Johannesburg, 09 Sep 2016
iConnect Voice subscribers can now receive even more value on their VOIP service by making use of iConnect's Business Wi-Fi Calling, which officially launches this month. Wi-Fi Calling enables users to make and receive calls over any data network, using their mobile smartphone and iConnect's softphone app, essentially transforming their smartphone into a desktop phone extension on their PABX system.
"Most businesses use VOIP systems today, but users are still limited by the confines of their office space in using their voice network," says Calvin Collett, CEO at iConnect Telecoms. "Our app allows people to extend their voice network to virtually anywhere, using their smartphone."
Collett says the Business Wi-Fi Calling means people can work from anywhere and still be reachable on their work extension, but using their mobile phone. "So a person can be out of office but still available on their work phone, making them easier to reach and simplifying contact. They no longer need multiple handsets and voice networks, but simply a smartphone and a data connection. They can be mobile, but still available on a single number, or four-digit extension."
Not only does this enable a mobile workforce, but it can reduce phone charges drastically, as fewer calls are made across mobile networks. "The app is free to download and certain SIM cards could potentially help you save on your voice minutes, as calls made over the app use data," says Collett. "Calls between iConnect subscribers are completely free, while calls to other numbers are charged at a much lower rate than if people were to call using traditional methods."
Although called Wi-Fi Calling, calls can also be made over any other data network, such as a mobile data network or pay-as-you-use Wi-Fi network. "The only impact of using one of these options is that you may incur a small data charge for making calls. The calls will be free between iConnect subscribers and reduced when calling other numbers," adds Collett.
While not a new concept, iConnect's Wi-Fi Calling is uniquely positioned as a business tool to enable 'always-on' communications. According to Collett, iConnect has been trialling the app for over two-and-a-half years, and it already has several very happy customers using the service successfully. "The app has been in use for some time now, and we are confident of its ability to improve communication uptime and reduce communication costs," says Collett. "We believe the market is now ready for Wi-Fi Calling and are officially launching the app this month."
The app can be downloaded by any iConnect subscriber for free to any smartphone. Once downloaded, it requires a simple log-in via username and password or by scanning a QR code. It automatically synchronises with the phone's existing contacts and is ready for use within minutes.
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