My parents recently moved to a new home to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Their new place is near the hillside, and while they are super happy living in the suburbs, the sparse mobile network in the area is an issue.
Getting in touch with them has become quite a challenge, and it gets a little worrisome at times. But then, one of my friends offered a solution: Wi-Fi calling. Since my parents both have Consumer Cellular plans, I got curious whether the operator supports Wi-Fi calling or not.
Wi-Fi Calling with Consumer Cellular
Yes, Consumer Cellular does support Wi-Fi calling. However, there’s a catch. To use Wi-Fi calling, you need a smartphone that comes with support for this feature. But don’t worry; it’s easy to check for compatibility.
Simply go to your phone’s settings and search for “Wi-Fi calling.” Make sure not to confuse it with VoLTE, which means voice calling over LTE. Once you confirm that your phone supports Wi-Fi calling, you’re good to go.
Activating Wi-Fi Calling on Your Consumer Cellular Plan
Wi-Fi calling is already included in most Consumer Cellular plans, so in most cases, you won’t need to subscribe to a specific plan or pay any additional charges for Wi-Fi calling within the US. It’s a convenient way to improve your calling experience, especially if you have a stable internet connection at home.
To activate Wi-Fi calling on your phone, simply call the Consumer Cellular customer service and inquire if your plan already includes Wi-Fi calling. If not, the customer service team can activate the feature from the backend and help you find a plan that suits your needs.
Once the feature is activated on your plan, you’ll need to enable Wi-Fi calling on your phone. Here’s a step-by-step guide for both Android and iOS devices:
Android Phones:
- Ensure your Android OS is up to date.
- Open the “Settings” app.
- Go to “Mobile Network.”
- Enable “Wi-Fi Calling.”
- Customize preferences if desired.
- Register your address for emergency calls if required.
- Confirm Wi-Fi calling by making a test call while connected to Wi-Fi.
iOS Devices:
- Open “Settings.”
- Select “Phone.”
- Tap “Wi-Fi Calling.”
- Enable Wi-Fi calling.
- Provide an address for emergency calls if prompted.
- Wait for activation confirmation.
- Test Wi-Fi calling to verify.
How Wi-Fi Calling Works
Wi-Fi calling is a clever technology that leverages Wi-Fi to bridge cellular network calls. Instead of relying solely on the cellular signal for your calls, your phone can use the nearby Wi-Fi network to transmit the call data. This means that even in areas with poor cellular reception, you can still enjoy better call quality and coverage.
It’s like having a backup pathway for your calls, ensuring you can communicate effectively even in challenging network conditions. And the best part is that you don’t have to pay any additional charges or install applications to use this feature.
Wi-Fi Calling and Bandwidth Usage
If you’re worried about Wi-Fi calling consuming too much bandwidth, fret not. Wi-Fi calling typically uses very little bandwidth compared to activities like video streaming or online gaming. On average, a Wi-Fi call uses approximately 1-1.5 Mbps for both the upload and download speeds, which is minimal and should not strain most home Wi-Fi networks, even with multiple devices connected simultaneously.
However, it’s worth noting that the actual bandwidth usage may vary depending on the call quality, devices involved, and network conditions.
Wi-Fi Calling with BYOD Android Phones
While Wi-Fi calling with Consumer Cellular generally works well on Android phones originally associated with AT&T mobile plans, there can be noticeable connectivity issues when using a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Android phone. In such cases, reaching out to customer support may not always yield a satisfactory explanation or solution.
Conclusion
Consumer Cellular supports Wi-Fi calling, an excellent feature that allows you to make calls using a Wi-Fi network when the cellular network is weak. With no additional charges, you can activate Wi-Fi calling on your compatible smartphone and enjoy improved call quality and coverage. To know more about Consumer Cellular’s offerings, visit OnSpec Electronic, Inc..
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Frequently Asked Questions
What network does Consumer Cellular use?
Consumer Cellular uses two types of networks: AT&T and T-Mobile. This ensures broader coverage and reliable customer support.
Does Consumer Cellular have an activation fee?
No, Consumer Cellular does not have any activation fee. As a no-contract wireless provider, they prioritize simplicity and transparency for their customers.
