Vodacom has announced that voice over WiFi (VoWiFi) service is currently live across its network in SA.
WiFi intergration into its network as another voice carrier ensures a seamless voice experience, no matter the connection (2G, 3G, 4G/LTE, WiFi), says the cellular network.
"Typically reserved for data, the move to use WiFi technology to carry voice traffic will mean better call quality for consumers," it says
The first call, made at the company's Midrand office on 4 June, was placed by Vodacom's network engineering officer, Beverly Ngwenya. She used the call to contact Vodacom's CTO Andries Delport.
"There are a number of consumer benefits that come with WiFi calling. One of the most significant is the ability to make a call using your cellphone number with no need for additional apps," said Delport.
VoWiFi differs from other applications that allow voice calling over a data network in that it uses the built-in voice dialling feature of the phone and thus your normal cellphone number to make a call.
At present there are only a small number of test Samsung Galaxy S6 devices in the country that have the ability to make VoWiFi calls.
However, Vodacom is working closely with Samsung on a software update which will be released to the public once final testing is complete.
VoWiFi technology will also be able to assist in improving coverage where normal cell signals battle to reach, such as inside big office blocks or in the basement of shopping centres.
Calls made over a WiFi network will be billed using existing minutes. No data costs will be incurred when making a WiFi call.
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