If you are using WhatsApp to make calls from your iPhone or Android Phone, you are already using the Wi-Fi network to make and receive calls from your mobile device.
However, the Wi-Fi Calling feature as available on both iPhone and Android Phone works in a different way, compared to using WhatsApp or any other VOIP service to make calls using your free Home or Office Wi-Fi Network.
The Wi-Fi Calling feature works in conjunction with the cellular network of your mobile service provider and it allows you to make calls using Wi-Fi, right from the Dial-pad of your iPhone or Android Phone.
When the Carrier supported Wi-Fi Calling feature is enabled on your phone, it will automatically switch to the best available network (Wi-Fi or Cellular) to make Calls and send Text Messages from your device.
Should You Enable Wi-Fi Calling on iPhone or Android Phone?
In theory, enabling Wi-Fi Calling should improve the network coverage for your device, as it allows you to make use of available Wi-Fi Networks, in addition to the Cellular Network of your service provider.
For example, if you are working in a building where the Cellular connection is weak, you will find your device automatically switching to Wi-Fi Network (if available).
Also, enabling Wi-Fi Calling may help you avoid Long Distance and Roaming charges, as many Carriers do not charge any extra cost for making National and International Calls using Wi-Fi Calling.
However, you need to be aware that certain carriers may charge extra cost for long distance calls made over Wi-Fi Network using Wi-Fi Calling.
Advantages of Wi-Fi Calling
While you can easily make calls over Wi-Fi Network using WhatsApp, Signal and other VOIP apps, the Carrier or Service provider supported Wi-Fi Calling has certain advantages.
1. Wi-Fi Calling is built directly into the phone’s dial pad. Hence, there is no need to launch any app or connect to a VOIP Service in order to make calls over a Wi-Fi Network.
2. Carrier supported Wi-Fi calling is designed to seamlessly switch between Cellular and Wi-Fi networks, depending on whichever offers better connectivity.
3. There is no need to download any third-party app or services to use this feature. Both iPhone and Android Phones support Carrier supported Wi-Fi Calling.
4. Carrier Supported Wi-Fi calling is easy to set-up, as it just requires you to toggle ON the Wi-Fi Calling option on your mobile device.
Disadvantages of Wi-Fi Calling
While Wi-Fi calling makes use of Free Wi-Fi Networks to place Calls, your telephone company may still count the minutes against your data plan.
Hence, if you are on a Limited Data Plan, it is better to use WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal and other VOIP apps to make free calls using Wi-Fi, instead of using Carrier supported Wi-Fi Calling.
Another disadvantage of Wi-Fi calling is that it can sometimes end up unnecessarily switching between Wi-Fi and cellular networks, leading to poor call quality, interrupted calls and connectivity problems.