Verizon Unveils Wi-Fi Calling Capabilities

Verizon (VZ) has introduced Wi-Fi calling for the Samsung Galaxy S 6 and Samsung Galaxy S 6 Edge smartphones. 

The telecommunications giant also said additional Android and iOS devices will receive Wi-Fi Calling capabilities via future software updates expected early next year.

“Verizon customers with Advanced Calling on two different Samsung smartphones can make and receive calls and initiate video calls over a Wi-Fi Internet connection,” a Verizon spokesperson wrote in a blog post. “Verizon customers already enjoy the largest and most reliable wireless network in the United States, and Advanced Calling with Wi-Fi Calling provides an alternative for those who wish to use Wi-Fi in the home, office or while traveling.”

Verizon in October petitioned the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for a waiver that would enable it to offer Wi-Fi calling features to its customers.

The move came after AT&T (T) added Wi-Fi calling features on devices compatible with iOS 9.

Expect the demand for Wi-Fi calling to increase as well.

Market research firm Strategy Analytics has predicted the demand for Wi-Fi calling will “rapidly grow” over the final three months of this year. 

“Because it offers better voice in more places, Wi-Fi Calling will move quickly from being a first mover differentiator to standard table stakes — a service that subscribers come to expect from their mobile service provider,” Susan Welsh de Grimaldo, Strategy Analytics’ director of wireless operator strategies, said in a prepared statement.

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