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AT&T has rolled out WiFi calling for some of its iOS9 plans that include the HD voice feature.
The company also notes that the feature works on several iPhone models (as long as iOS9 is installed as well). Models that can use the WiFi feature are the iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.
The AT&T WiFi calling option is automatically employed when traditional cellular network connectivity is poor.
MacRumors outlines a number of the WiFi setting’s shortcomings, as well as the fact that the feature was rolled out later than AT&T said it would be. The site also notes that users can turn on the WiFi feature manually by toggling within the settings app. (Though some forum visitors took issue with that.)
MacRumors reports: “AT&T promised to launch WiFi calling alongside iOS 9, but … announced the feature was delayed due to its inability to get an FCC waiver that would temporarily allow the carrier to forgo offering support options for deaf and hard-of-hearing customers.”
Manually setting the AT&T WiFi calling feature doesn’t seem to work for everyone. One commentor laments: “You don’t get to choose. Apple says that ‘when cellular connectivity is poor’ but they don’t define that.”
Some comments were directed at the long-distance surcharge, which many deemed unfair.
WiFi voice calling is free within the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Long distance global voice calls will be charged standard long distance rates, AT&T says.
Some comments that are skeptical of this feature are unclear on AT&T’s wording.
On another MacRumor thread, one person notes some lack clarity on exactly how the new AT&T WiFi calling feature works, adding: “Well, it’s kind of disappointing though in that WiFi calling only works when ‘cellular connectivity is poor’ — which means what exactly? 1 bar? 2 bars?”
Several noted that the feature isn’t even available on their cellphones when it should be. One person, echoing others, noted: “Same issue for me. The AT&T WiFi calling option just isn’t there. I looked on my wife’s iPhone 6 and found it on hers. Weird thing is, when I tried to turn it on it said that she isn’t authorized and has to call AT&T.”
Image: AT&T
Brenda
When is this going to be available on Android? My Android on t-mobile has had this feature for a long time. Why is AT&T so behind?
Aira Bongco
It’s nice to hear about this wifi calling feature. Providers here in my country are not even providing it yet. I am hoping that a day will come that I can try it too.
james
I have 2 lines and 2 very good top of line android phones. A note 3 and an htc one m9, wy is this only avalible for I phone op system? Not fair for the rest of us who have andriods and expensive phones purchased through ATT. my connectivity is virtually null at my home , less then 1 bar and on the (edge). Not fair.
Fred
James, have ATT send you a microcell and that will be the end of your bad connectivity issues. I do have wifi calling but the microcell means I always have a strong signal at home. They sent it to me for free.
Elvis
It sucks that I’m on vacation and my friends have (t-mobile and sprint) and they both have WiFi calling and they are able to use it in Aruba, I have AT&T and I’m not able to use it outside of the USA.
The whole purpose of having wifi calling is to be able to use it wherever you get a wifi signal. AT&T sucks balls.
pam
What I don’t get is ATT constantly saying they have excellent cell coverage but yet they have to implement a WIFI for customers who have lousy coverage???? So what they do is lie to customers about cell coverage.
chris
pam, this is ideally geared towards people who work/live in heavily insulated buildings that block cellular signal, just because you ASSUME that it’s due to AT&T lying about poor cell coverage is completely unbiased….sure i live in an area with great service when not at home, and i don’t get the best service in certain spots at home, you’re just looking to complain for the sake of complaining