BSNL launches Voice over Wi-Fi service nationwide

State-owned telecommunication service provider Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) on Thursday announced the rollout of Voice over Wi-Fi (VoWi-Fi), or Wi-Fi calling service, to all BSNL customers nationwide.

The service, now available across all telecom circles in the country, ensures seamless, high-quality connectivity to all BSNL customers.

Like VoLTE (Voice over LTE), VoWi-Fi calling brings together voice, video and data into a common platform, facilitating video calling, instant messaging, and conferencing over IP networks.

VoWiFi, which is an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS)-based service, helps users to make and receive clear and reliable voice calls and messages over a Wi-Fi network, especially in areas where mobile signals are weak, by allowing a smartphone to route voice and video calls over an internet connection rather than through the traditional cellular medium. 

The smartphone automatically switches the call to the Wi-Fi network in areas where the mobile signals are weak. This ensures better audio and video quality for the mobile phone user.

VoWi-Fi also ensures seamless connectivity between Wi-Fi and mobile networks, enabling users to make calls over existing mobile number and phone.

BSNL hopes to effectively use the VoWi-Fi service in rural and remote areas where access to mobile towers or BSNL’s cable service Bharat Fibre or other broadband services may be limited. 

BSNL’a VoWi-Fi service, which comes free-of-cost, will also help reduce network congestion.

Since most smartphones support VoWi-Fi, users can use the service just by enabling Wi-Fi calling in their handsets. BSNL is also providing device compatibility and support service to customers through its customer service centres and helpline (18001503).