Cell C is now offering its customers Wi-Fi Calling. This offers extended coverage even when a person does not have cell phone coverage. According to the website, “it lets you turn any network into your own personal Cell C tower to make calls and send SMSs over a Wi-Fi network, using your current plan for no additional charges.”
However, to make use of this service, you need a Wi-Fi enabled cell phone and SIM card. The service is also only available to customers using Cell C Postpaid, Hybrid and Prepaid packages, according to the terms and conditions.
Using Wi-Fi calling
When using Wi-Fi calling you are not limited to contacting other Cell C customers. You can call anyone on any network, and they don’t need to be connected to a Wi-Fi network or have a Wi-Fi enabled phone to receive your call.
In addition Cell C highlighted: “Wi-Fi calling features are device dependent. Not all features are available on all devices. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are familiar with the particular features on your device for usage of the Wi-Fi calling service.
“The availability of Wi-Fi calling, as well as the strength of the Wi-Fi network, is not dependant on the Cell C network. Therefore, Cell C is not responsible for, and does not guarantee, the availability or quality of the Wi-Fi calling service.
“In the event of a weak Wi-Fi network signal, the Wi-Fi calling service may not be available. If a Wi-Fi call is made and the Wi-Fi network is weak or unstable, the call will not automatically change over to a circuit switch network. The Wi-Fi call will be terminated in this instance.”
You can also make use of Wi-Fi Calling when travelling abroad at no additional cost. Furthermore, you do not require activation of international roaming to make use of Wi-Fi Calling when using this service abroad.
Cell C explained: “Wi-Fi Calling allows you to connect to an international Wi-Fi network and make calls and send SMSs at your local Cell C tariff plan rates. You will get charged for all your calls as if you were in South Africa.”
When making use of this service, you are charged according to your current cell phone plan rates when making a call or sending an SMS over a Wi-Fi network. You also have the ability to check your voicemail, buy bundles and check your balance over a Wi-Fi network. “If you have inclusive value or free value on your current plan, your free value will be used first,” added Cell C.
Making a Wi-Fi call
According to Cell C, making a call via Wi-Fi Calling is simple. You have to follow four steps. These steps are:
- Connect to your preferred Wi-Fi network.
- Go into your settings on your phone and select "Wi-Fi Calling" to enable the service. You will now see the Wi-Fi Calling icon appear on the top of your screen.
- Once you connect for the first time, you will get a confirmation message - you're now ready to make calls and send SMSs.
- Dial the number on your keypad like you would normally do and press the 'call' button. This button will change to a Wi-Fi Calling button which means you are calling over a Wi-Fi network.