3 UK Launches Wi-Fi Calling for Android and iOS

Mobile operator 3 UK announced that embedded Wi-Fi is now available on its network for both Android and iOS users. With it, customers can make voice calls and send texts over a Wi-Fi network when in the U.K. Users of Apple’s iOS phones need to have the latest software version, iOS 10.2, and then activate Wi-Fi calling in their settings. For Android users who have a compatible device and the necessary software, the Wi-Fi calling settings install automatically. Compatible devices currently are the LG G5, Samsung Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 edge, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone SE, iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. The Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge will be compatible beginning in mid-February. The new service removes the need for the operator’s former Wi-Fi calling solution, Three InTouch app. InTouch users will receive a pop-up message informing them that they can delete the app.

The rise of non-cellular voice calling technology was originally a threat to mobile operators’ revenue streams because it allowed users to bypass calling plans and get access to unlimited messaging and voice calls, both domestically and internationally. Operators responded in various ways, including tolerating, co-opting or co-branding various VoIP services. Another non-cellular voice calling system, Wi-Fi calling, now becoming prevalent, is another technology that lies outside the traditional cellular calling networks. Rather than constituting an end-run around the operator, Wi-Fi calling is a billable service that keeps the user within the operator’s ecosystem. Its primary utility is when the cellular signal is too weak or unavailable, so with Wi-Fi calling that is billed within an existing calling plan, the operator can keep its subscribers using voice and text services even when they are in so-called “not-spots”—which are, according to reports, still quite prevalent in the U.K. By making access to Wi-Fi calling seamless instead of through an app, the operator ensures that more subscribers will adopt it, and that those who used it before will now use it more often. Therefore, 3 UK’s decision to make Wi-Fi calling “native” to a wide variety of smartphones in both major operating systems is an excellent one. Easily, intuitively accessible Wi-Fi calling will aid customer retention because rather than becoming frustrated with the operator’s service when the cellular network is unavailable, users will be able to connect by Wi-Fi (given that Wi-Fi networks are sufficiently prevalent) and stay satisfied.

Tarifica is the global leader in monitoring and analyzing telecom pricing. Covering hundreds of operators in every region of the globe, Tarifica’s databases of mobile and fixed line data and voice tariffs are among the largest and most in-depth in the world. Tarifica is also a leading publisher of benchmark and other pricing reports, and its analysts are recognized authorities in the telecom industry, relied upon by operators and businesses worldwide for pricing insight and guidance.

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T-Mobile Austria Offers Four-Week LTE Trial

T-Mobile Austria has launched an LTE network test that gives new and existing customers the opportunity to try out both the network and LTE-enabled devices for four weeks at no cost. Along with the LTE access, the operator provides iPhone 6, Samsung Galaxy S6 and T-Mobile HomeNet Box devices to users. After testing the network for four weeks, the operator will apply charges for the tariff and the device, but if the customer is not satisfied with the network, the device can be returned to T-Mobile free of charge.

T-Mobile Austria claims that while it continues its 4G/LTE rollout (which is now at 67 percent), it is providing 99 percent coverage via its 2G network and 94 percent via 3G. The operator aims for 90 percent LTE coverage by the end of this year and more than 97 percent at the end of 2016. The new campaign launched by T-Mobile, allowing users to test the LTE network and all its capabilities for four weeks at no cost is an aggressive approach to promoting the network. Additionally, by bundling LTE services with new compatible devices, the operator provides the customers with the opportunity not only to test the network‘s abilities to the fullest but also to become familiar with the high-end devices. Once the trial period ends, those who decide to keep the device and subscribe to an LTE plan will become regular subscribers, while those who are convinced that the network’s quality does not meet their expectations can return the device to the operator at no additional cost and with no requirements. T-Mobile’s free network trial could attract new customers and create additional revenue for the operator from selling LTE services as well as the compatible devices. However, the success of this campaign depends entirely on the strength of T-Mobile’s network. If the network fails, the operator will most likely lose some of its credibility.

The above item appeared in a recent issue of The Tarifica Alert, a weekly resource that analyzes noteworthy developments in the telecoms industry from around the world.

Tarifica is the global leader in monitoring and analyzing telecom pricing. Covering hundreds of operators in every region of the globe, Tarifica’s databases of mobile and fixed line data and voice tariffs are among the largest and most in-depth in the world. Tarifica is also a leading publisher of benchmark and other pricing reports, and its analysts are recognized authorities in the telecom industry, relied upon by operators and businesses worldwide for pricing insight and guidance. Click here to contact a Tarifica Analyst