We knew for a couple of months now that U Mobile Wi-Fi Calling is going to be launched in Malaysia. The launch is expected this week.
What is Wi-Fi Calling? Instead of using U Mobile’s 2G/3G network to make/receive voice calls and send/receive SMS, users can make voice calls through a Wi-Fi network. That can include a Wi-Fi connection set up at home, or other WiFI hotspots, such as at a cafe or restaurant, even overseas. In most ways, it’s like any other normal call, and users still use regular phone numbers.
U Mobile’s WiFi calling is set to work on selected iPhone and Samsung models.
U Mobile iPhone users, including those on iPhone 5C/ iPhone 5S/ iPhone 6/ iPhone 6 Plus/ iPhone 6S/ iPhone 6S Plus/ should have received a carrier update on their smartphone last Saturday which enables support for Wi-Fi Calling.
To turn on Wi-Fi calling on iPhone, click Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling.
For Samsung models, U Mobile Wi-Fi should works on Samsung Galaxy S7 edge, Samsung Galaxy S7, Samsung Galaxy Note5, Samsung Galaxy S6 and likely the Samsung Galaxy S5 as well.
At this moment, our source indicated that U Mobile Wi-Fi calling is currently native, meaning it will only work on phones with Wi-Fi calling support from within iOS and Android. No application installation is required.
However, U Mobile is said to be working on a Wi-Fi calling Android mobile app allowing everyone else to use the service.
As for the rates, we were told that the service won’t be free, even when calls are made to another U Mobile number. The call rate for U Mobile Wi-Fi calling would follow the existing prepaid or postpaid plan that users are currently subscribed to. For example, a U Mobile P70 user would continue to enjoy unlimited local calls via Wi-Fi Calling. On the other hand, a Power Prepaid user would pay 10sen/min for all local calls.
U Mobile Wi-Fi will work overseas. If you’re going abroad and want to keep in touch, U Mobile Wi-Fi Calling allows you to call back family/friends in Malaysia at local rate or for free. You would only need a stable WiFi connection to make the call.
As for SMS, it is unclear if the service is activated for U Mobile Wi-Fi Calling, but the SMS rate is expected to follow customer’s existing rate plan as well.
More official details on Thursday.
