Wi-Fi vs. Cellular Calling

With the advancements in technology growing, staying in touch with one another has never been easier. There are a variety of communication options to choose from. From text messages to voice calls, or video calls to instant messaging apps, the choice is yours. However, sometimes you also have another choice to make: whether to use Wi-Fi or your mobile network to make the call.

So, is it better to use Wi-Fi Calling or cellular?

When choosing how to make your call, you should consider the following:

• Is the Wi-Fi signal strong enough to handle your call?
• Is your device able to use Wi-Fi to make calls?
• Are you in a position with poor mobile network coverage?
• Is the public Wi-Fi secure enough to use?

The above are just a few considerations you should think of when weighing up your options for making a call. Keep reading to find out which is better: Wi-Fi calling or cellular calling, and the downsides of choosing Wi-Fi.

What Is Wi-Fi Calling?

Wi-Fi calling is a feature on most modern phones that allows you to make calls and send text messages via a wireless internet connection. This is an alternative to using and relying on your network provider.

Using Wi-Fi calling allows you to use your home Wi-Fi for convenience, but also use Wi-Fi hotspots when you are out and about. This can be especially handy if you find yourself in a low-network area.

Does Wi-Fi Calling Work In The UK?

The short answer is, yes, Wi-Fi calling does work in the UK. However, how well it works and if you can access it depend on the device you are using. You will need to have a smartphone or mobile device that supports Wi-Fi calling in order to take advantage of the option, and you will need to have a strong Wi-Fi signal that can handle the call.

Wi-Fi Calling VS. Mobile Calling

There are pros and cons to using both Wif-Fi or your mobile network to make a call.

Advantages Of Using Wi-Fi Calls

Improved Coverage

In areas where there is little or no network coverage, Wi-Fi calls allow you to switch seamlessly to a Wi-Fi network without having to search for a better signal from your network provider. This makes it easy to make calls from remote areas and buildings, and rooms with poor signal, such as basements, as long as you are connected to the available Wi-Fi.

Enhanced Call Quality

If you have a strong, stable Wi-Fi connection, this often results in a more reliable call, with fewer drops in quality compared to a weak cellular signal. This is especially useful if you have important calls you need to make where quality is of high priority.

Cost-Efficiency

Wi-Fi calling uses your existing internet connection, meaning you can avoid call charges and expensive roaming fees for international calls.

Better Battery Life

If you find yourself in an area with low or no mobile network signal, your phone’s battery will typically drain faster as it attempts to find a stronger signal. Turning your network roaming off and using Wi-Fi calling can significantly preserve your battery.

Disadvantages Of Wi-Fi Calling

Depends On A Strong Internet Connection

To use Wi-Fi calling successfully, you need a strong internet connection. We all know how annoying it can be when a bunch of people are trying to use the Wi-Fi at the same time, slowing down the connection. Unfortunately, this can happen if the network becomes congested, and the result can be a poor-quality call or even cause the call to drop completely.

Security Issues

Using a public Wi-Fi to make a call can be a bit risky, as you have no idea if these networks are secure. This can allow potential threats to slip by unnoticed, and important information could be accidentally leaked.

Emergency Situations

Using Wi-Fi to make a call in an emergency could actually be a risk. Not all Wi-Fi systems have locations attached to them, meaning, if you have no idea where you are, the dispatcher might not be able to find your location through your network connection if you’re using Wi-Fi calling.

Missing Important Calls And Texts

Sometimes, even though the Wi-Fi signal seems to be strong enough, it isn’t. This can result in missed calls and texts/notifications that come through much later than they were sent. This is especially true when it comes to international communication. If you’re waiting for important information to be sent to you, you could miss it if the Wi-Fi is weak.

It’s Not Available To Everyone

Not all devices and mobile phones have the option for Wi-Fi calling, and sometimes, some network providers don’t support it either. This means that although your Wi-Fi signal might be strong enough to support your calls, you can’t physically connect and use it in this way.

Advantages Of Using Mobile Calling

Consistent Coverage And Handoff

Although mobile signals can drop from time to time, they are widely known for their extensive coverage and ability to reach remote rural and suburban areas. They ensure a continuous signal strength, which means you can expect a strong connectivity even if you are moving while taking a call, so you don’t need to worry about connectivity issues. The process of automatically connecting to the best mobile infrastructure while you’re on the move is known as “handoff”.

Increased Security

A dedicated mobile network offers higher levels of security compared to Wi-Fi networks due to encryption and protective measures that are used to reduce the risk of hacking. This makes it more difficult for unauthorised users to intercept calls or access sensitive and private information.

Emergency Services

When using a mobile network in emergencies, the call is routed through a dedicated mobile network, allowing responders to pinpoint your exact location. This can be a lifesaver, especially in situations where you are unsure of your location.

Disadvantages Of Using Mobile Calling

Low Coverage Areas

Despite cellular towers being erected in remote rural and suburban areas, there can sometimes be a drop in signal strength. Environmental factors such as dense trees and buildings that use thick materials can block the signal and cause poor quality coverage. This can be tricky if you need to make important calls in these areas..

Device Battery

If your device is struggling to find a signal or network to connect to, it will constantly attempt to find one. This is something that happens automatically, in the background, and can drain the battery of your device without you realising. This can be inconvenient if you don’t have access to a charging station and you need to make important phone calls.

Network Congestion

Have you ever been on a call during peak hours or a large event such as New Year’s Day? You might have noticed a decline in call quality. This is because the network becomes crowded, which can cause call delays and a drop in quality due to the number of people trying to use the service.

Higher Cost

Depending on your mobile network provider and the plan you are on, you may pay more for using cellular calling, especially if you are abroad. These charges can sometimes come as a shock if you were not aware of them, and typically, the longer the call, the higher the charge.

High-Performance Mobile Phone Signal-Boosting Solutions by NetCov

At NetCov, we are one of the UK’s leading designers and installers of high-performance Ofcom-approved signal boosting systems. We believe that everyone should have access to improved connectivity and high-quality calls, and that’s why we provide and install state-of-the-art indoor mobile signal boosters that ensure our customers stay connected, no matter where they are.

If you want to learn more about our mobile signal boosters so that you can confidently make those important calls without the fear of losing signal, contact us today, and we will be happy to assist you.