What's The Difference Between WiFi Calling and VoIP?

As businesses embrace remote and hybrid working, we have seen an increasing number of organisations move away from their ageing physical PSTN and ISDN lines to more flexible and dynamic communication solutions.

First and foremost amongst these solutions is VoIP, however one concept you may have also started to hear more of is WIFI calling. There is sometimes confusion between VoIP and WIFI calling, but what are the differences between the two?

What is VoIP?

VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol and is the method VoIP phone systems use to send and receive phone calls over an Internet or 4G/5G data connection.

VoIP is a collection of technologies that convert analogue voice into digital data, and unlike PSTN calling, doesn’t require a dedicated physical phone line for calls to take place.

VoIP Positives

The pros of VoIP calling

• Voice calls can take place using a tiny amount of Internet bandwidth.
• Calls can be made using a variety of devices, including smartphones, desk phone and computers.
• VoIP supports a greater range of sound frequencies than analogue calls, resulting in greater call clarity and quality.
• VoIP offers cheaper call costs, and compared with traditional phone system, is more economical.
• VoIP phone systems provide advanced call features for large and small businesses.

VoIP Negatives

The cons of VoIP calling

• VoIP calls work best over a stable Internet or data connection
• As VoIP is Cloud-based, in emergency situations, it may be more difficult to track your location.
• VoIP phone systems may provide features that are in excess of what are needed for domestic or personal use.

What is WiFi Calling?

WiFi calling allows you to make voice calls using your mobile phone and WiFi, instead of a 4G or 5G cellular connection.

WiFi calling actually uses VoIP technology for calls and is usually a feature enabled by your cellular provider or mobile phone network. WiFi calling is also known as VoWiFi, which is short for Voice over WiFi.

WiFi Calling Positives

The pros of WiFi calling

• Can improve call quality where network coverage is weak.
• No additional hardware or software is needed.
• Can extend your mobile battery life.

WiFi Calling Negatives

The cons of WiFi calling

• WiFi calls are reliant on the feature being enabled on your cellular network.
• The feature is limited to mobile phones only.
• It is limited to your personal phone number.
• WiFi calling doesn’t offer additional business features.

VoIP vs. WIFI Calling

WiFi calling is typically a feature of your cellular network or mobile phone, whereas VoIP technologies have been predominantly harnessed for business implementation in the form of VoIP phone systems. With these business implementations come a variety of professional features such as call recording, call queuing, IVR call menus and more. In comparison, WiFi calling is largely used in personal or non-business settings.

Business VoIP opens up possibilities of multi-line calling and advanced location-independent call handling. Unlike WiFi calling, it isn’t tethered to a personal number and in fact offers the capability to take dedicated landline numbers with you wherever you go. Organisations will also benefit from the flexibility offered by VoIP which allows calls to be taken via VoIP phones, smartphones and computers.

So, while WiFi calling can provide improved calling for domestic use, for businesses looking to make the step up, a VoIP phone system is the option to pick.

For more information about how VoIP phone systems can lift your business capabilities and productivity, get in touch today.