Jio Wi-Fi calling announced: Here’s how it works, who can use it and supported phones

Jio reveals that the voice and video calls will seamlessly switch-over between VoLTE and Wi-Fi to provide an enhanced voice/video-calling experience to users. The company has revealed that Jio Wi-Fi calling service will be rolled out to all Jio users across the country in a phased manner between Jan 7 to Jan 16.

Airtel introduced VoWiFi calling last month. Here’s everything you need to know

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So, where does Jio stand out when compared to Airtel? Jio Wi-Fi calling works with any WiFi network, while Airtel currently works just with Airtel Xtreme. Jio has also revealed that its Wi-Fi calling service supports 155 handsets compared to Airtel that supports only 25 for the time being. Another area where Jio leads is in Video Wi-Fi calling. Jio customers can make Video over WiFi calls, which isn’t possible in Airtel for now.

What is Wi-Fi calling?

The Wi-Fi Calling service basically allows customers to make and receive calls over a Wi-Fi network even in remote locations or cellular dark zones of a building. In simple words, with Wi-Fi calling users will be able to make calls even in patchy network areas. Jio says that Wi-Fi calling consumes less than half MB of data for calls per minute so you need to worry about finishing your data.

To know more about Wi-Fi calling. Read here

Who can use Jio Wi-Fi calling?

Customers with an an active Jio tariff plan and smartphone that is Wi-Fi Calling-capable.

How to enable Wi-Fi calling on Jio number

Users will first need to ensue they have a Wi-Fi calling capable smartphone. If yes, they will need to switch ON the Wi-Fi calling feature by heading to the Setting menu. They will then need to connect to a Wi-Fi network. Jio says that, for a seamless experience both VoLTE and Wi-Fi Calling options should be turned on all the time.

Once the Wi-Fi calling is set up users have to follow the same process as traditional voice calls to make phone calls. The phone will automatically toggle between Wi-Fi and cellular network to provide a seamless calling experience.

Phones that support Airtel Wi-Fi calling. Is your phone listed? 

Charges for Wi-Fi calling?

To use Wi-Fi calling, users will need to have a Jio number and any broadband connection. Customers need not pay any additional charges to use the service. Jio explains that all Wi-Fi calls to Indian numbers, regardless of your location within the country, are free of charge, while Wi-Fi calls to international numbers are billed as “International Calls”. The company says that VoWiFi International will be announced in the next few weeks. Airtel doesn’t offer International Wi-Fi calling service for the time being.