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Sprint Intros Free Wi-Fi Calling for Some Smartphones

Feb 21, 2014, 9:41 AM by Eric M. Zeman

Sprint today announced the availability of Wi-Fi calling from select smartphones. The Samsung Galaxy Mega and the Galaxy S4 Mini will be the first two handsets able to use the service. Sprint says Wi-Fi calls can be made over any Wi-Fi network, such as those in the home, office, or in public. The Wi-Fi calling service includes unlimited, free voice calls and messaging in the U.S. Sprint says the ability to use Wi-Fi networks rather than its cellular network resolves issues such as in-building coverage. The application and service can be set up by device owners in a few simple steps. Galaxy Mega and S4 Mini owners will be notified through an over-the-air update when the service is available to them. Sprint said the update will be pushed out over the coming weeks. Sprint expects to add more phones to the service throughout the rest of the year.

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Samsung Galaxy Mega (CDMA)

6.3" display HD+ resolution
Snapdragon MSM8930AB processor 1.5 GB RAM
3,200 mAh battery
Memory Card Slot, Headphone Jack (3.5mm), NFC

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Comments

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rafster

Feb 21, 2014, 11:24 AM

Will this work internationally?

Will this work like TMobile's Wifi calling? If I travel to another country and connect to wifi, will I be charged for international roaming for calls and texts?

KOL4420

It will work similar to Tmo's WiFi calling in the USA. It will not work outside of the USA.

...

amarryat

For calls to/from the US, it should be free if you're overseas - once connected to wifi, it would make no difference (from Sprint's perspective) where you are.

That is my guess anyway.

...

johnhr2

Feb 21, 2014, 11:37 AM

Eventually...

I see a time where eventually all phones will have this option, to help off load more stress off of carrier's networks.

I see this as a double edge sword:
Pro:
1. Data, text, calling can be offloaded of carriers networks in big cities where congestion can be an issue.
Although they lose out on selling you a microCell for your home or business.//Still a pro for consumers

2. Businesses' can use their wifi network in their buildings if cell service is spotty

3. If your out of cell coverage (or out of country but I'm not sure?) but have wifi you can still use your phone.

Con:
1. This could give them less incentive to build out in rural areas, because if you have wifi at home why would you need to them to build out coverage to ...
(continues)

rafster

Your #2 and #3 Con:

#2 can be easily remedied by paying for higher speed ISP. Remember a router has capabilities to handle 250 devices (computers, printers, phones, tablets)
The company I work for has a 15 story building with over 2000 employees ...
(continues)

...

KOL4420

Interesting thought. For your pro point #3... Sprints intention with this feature is to provide you better coverage for domestic use.

With Sprint they block your international roaming on your phone to help you avoid unwanted international rates. Y...
(continues)

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