when you're in an area with weak carrier coverage. For example, when you're traveling to the residential countryside, or you're in a building with spotty reception. You may already be familiar with using Wi-Fi to send messages if SMS texting is unavailable (apps like Kik and Facebook Messenger provide these services) -- and the same applies when you're trying to place a call. With Wi-Fi, you can call a friend even if you're in a restaurant in the middle of nowhere (assuming you can connect to their Wi-Fi, that is.)

With Vodacom Wi-Fi Calling, customers will be able to do the following:

• Make Wi-Fi calls only in areas with poor network coverage but good Wi-Fi coverage
• Your device will automatically choose the best connectivity option to make a call
• Make Wi-Fi Calls and send SMS charged at local South African rates, even when abroad
• Contact other numbers even if they do not have Wi-Fi Calling

Why should you use Wi-Fi Calling?

If you experience poor network coverage and you have access to a Wi-Fi network, then Wi-Fi Calling is the solution for you. Never worry about being out of reach again.

If you are an international traveller and you are worried about roaming costs, then you can make use of Wi-Fi Calling abroad without even activating roaming to make calls and send SMSes.

Usage and billing

In order to use Wi-Fi Calling, you will need to have sufficient inclusive voice minutes, airtime or voice bundles. When making a Wi-Fi Call, depletion will be taken from the inclusive minutes, voice bundles, airtime or will be added to your bill. When sending SMS on the Wi-Fi Calling service, depletion will be taken from inclusive SMS bundles, airtime or will be added to your bill

Click here to find out more about Wi-fi Calling