WiFi Calling and VoLTE to hit every Telstra MVNO

As of today, WiFi Calling and VoLTE (Voice over 4G) will roll out to all Telstra-powered providers.

The features will automatically be applied to all Telstra Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO), and won’t require customers or providers to opt-in. Those on compatible devices will simply gain access to the new features.

Existing Telstra MVNO customers may have already noticed text reading "Telstra Wi-Fi call" in the top left corner of their iOS device, where the network name normally sits. If this is visible while connected to WiFi, then WiFi calling is active and ready to use.

WiFi calling allows users to make phone calls using an existing internet connection, rather than using a mobile network. The concept has potential to connect more rural and regional Australians that tend to struggle with dead zones and coverage black spots.

VoLTE or Voice Over LTE (Long-Term Evolution), uses 4G to make phone calls rather than dropping down to 3G. This enables users to bypass the congestion on 3G networks and use 4G where available to make clearer calls in more places.

Vodafone and Optus opened up these features to MVNOs in 2021 but there are still only a handful of providers offering WiFi calling and VoLTE on these networks.

Anula Wiwatowska

Offsite Editorial Lead | Instagram

Anula is the Off-Site Editorial Lead for WhistleOut Australia, and an award winning tech journalist. She has been writing about the Australian telco industry, and consumer technology for over five years, and has been known to tell her Uber driver which phone they should upgrade to next.

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