EE launches the UK's first standalone WiFi calling service

The UK's largest mobile operator EE has launched a standalone WiFi calling service to emerge as the first UK operator to do so. The service would be available to over 5 million pay monthly subscribers by summer.

According to a survey by the operator, which boasts 28 million connections, 4 million people lose their network connection in at least one room in their house.

The new service was the first that did not need need an app to work and would allow people to use their WiFi connection to make calls and send texts, and would work on the Microsoft Lumia 640, Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 edge (set to release on Friday) initially.

WiFi Calling from EE would use a phone's standard dialer and contacts book to make calls using a home or office WiFi connection, meaning it did not require an app like over-the-top services such as Viber or Three's inTouch, which was launched last year.

According to EE CEO Olaf Swantee, losing coverage at home was a major frustration, and WiFi Calling would make a real difference to millions of customers across the UK, from basement flats in London to the most rural homes in the country.

According to EE, the move would particularly benefit people who failed to get a connection or experienced dropped calls in their homes and offices.

Other firms too offered a similar service via apps, but according to EE its scheme was "seamless" as users were not required to do anything to switch between 3G/4G and wi-fi.

Commentators, however, pointed out that there were potential pitfalls.

According to EE, its Wi-fi Calling facility would initially be limited to monthly pay subscribers using Samsung's Galaxy S6 and S5 phones and Microsoft's new Lumia 640, although the BBC understood the iPhone 5S and newer Apple handsets would also be supported.
 
Since it required specific mobile data components to be built into the devices, it was not possible to extend to other older models. compatible own-brand budget smartphone.

To avail the service users need to the firm a single text message.

"We have worked more than a year to make sure that everything works like a normal phone connection," Olaf Swantee, EE's chief executive, told the BBC.

"So, the ringtone, the voicemail, the quality of the conversation - all of that is exactly the same with our solution.

"I think that's essential as customers don't have the time to figure out whether they should be using an app.