Your phone says "Telstra Wi-Fi Call" because the Wi-Fi Calling feature is active, using your Wi-Fi network to make/receive calls instead of the weaker mobile signal, seamlessly routing them through Telstra's network for clear calls in poor coverage areas, especially indoors or in blackspots. It's a built-in service for Telstra customers with compatible devices and plans, offering better quality and reliability when cellular service is patchy.
Some carriers support a newer called called ``Wi-Fi Calling'' which eliminates the need for a cell network to place or receive calls. Having this feature turned on will indicate next to the cell signal bars when WiFi will be used in place of a cell network. For example, my Verizon iPhone supports Wi-Fi Calling.
To make sure you get the best possible signal during mobile phone calls, keeping WiFi calling on is a good idea. If you are using a public WiFi network (at a cafe or hotel, for instance), the network's signal strength might not be as strong as at your home.
Wi-Fi calls are usually charged like a normal call and either deducted from your relevant call allowances or charged at standard rates for the call type. So, as long as the Wi-Fi you access is free, there's normally no extra cost.
There's no additional charge to use Wi-Fi Calling on a Telstra mobile and the Wi-Fi data is unmetered if you're using a Telstra fixed broadband connection. Wi-Fi Calling allows you to make and receive calls to devices in Australia at no additional charge.
Dependent on WiFi quality: Perhaps the biggest drawback of WiFi calling is its reliance on a WiFi connection that is both stable and high-quality. If the WiFi signal is weak, call quality can suffer, leading to dropped calls, or poor audio.
WiFi Calling costs
Your existing call and text charges are the same when you use WiFi Calling. Calls and texts still come from any allowances or packs you may have. For usage beyond your allowances, charges will be at your standard rates – for details, see mobile phone price plans.
Most of the time, Wi-Fi calling doesn't cost anything extra on top of what you already pay for internet or mobile network usage. Smartphones from Apple, Samsung, and other manufacturers come with built-in Wi-Fi calling.
This is the same technology used by apps like Skype or WhatsApp, but with WiFi calling, you don't need a separate app.
With Wi-Fi Calling, you can make or receive a phone call if you have a Wi-Fi connection in an area with little or no cellular coverage. Learn how to make a voice call using Wi-Fi Calling.
This will cause your phone stutter and drop calls, which can get frustrating fast. If you'd like to turn off WiFi calling on your phone and just stick to using your cellular plan for calls, it's easy to disable this feature.
Routers are designed to be left on around the clock and draw very little electricity. The total cost of leaving a router powered on 24/7 for a year is around $5.00. Network Security – In a general sense, when a connected device is powered down and, therefore, offline, it cannot be attacked by cybercriminals.
As long as your phone supports Wi-Fi calling, you can enable it in just a few clicks and even leave it on if you want. Your phone should automatically detect if your Wi-Fi connection is stronger than your mobile network connection and seamlessly switch between the two whenever your coverage changes.
It's usually best to keep Wi-Fi calling turned on, especially if you often find yourself in areas with weak cellular coverage or when traveling internationally. Having it enabled ensures that your phone can automatically switch to Wi-Fi to keep calls and texts connected when cell signal isn't reliable.
Restart your phone
The easiest and often the most effective way to resolve a no service or signal issue on an Android device or Samsung phone is to restart it. Doing so will reset any processes that may be interfering with your device's performance. Here's how: Press and hold the power button to turn off your device.
What are the disadvantages of Wi-Fi Calling?
No extra charges
It comes out of your monthly tariff allowances – or be charged at the normal tariff rate. If your WiFi connection is free or unlimited, there'll be nothing extra to pay. If your WiFi connection has an allowance, however, your call will come out of that. If your device supports SMS services over WiFi.
Using WhatsApp requires an internet connection through either a mobile data network or Wi-Fi. Data charges may apply for these services. For information about data charges, contact your mobile provider. Data charges might also apply if you're roaming, or using your device's default messaging or calling system.
USES YOUR EXISTING PHONE NUMBER
With Wi-Fi Calling, you can use your service without the hassle of additional log-ins, new numbers or extra apps.
Secure connection availability
Using cellular data can offer a more secure connection vs. connecting to an unfamiliar WiFi network. Mobile service providers typically encrypt cellular data connections by default, providing a higher level of security than some public WiFi networks.
You use WiFi data for WiFi calling. Charges may apply through the WiFi service provider. This happens most often when you're in an international location. For example, if you're using WiFi that you paid for — like at a hotel — you'll still use that WiFi data when you make or receive calls using WiFi calling.
WiFi calling allows you to use the signal from your broadband to make calls. It's designed to keep you connected if the phone signal isn't strong. There's a setting in your phone settings to turn it off, if you want to.
Not all devices support calling via WiFi.
WiFi calls are supported by most recent Android phones and iPhones. Go to Settings and search for the feature to check your phone's connectivity, or check with your carrier.
Wi-Fi calling lets you make and receive calls over a Wi-Fi network instead of a traditional cellular service. This technology is especially valuable in locations with poor cellular coverage but stable internet access. The Wi-Fi calling feature changes how you communicate, particularly when cellular signals fail.