Malaysians Can Start Making Calls Using WiFi Soon
A Malaysian telco is expected to launch a new service for its customers this week.
By Tang Ruxyn — 23 May 2016, 11:57 AM
Malaysians will be able to make voice calls through a WiFi network soon
It was reported that local telco U Mobile will be launching a new service - the WiFi Calling feature - this Thursday, 26 May.
Last September, Sebastian Barros, vice president of solutions for Ericsson Malaysia and Sri Lanka, revealed that a Malaysian mobile operator was testing this particular feature.
He also said that most major telcos in Malaysia are expected to offer WiFi Calling services to their customers by the end of 2016.
What is WiFi Calling?
WiFi Calling is a feature that allows you to use a WiFi network to make and receive phone calls, rather than using the traditional mobile network.
This benefits those in poor signal areas, such as rural villages and underground stations, as you'll be able to harness the power of available Wi-Fi networks to stay connected.
It's not just calls that are supported though, you can also send and receive texts.
techradar.com
How is WiFi Calling different than using apps like Skype, WhatsApp, Viber or Facebook Messenger?
Users may already find themselves using these apps to make and receive calls and texts over a WiFi network.
However, when using the WiFi calling feature, users don't need to fire up an app or connect to a service to use it. They can simply set up WiFi Calling as the default way of placing a call, or if they lose a signal, it will automatically switch to WiFi Calling.
Who can use it?
First of all, consumers will need to check if their smartphones are equipped to support the function.
Users with newer smartphone models should be able to use this service.
Besides device compatibility, the mobile carrier also needs to have a WiFi calling system in place.
The first telco to introduce the WiFi Calling feature will definitely have a tremendous first-mover advantage, Barros said
Sebastian Barros, vice president of solutions for Ericsson Malaysia and Sri Lanka.
Image via Digital News Asia“Today, the main [reason] people change operators is the experience; pricing is becoming less of an issue."
“So depending on their strategies, WiFi calling can help telcos capture market share,” he added.
Operators can also potentially grow revenue with WiFi calling should they decide to offer it as a value-added service, Barros said.