About one month after being handed its Federal Communications Commission (FCC) waiver, Verizon will become the last major United States wireless carrier to roll out Wi-Fi calling, which will be available for some Android smartphones this week, and iPhone devices early next year. The U.S. telecom announced on December 4, Friday that it will offer the service to owners of Samsung's Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge models starting on Tuesday. This feature allows Verizon customers to make and receive calls in areas where the carrier's network provides a weak signal or no coverage.
The telecommunications giant explained that Samsung's Android phones will get the software update in phases. Other Android smart phones and Apple's iPhone handsets will receive the Wi-Fi calling service in early 2016.
Although the Wi-Fi calling feature will not add any extra monthly charges, it could boost bills. Calls made to U.S. numbers will be gratis, but international calls will be billed at global long-distance rates, according to ZDNet.
Verizon's new feature is part of its Advanced Calling voice-over Long-Term Evolution (LTE) service. It runs on Internet tech and includes features such as crisper calls, and voice and video services, according to CNET.
The Wi-Fi calling service is being rolled out soon after the FCC issued Verizon a waiver. It was required as the service fails to meet FCC rules for hearing and speech-impaired people.
Verizon's move follows T-Mobile, Sprint, and AT&T, which have already launched a Wi-Fi calling feature. The main goals are to extend their voice network coverage and boost call quality.
Here is an explanation of Wi-Fi calling: