The Russian operator VimpelCom (Beeline trademark) announced the launch of the VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi) service in Moscow and the Moscow region in a pilot mode.
Beeline, controlled by the Veon Group, said that this technology will allow subscribers to make and receive voice calls over Wi-Fi networks in places with a weak mobile network signal.
The service is already available on smartphones from Samsung, including the flagship Galaxy S21 Ultra, it said.
The service itself is provided at no additional charge, but calls via Wi-Fi are charged as regular voice calls and are included in tariff minute packages.
To connect it, the customer needs to enable the “Wi-Fi Calling” function in the smartphone settings. The smartphone must be connected to a Wi-Fi network with internet access.
Dmitry Mashin, director of the Moscow region of VimpelCom, said that the launch of VoWiFi technology is a continuation of the systematic development of the network in the Moscow region.
Dmitry added: "Now Beeline customers will not miss an important call, even in those places where the mobile signal is unstable – in basements, underground parking lots, or on the top floors of tall buildings."
