Vodafone UK Wi-Fi calling to launch on Samsung Galaxy S6 devices in Autumn

Vodafone’s Wi-Fi calling service will soon be available on the Samsung Galaxy S6 and Samsung Galaxy S6 edge in the UK. The service will be available to subscribers with a Pay monthly Red or Red Value Bundle, Red+ or Business Premier account.

The mobile telco’s nationwide Wi-Fi Calling system will go live this autumn, and lets subscribers make and take calls in more places, by hooking them up to Wi-Fi when there is no mobile signal. Vodafone launched the service earlier this month, but is playing catch-up when it comes to consumer mobile innovation in the UK, with EE having launched its Wi-Fi calling service back in April and Three recently unveiling its move to VoLTE.

The introduction of Wi-Fi Calling follows the rollout of Vodafone’s nationwide provision of HD (high definition) Voice technology, the roll-out of 4G+ (carrier aggregation) and the Vodafone Rural Open Sure Signal programme, which aims to give 100 remote communities mobile coverage for the first time.

Vodafone says its £2 billion UK investment programme during 2014 and 2015 will strengthen indoor and outdoor network coverage and give mobile internet access to more communities and businesses. It says 4G is now available in 648 cities, towns and districts of the UK, and in thousands of smaller communities.

However, the scheme was criticised in some quarters for its lack of inclusivity. “It’s bad news for pay as you go customers, who won’t be able to use Wi-Fi calling at all,” said consumer group Uswitch.com. “It’s worth noting that at the moment your phone won’t be able to switch from using mobile signal to Wi-Fi if you’re on a call on the move and the reception drops out,” it told readers.