WiFi Calling Vs Mobile Calls

WiFi calling and mobile calls have surpassed traditional landlines in popularity and have become the preferred method of communication due to their convenience and versatility. This shift is predominately due to the widespread adoption of the smartphone, the increasing mobility of people, and the rise of remote work and online communication. 

As traditional landlines are set to be phased out by 2027 in favour of a digital network, the reliance on these methods will continue to rise, ultimately becoming the primary means of communication. 

But what exactly is WiFi calling, and how does it compare to mobile calls?  We take a look at the differences, advantages and disadvantages of both methods of communication.

What is WiFi Calling?

WiFi calling bypasses the traditional telecommunications provider and enables you to make and receive phone calls using your internet connection. 

This means that even in areas with poor mobile coverage, provided there is WiFi, you can enjoy clear and reliable voice communication. Businesses that use WiFi calling don’t need to rely on services from a traditional telecommunications provider.

However, not all mobile phones allow the use of WiFi calling, and those that do often require you to enable the feature first. Additionally, using WiFi calling does not guarantee your call will exclusively use a WiFi connection; some networks may switch between WiFi and mobile networks based on which one has the strongest signal.

What are the Advantages of WiFi Calling?

In recent years, WiFi calling has surged in popularity, largely thanks to enhanced coverage, improved voice clarity, and potential cost reductions. This mode of communication offers various advantages, and for many—especially with the rise in remote work—it’s become essential for team connectivity.

The benefits of WiFi calling include:

• Improved Indoor Coverage: When mobile signals are weak or non-existent, WiFi can serve as a reliable alternative.
• Reliability: WiFi networks typically provide a more stable and consistent signal within their range. This does, of course, depend on the quality of the WiFi network.
• Better Voice Quality: WiFi calling often provides better voice quality than mobile, especially in areas with congested mobile networks.
• Cost Savings: Businesses can reduce mobile plan costs as employees can make calls via WiFi instead. 
• Emergency Calling: WiFi can be used for emergency calls when mobile coverage is not available.
• Flexibility: As long as there’s an internet connection, you can make and receive phone calls regardless of location. It also allows for BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policies in the workplace.

Whilst WiFi calling offers benefits, it can also present challenges:

• Inadequate Signal Strength: WiFi connections may experience delays when networks are overloaded. Bandwidth can be insufficient to support multiple users, ultimately affecting the quality of voice calls.
• Device Support: Not all devices support WiFi calling. 
• Data Costs: When you’re not using a home or office internet connection, you may be subject to extra charges.
• SMS Message Reception: WiFi calling doesn’t support the full range of SMS functionalities.

What do Mobile Calls rely on?

Mobile calls rely on a network of cell towers to transmit and receive voice and data signals. 

What are the Advantages of Mobile Calls Compared to WiFi Calling?

The primary advantage of relying on mobile calls over WiFi calling is the wider coverage and accessibility. 

However, there are other benefits too, such as:

• Wide Coverage: Mobile networks generally provide a broader coverage than WiFi networks, especially in rural areas.
• Reliability: Mobile calling is generally more reliable than WiFi calling as it is less susceptible to interference and disruptions.
• Customer Services: Customers now expect to be able to reach businesses by phone, or through mobile application. Mobile coverage ensures this is possible.
• Security: Dedicated mobile networks offer a higher level of security compared to WiFi networks, making it more difficult for unauthorised users to access sensitive information. 
• Emergencies: Mobile networks provide reliable access to emergency services, whereas WiFi calling doesn’t always offer the same level of access.

What are the challenges with mobile calling?

As with WiFi calling, relying on mobile calls can also present challenges, particularly in those areas with poor mobile coverage or areas with a high network congestion. 

• Indoor Coverage Issues: Mobile networks can experience signal weakness or dead zones, especially indoors. This can lead to dropped calls, poor voice quality, and slow data speeds.
• Network Congestion: During peak usage times or in densely populated areas, mobile networks can become congested, leading to slower speeds, dropped calls, and reduced call quality.
• Barriers for Mobile Signals: Buildings can act as barriers for mobile signals, particularly with the design of modern building materials. Metal, glass and concrete are notoriously difficult for a mobile signal to penetrate.
• Higher Costs: Depending on your mobile plan, making calls and using data can be more expensive than WiFi.

Choosing Between WiFi Calling and Mobile Calling

These popular methods for making voice calls both have their advantages and disadvantages. The best choice depends on your individual needs and circumstances. 

However, whilst WiFi can be an effective tool for businesses, it often suffers from limited coverage and can be unreliable. 

A dedicated mobile network offers more versatility and reliable mobile connectivity, providing mobility and flexibility to employees needing to communicate on the go. This allows for a seamless mobile experience, especially when coverage is needed across a wide range of areas.

By understanding the differences between these two technologies and considering the benefits of indoor mobile coverage solutions, you can make an informed decision and ensure that you have reliable mobile communication wherever you go.

If you’re looking to improve your indoor mobile coverage, or WiFi network, our expert team can provide a customised indoor mobile coverage solution and/or a robust managed WiFi upgrade, to ensure reliable communication throughout your building.

Contact us today and find out how we can create a seamless mobile experience 

Get in touch

0345 612 3008

hello@simpli-fi.co.uk