Wifi calling no longer works - has something changed?

Forums › 2degrees (including Slingshot, Orcon, Flip, Stuff Fibre, MyRepublic, 2talk and Vocus) › Wifi calling no longer works - has something changed?

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#2758228 10-Aug-2021 21:36

SaltyNZ:

Linux: @SaltyNZ Do you know anyone that could take a look?

Sorry, as I've said earlier I cannot comment in the 2D forum at the moment while all the IPO stuff is going on.

Sorry habit

jaznz

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#2758249 10-Aug-2021 22:53

@alasta @linux

"I would have thought that the iPhone would preferentially use wifi calling whenever it is connected to a wifi network?"

You would think this, but it is not my understanding. iPhone only switches over if there is zero cell signal, but if there is a weak one it tries to use cell reception and the calls drop. That is why I have using aeroplane mode, as many others do, to force phone to use wifi calling.

It all sounds ridiculous, but these are the lengths I am having to go to just to use a mobile phone in Avondale!

I will do my best to collect numbers of people that say they cannot get hold of me and find out what network they are on.

Thanks all for ideas so far, it really is a nightmare trying to run a business like this!

CYaBro

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#2758259 10-Aug-2021 23:20

Yup we also have to turn on aeroplane mode here at home to force wifi calling otherwise the phones will connect to any cell signal that they might pick up, no matter how strong the signal may be.
If you’re on a call at the time then it drops.

Opinions are my own and not the views of my employer.

alasta

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#2758307 11-Aug-2021 07:59

CYaBro: Yup we also have to turn on aeroplane mode here at home to force wifi calling otherwise the phones will connect to any cell signal that they might pick up, no matter how strong the signal may be.
If you’re on a call at the time then it drops.

That is such stupid design that it really makes me question the value of wifi calling.

Linux

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#2758309 11-Aug-2021 08:04

If this is how WiFi calling works on iOS it is a total fail cause no way it works like this on my Samsung S20+

boosacnoodle

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#2758314 11-Aug-2021 08:19

That's almost certainly a decision made by the carrier as special configuration in the iOS carrier profile. I cannot imagine, however, what thel ogic might have been for that decision.

c0ld

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#2758349 11-Aug-2021 08:59

Unless something has changed, WiFi Calling should almost always be preferred over cellular on both Android and iOS (although I understand that's not necessarily the experience people are having).

That 'almost' is if the device deems the WiFi to be of insufficient quality for WiFi Calling then for sure it will then prioritise cellular if showing better service.

Quic Broadband

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jaznz

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#2758369 11-Aug-2021 09:29

Yes, it is well lamented that the design of wifi calling on iPhone (ie not being able to be preferred) sux. I imagine this is something to keep carriers happy - why would they want a phone that allows people to not use their network whenever they want?

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#2758371 11-Aug-2021 09:31

jaznz:
Yes, it is well lamented that the design of wifi calling on iPhone (ie not being able to be preferred) sux. I imagine this is something to keep carriers happy - why would they want a phone that allows people to not use their network whenever they want?

That makes absolutely zero sense!

Spyware

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#2758384 11-Aug-2021 09:42

jaznz:

Yes, it is well lamented that the design of wifi calling on iPhone (ie not being able to be preferred) sux. I imagine this is something to keep carriers happy - why would they want a phone that allows people to not use their network whenever they want?

Is your wifi provisioned over fibre or what?? Next you'll tell us that's over the same 2D 4G service.

Spark Max Fibre using Mikrotik CCR1009-8G-1S-1S+, CRS125-24G-1S, Unifi UAP, U6-Pro, UAP-AC-M-Pro, Apple TV 4K (2022), Apple TV 4K (2017), iPad Air 1st gen, iPad Air 4th gen, iPhone 13, SkyNZ3151 (the white box). If it doesn't move then it's data cabled.

CYaBro

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#2758452 11-Aug-2021 09:59

I've gone to the extent of setting up iOS shortcuts on my iPhone so when I plug it into the car and it detects Carplay it automatically switches off aeroplane mode as I'll need to connect to the cell signal when I'm away from home.
On my return it detects my location is home and prompts me to turn it on again.
Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be a way to make it turn on automatically.

Opinions are my own and not the views of my employer.

MrGadget

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#2758455 11-Aug-2021 10:03

As an iOS user (iPhone Xs, iOS 14.7.1, service provider 46.0) I can certainly confirm my device selects wifi calling as the preferential option where available. I do not have to turn on airplane mode.
Very odd that your does. Are your carrier settings up to date? Go toSettings - General - About… the see settings;

jaznz

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#2759326 12-Aug-2021 20:07

Amazing how many people here say that something cannot be so, despite it being reported as so by many people actually experiencing the same issue. Indeed, sometimes things make no sense, but they are what they are.

jaznz

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#2759331 12-Aug-2021 20:12

CYaBro:

I've gone to the extent of setting up iOS shortcuts on my iPhone so when I plug it into the car and it detects Carplay it automatically switches off aeroplane mode as I'll need to connect to the cell signal when I'm away from home.
On my return it detects my location is home and prompts me to turn it on again.
Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be a way to make it turn on automatically.

My experience also, until for some reason wifi calling doesn't work at all in aeroplane mode anymore. So strange. Apple support confirms that there is no way to make wifi calling the default, so not sure why so many other people think this is so. They probably don't realise that wifi calling is not being used because they don't have issues with cellular service.

jaznz

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#2759332 12-Aug-2021 20:13

Spyware:

jaznz:

Yes, it is well lamented that the design of wifi calling on iPhone (ie not being able to be preferred) sux. I imagine this is something to keep carriers happy - why would they want a phone that allows people to not use their network whenever they want?

Is your wifi provisioned over fibre or what?? Next you'll tell us that's over the same 2D 4G service.

I have 100gb fibre with Orcon. No issues whatsoever with my wifi.

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