Verizon launches voice-over-Wi-Fi for Apple iOS 9.3, set for automatic provisioning of VoLTE
Verizon Wireless is jumping on Apple’s latest mobile operating system roll out to insert enhanced call quality using voice-over-LTE and voice-over-Wi-Fi technologies.
The carrier said beginning March 24, all new Apple devices running Apple’s “newer” iOS will have the VoLTE-based Verizon HD Voice service enabled right out of the box instead of customers having to enable the service. Beginning March 21, devices running specifically the latest iOS 9.3 will have access to Verizon Wireless’ Wi-Fi Calling feature through a software update.
In addition to claims of better sound quality, the carrier said the HD Voice platform also support six-way calling; the ability to make calls over Wi-Fi from hot spot locations around the world with calls to U.S. phone numbers for free and those to international numbers billed at long distance rates; and the ability to support simultaneous voice calling and Web browsing. Verizon Wireless said it plans to add automatic provisioning of HD Voice to additional smartphones later this spring.
Verizon Wireless initially rolled out support for VoLTE services in 2014 ahead of Apple’s launch of its iPhone 6 models. The service was launched under the Advanced Calling 1.0 brand and required customers to go into their device settings to enable the service.
Verizon Wireless last year said it had garnered a temporary Federal Communications Commission exemption from rules requiring voice over Wi-Fi to accommodate hearing- and speech-impaired users. The carrier noted last month plans to commercially launch the Wi-Fi calling service in connection with the iOS 9.3 launch.
Customers looking to take advantage of the high-definition call service will need to be on either an LTE or Wi-Fi connection, with the person being calling also on a Verizon Wireless device with the service enabled and on an LTE or Wi-Fi connection. AT&T Mobility late last year said it had begun support of cross-carrier VoLTE service in “select areas,” which followed an announcement in late 2014 between AT&T Mobility and Verizon Wireless that they were working on cross-carrier VoLTE interoperability, with T-Mobile US also adding it was working with those carriers to further interoperability.
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