(Image Credit: iStockPhoto/adventtr)
Ericsson has enhanced its WiFi calling solution by adding multi-device functionality to meet growing demand from operators and consumers. The upgraded service enables customers to move calls between WiFi-enabled devices while maintaining full voice service continuity.
The improved offering delivers greater value to consumers and creates new revenue opportunities for operators. Ericsson ConsumerLab research indicates that 61 percent of respondents make more frequent and longer voice calls, and half report replacing some over‑the‑top app communications with WiFi calling.
Customers will be hoping that more operators adopt multi-device WiFi calling solutions
Operators worldwide provide varying levels of WiFi calling—some, like Vodafone, have launched nationwide services—but not all support seamless use across multiple devices whether the user is on WiFi or cellular. That gap makes multi-device WiFi calling a strong differentiator for forward‑looking operators.
Apple introduced native multi‑device WiFi calling with iOS 8, although in the United States that capability has been available only through certain carriers. Consumers stand to benefit if more operators adopt multi‑device WiFi calling solutions such as Ericsson’s, especially in locations with weak cellular coverage where seamless handover and expanded coverage matter most.
Anders Olin, Head of Product Area Network Functions at Ericsson, commented: “While natively integrated WiFi calling in smartphones has been commercially available for some time, both consumers and operators can benefit from extending this functionality to multiple devices. We are excited to launch WiFi calling for multi‑device, which is a clear example of how Ericsson’s technology leadership is helping to create differentiated user experiences.”
Ericsson’s latest solution includes product support across Evolved Packet Core (EPC), IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), User Data Management (UDM) and OSS/BSS, together with integration services. The WiFi calling package supports customer call management scenarios such as simultaneous calls on multiple devices and transferring an active call to another device.
Further information on Ericsson’s WiFi calling solution can be found on Ericsson’s website.
What do you think about Ericsson’s multi‑device WiFi calling solution? Let us know in the comments.