The problem with Wi-Fi Calling

TOPICS:

A couple of weeks ago, I ran an article about cell phone signal boosters. I run a lot of this sort of article, because after all this blog is affiliated with Solid Signal. We sell a lot of cell phone signal boosters. I happen to think that cell boosters are awesome and I don’t understand why more people don’t buy them. I do understand this though, based on some of the comments I get. People think that if they have Wi-Fi calling, they don’t need a cell booster.

Who doesn’t love Wi-Fi calling?

Wi-Fi calling is an option found on pretty much every Android and iPhone. It’s available through pretty much every carrier. It’s a great low-cost way to improve your voice service in the home or office. Wi-Fi calling uses your Wi-Fi network for voice traffic instead of using the cell network. It’s a pretty neat trick.

Except, there’s one problem

In order to use Wi-Fi calling, you need to be using Wi-Fi. Even if you have good Wi-Fi throughout the house, this doesn’t really solve the problem. Or rather, it solves it for you but not for anyone else.

Wi-Fi calling uses your wireless network, of course. So anyone who uses Wi-Fi calling in your house needs to be connected to your Wi-Fi. This is obviously fine for you and your family. What about your friends? Do you let them connect to your Wi-Fi when they come over? What about relatives who come to visit? What about a repair person who needs to make a phone call in order to help you get what you needs?

The point here is that in order to use Wi-Fi calling, you’re connecting people to your home network. Maybe these are people you trust, or maybe they’re just going to be there for a little while. Either way, you’re making them type a (hopefully long and confusing) list of letters and numbers in, just to connect so they can make a call. That doesn’t sound very friendly or hospitable.

What about guest networks?

A lot of you tech-savvy folks probably have a guest network set up in your house so people can connect easily without a long password. A guest network also means that your other computers are more secure. It solves the problem of Wi-Fi calling somewhat, I guess. You still have to tell people to connect, although the issue of the password isn’t there.

But ask yourself, how many people do you know who can properly set up a guest network? Chances are most people you know can’t. So is Wi-Fi calling a good choice for them? Probably not.

Here’s how you get rid of Wi-Fi calling headaches

I’ll say it again. Wi-Fi calling is great if you know how to set it up and if you’re already connected to home Wi-Fi. It’s not a great solution for public spaces like stores, and it’s not good for people who come to your home once or twice. It can be a lot of trouble, honestly.

If only there were a simple solution that just made the cell service in your house better.

Of course there is, and that’s the point. A cell phone signal booster will provide clear calls and fast data without connecting to anyone’s internet. If you have as little as one bar outside, then you’ll have great coverage inside. You can generally install it yourself and it’s a solution that doesn’t have a monthly charge.

I’m telling ya, just get a cell booster. Unless you’re willing to be forever beholden to giving people access to your Wi-Fi, just get a cell booster. You’ll be happy you did. You’ll find a great selection of the best ones when you shop at SolidSignal.com. If you’re not sure which one is right for you, ask the experts! We have folks standing by who will help you figure out the right choice for spaces from 10 to 100,000 square feet. Call us at 888-233-7563 during East Coast business hours. If it’s after hours, no problem! Fill out the form below. We’ll get back to you, usually within one business day.

About the Author

Stuart Sweet
Stuart Sweet is the editor-in-chief of The Solid Signal Blog and a "master plumber" at Signal Group, LLC. He is the author of over 10,000 articles and longform tutorials including many posted here. Reach him by clicking on "Contact the Editor" at the bottom of this page.