Sorry to be dumb, but is it not possible to use Whatsapp to 'simulate' Wifi calling, without involving VF at all?

networkn:

 

Sorry to be dumb, but is it not possible to use Whatsapp to 'simulate' Wifi calling, without involving VF at all?

 

 

 

It's a VoIP product so yes you are making a call over WiFi.

You're not going to be calling 111 over Whatsapp.

And you are not calling numbers outside the app.

MaxineN:

 

It's a VoIP product so yes you are making a call over WiFi.

 

You're not going to be calling 111 over Whatsapp.

 

So, if I have whats app and they have whatsapp, and they call my mobile number whilst on Wifi and I am on Wifi (assume both have no cellular coverage) does the call connect? I thought it did?

But what you are saying, is if someone calls your mobile number, and they don't have whats app, it won't work?

networkn:

 

MaxineN:

 

It's a VoIP product so yes you are making a call over WiFi.

 

You're not going to be calling 111 over Whatsapp.

 

 

So, if I have whats app and they have whatsapp, and they call my mobile number whilst on Wifi and I am on Wifi (assume both have no cellular coverage) does the call connect? I thought it did?

 

But what you are saying, is if someone calls your mobile number, and they don't have whats app, it won't work?

 

 

 

 

 

Correct.

Same thing with Facebook Messenger, Telegram, Signal etc etc.

Making it clear. WiFi Calling in the context of a telco is basically having your phone connected to a WiFi access point and using that to move packets instead of the mobile network. From that point the phone is registered with the telco as being at a certain IP address and have a tunnel to it. If a call comes in or you try to place a call it will still be routed by the operator but the packets will traffic through the Internet (from your handset over WiFi). The call is handled by your device OS and dialer.

This is different from voice calls on WhatsApp, Messenger, which are point-to-point and require both parties to have the app installed. It's a very fragmented space - WhatsApp, Duo, Messenger, Skype and a list of other apps that offer voice communications.

You won't be able to call numbers outside of these apps. 

freitasm:

 

Making it clear. WiFi Calling in the context of a telco is basically having your phone connected to a WiFi access point and using that to move packets instead of the mobile network. From that point the phone is registered with the telco as being at a certain IP address and have a tunnel to it. If a call comes in or you try to place a call it will still be routed by the operator but the packets will traffic through the Internet (from your handset over WiFi). The call is handled by your device OS and dialer.

 

This is different from voice calls on WhatsApp, Messenger, which are point-to-point and require both parties to have the app installed. It's a very fragmented space - WhatsApp, Duo, Messenger, Skype and a list of other apps that offer voice communications.

 

You won't be able to call numbers outside of these apps. 

 

Skype does have the ability to call outside numbers but at a cost and I'm not sure it's worth it there days. 

freitasm:

 

Making it clear. WiFi Calling in the context of a telco is basically having your phone connected to a WiFi access point and using that to move packets instead of the mobile network. From that point the phone is registered with the telco as being at a certain IP address and have a tunnel to it. If a call comes in or you try to place a call it will still be routed by the operator but the packets will traffic through the Internet (from your handset over WiFi). The call is handled by your device OS and dialer.

 

This is different from voice calls on WhatsApp, Messenger, which are point-to-point and require both parties to have the app installed. It's a very fragmented space - WhatsApp, Duo, Messenger, Skype and a list of other apps that offer voice communications.

 

You won't be able to call numbers outside of these apps. 

 

And all of us will be repeating the same thing when carriers start removing 3G from their sites and people don't have phones capable of VoLTE on their chosen network.

old3eyes:

 

Skype does have the ability to call outside numbers but at a cost and I'm not sure it's worth it there days. 

 

No emergency calls with Skype Skype is not a replacement for your telephone and can't be used for emergency calling   From Skype themselves.

So very much pointless and I don't think people will want to pay $6.50 a month for said service. Better off getting a handset that is supported.

Yes, Skype can do outside call but to receive calls you need to pay a monthly fee for a new number so not a real replacement for your existing mobile number at all.

Also, you get Skype minutes if you have an Office 365 subscription with your Microsoft Live account. It renews every month for the duration of your Office 365 subscription (but still have to pay for an inbound number if you want one):

My parallel imported Galaxy S20+ (SM-G986B/DS) received an update to Android 12 + One UI 4.0 this morning,  and finally now has WiFi calling through Vodafone available as a switch in the dialer menu. I never thought this would happen, as the Service Provider software is still shown as an UAE version. So, it now supports WiFi calling as well as VoLTE. I'll have to test to see if it hands over seamlessly when moving out of WiFi range. I think @Linux said it did for him. This is with a Kogan SIM BTW.

Now, has anyone managed to use NZ Vodafone WiFi calling while overseas? 2Degrees WiFi calling worked fine. 

Spong:

 

My parallel imported Galaxy S20+ received an update to Android 12 + One UI 4.0 this morning,  and finally now has WiFi calling through Vodafone available as a switch in the dialer menu. I never thought this would happen, as the Service Provider software is still shown as an UAE version. So, it now supports WiFi calling as well as VoLTE. I'll have to test to see if it hands over seamlessly when moving out of WiFi range. I think @Linux said it did for him. This is with a Kogan SIM BTW. 

 

@Spong That was on 2degrees

grolschie: Very long thread. What's the latest on using WiFi Calling on Kogan NZ please? What do I need to buy? And is it reliable? Works with any router, e.g. Spark Smart Modem/Mesh? Thanks.

Any phone that is on the list https://www.vodafone.co.nz/our-networks/wifi-calling/ works on Kogan Mobile. Anything out of this list is very much "your mileage will vary, no promises".

No ports to forward or anything should be out of the box as long as the phones compatible.