Why in the news?
On New Year, BSNL announced the nationwide rollout of Voice over WiFi also called Wi Fi Calling across all telecom circles in India.
What is VoWiFi
Voice over WiFi is a telecom service that allows users to make and receive voice calls and SMS over a Wi Fi network instead of a mobile tower.
It uses IP Multimedia Subsystem and works with the same mobile number and default phone dialer without third party apps.
How it works
- Wi Fi connectivity: Phone connects to home, office, or public Wi Fi when cellular signal is weak or unavailable
- SIM based authentication: User identity is verified through the SIM, ensuring secure communication
- Internet routing: Voice is converted into data packets and transmitted over the internet
- Seamless handover: Calls automatically switch between Wi Fi and cellular networks without interruption
Key features
- IMS based service with smooth Wi Fi to mobile network transition
- Uses existing mobile number and handset dialer
- No additional charges for Wi Fi calls
- Improved indoor and remote area connectivity
- Reduces congestion on mobile networks
- Supported on most modern smartphones via a simple settings toggle
Significance
- Reliable calling in homes, offices, basements, and remote locations
- Useful in rural and underserved areas with broadband access such as Bharat Fiber
- Better call quality compared to weak cellular signals
- Enhances BSNL’s network modernization efforts
Prelims pointers
- VoWiFi requires a stable Wi Fi connection but no mobile signal
- Authentication is SIM based, unlike internet calling apps
- Offered free of cost as normal voice calls
| [2019] With reference to communication technologies, what is/are the difference/differences between LTE (Long-Term Evolution) and VoLTE (Voice over Long-Term Evolution)?Â
1. LTE is commonly marketed as 3G and VoLTE is commonly marketed as advanced 3G. 2. LTE is data-only technology and VoLTE is voice-only technology. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
