AppleInsider Staff
Although Apple didn't have time to discuss iOS 8's Wi-Fi calling capabilities at Monday's Worldwdie Developers Conference, carriers supporting the service — like Canadian provider Rogers — have been quite vocal about the upcoming operating system's new capability.
One day after WWDC kicked off with a jam packed two-hour keynote presentation full of announcements and surprises, Rogers Wireless told iPhone in Canada that its network will support the new Wi-Fi calling feature to be introduced in iOS 8 later this fall.
We'll support the iOS 8 Wi-Fi calling feature when it becomes available in Canada. In the meantime, Rogers customers using the Rogers One Number service on their computer, tablet or smartphone can already make calls over Wi-Fi. They can video chat with other Rogers One Number users or call any Canadian number for free, no matter where they are.
Canada has been included in Apple's day-one rollouts for most every product in recent memory, usually being lumped in with America. Exceptions to the rule include content services, the most recent example being iTunes Radio. With a major release like iOS, however, Canada is expected to be in the launch group.
As noted by the publication, Canadians face roaming charges when traveling to the U.S., meaning iOS 8's new Wi-Fi calling feature could be a boon for both customers and wireless operators.
So far only one U.S. carrier has confirmed compatibility with its network. T-Mobile issued a statement on Monday saying it would offer support for Apple's iOS 8 Wi-Fi calling solution when the operating system launches.
Malcolm Owen
Oliver Haslam
Andrew O'Hara
Wesley Hilliard
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
22 Comments
great, I think that makes two counting T-Mobile.
I was under the impression it doesn't need carrier support, the Mac just makes the call via Ethernet/wifi to the iPhone which actually connects over the cellular network and places the call. It's VoIP to iPhone, then standard GSM/3/4G onwards.
I do not understand why carriers need to support wifi calling. they're support is not needed to support VoIP (like Skype) and why would they have to support a mac connecting with an iPhone to make a normal call?
I do not understand why carriers need to support wifi calling. they're support is not needed to support VoIP (like Skype) and why would they have to support a mac connecting with an iPhone to make a normal call?
That's not what Wi-Fi calling is... Wi-Fi calling is a feature on T-Mobile (currently only supported by android and windows phone), that will use your wi-fi connection to make calls when your cellular connection is weak.
ah. peculiar. most if the time, the wifi connection is worse than the cellular connection. No public wifi connections, in my experience, are good enough to support VoIP. Do calls switch automatically mid-use, or does the phone chose the better signal when starting the call?