Call over wifi mobile network

sophiefo

Hi, I currently have a contract with Virgin via EE. The area where I live has a black hole, and the mobile coverage is awful. My contract is at an end and I want to switch to a provider that has a good signal and WiFi calling. As Virgin buys its services from EE, my phone Galaxy S7) does not have this option.

It would seem that O2 has the best coverage, but doing some research, it seems that you only get call over WiFi if you buy the phone from them, as it comes with the required software.

I'm just looking to see if anyone can confirm this, or the best network that will allow it as a sim only deal.

Many thanks, John

cranford

You could check where you live on the the coverage map for O2 and provided that you get your S7 unlocked by VM you could check a cheap Pay and go sim on that network to confirm. Then you may not need wifi calling on O2 and could just get a monthly sim. The sim does not have to be from O2 and its easy to port your number. You could look at deals from Sky mobile, Tesco mobile and GiffGaff among others that use the O2 network.

japitts

Just to point out, the reason Virgin doesn't offer WiFi calling is purely down to their setup as an MVNO (mobile Virtual network operator) and the relationship they have with EE as their host operator.


EE offer WiFi calling on the Galaxy S7, and it's worth pointing out that EE also supports text over WiFi which O2 doesn't.


The S7 is in the list of supported phones for EE, and there doesn't appear to be a restriction on where it was bought from:


https://ee.co.uk/help/help-new/getting-started-and-upgrading/using-your-phone-features/how-do-i-use-wifi-calling

System

Not sure if it's the phone, or the operator who provides the wi fi calling, but might I recommend you get a SIM only deal with Three. We've been with Three for over 10 years and reckon they are great value with good coverage (we live in an area with variable coverage so wifi calling is handy depending on whether we turn left or right out of the house!!). I am aware that some of Three's customers had big problems with them the other week but we have never experienced issues either at home or abroad.

Top Cashback have some good deals on at the moment with SIM only from 3 (and indeed other operators). We got a great deal for my son back in January - unlimited calls and unlimited texts plus 4 GB of data for £9 per month with £45 cash back.

Some of the deals that are on Top Cashback at the moment look even better.

sophiefo

Thanks for the comments cranford and japitts. According to the Ofcom coverage checker for my postcode, EE shows as a warning for both voice and data. I would be using my Virgin internet for data and as long as WiFi calling is enabled, that may work.

O2 and Vodafone also get a green tick, Three does not. I know that Giffgaff does not have WiFi calling yet, and don't think Tesco mobile has it, but the idea of a cheap O2 sim to test is an option. I dont stream and only use it mainly for calls and social media, so a cheap deal would do me, as I would be mainly hooked up to an internet signal mostly.

phillw

sophiefo wrote: »

It would seem that O2 has the best coverage, but doing some research, it seems that you only get call over WiFi if you buy the phone from them, as it comes with the required software.

Yeah, Wifi & 4G calling are only supported if you buy a particular phone from your provider. It's pretty annoying.

You can get femtocell/picocell/microcell's from some providers though, they connect to your broadband and create your own mobile phone network. Any phone should work with one of those.

For example..
https://www.o2.co.uk/help/network-coverage-and-international/boostbox-guide
https://ee.co.uk/help/help-new/general/signal-box/improve-your-signal-at-home-using-signal-box

greyteam1959

BT Broadband offer wifi calling with a mobile using EE.
I have the same black hole ( !! ) & find the BT plan is excellent for me.
Seamless calling & receiving.
Use any phone.

sophiefo

Thanks phillw and greyteam1959. I already have an EE Cisco signal booster in the house, which is as much use as a chocolate teapot. I would also need a switch box as I currently have all 4 ethernet ports in use on my Virgin router, and would have to use it I think in modem mode.

I will have a look at picocells etc, thanks. Would rather stay with Virgin for broadband than move.

redux

As I've said on a similar thread, you can use VoIP with other providers to make calls via WiFi, using either their own or generic apps on a mobile. Or using VoIP phone hardware in the house.

Might work out cheaper overall per minute for calls, with a cheaper monthly contract on the mobile.

d123

phillw wrote: »

Yeah, Wifi & 4G calling are only supported if you buy a particular phone from your provider. It's pretty annoying.

There are now plenty of phones that will work with VoWifi (WiFi calling) no matter where bought.

Check the EE website for their list, as an example.

bat999

d123 wrote: »

... plenty of phones that will work with VoWifi (WiFi calling) no matter where bought...

But not my Xiaomi :mad:
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6058077/wi-fi-calling-with-android-smartphone