Rogers, Fido Launching iPhone Wi-Fi Calling for iOS 9 Users

A year ago Rogers confirmed with us they intended to support iOS 8’s new Wi-Fi calling feature, but nothing materialized, much to the dismay of customers, and with no explanation why there was a delay.

Now, it appears the carrier will actually launch Wi-Fi calling for iPhone users running iOS 9, according to internal documents detailing training of staff at retail and call centres around the feature, reports MobileSyrup.

The feature is being touted as a solution for customers in areas with poor reception, such as within basements of buildings and other environments with thick walls, such as in some high rise towers. Wi-Fi calling will allow customers to still receive SMS and MMS messages when no cellular reception is available, and will still take from your account’s plan.

The document details postpaid Fido customers will also have access to the feature, along with postpaid Rogers customers.

MobileSyrup says “The document we received notes that a “new, anticipated Apple device” will already have iOS 9 installed,” which most probably assume will be the next-gen ‘iPhone 6s’ expected to be announced on September 9 (if BuzzFeed’s John Paczkowski is right, yet again).

Apple states Wi-Fi calling will be supported on the iPhone 5c, iPhone 5s, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. The feature is turned off by default and must be turned on by going to Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling > ON.

You’ll know Wi-Fi Calling is active when it appears after your carrier’s name, so in the case of Rogers or Fido customers, they’ll see “Rogers Wi-Fi” or “Fido Wi-Fi” within their iPhone’s status bar. At this time, Wi-Fi calling is not supported on Apple Watch.

Currently, Wi-Fi calling is available in the U.S. on Sprint, T-Mobile and soon for AT&T customers on iOS 9 beta. It has been widely available in Hong Kong on carriers 3, SmarTone, and in the United Kingdom on carrier EE.

Are you excited to get Wi-Fi Calling support for your iPhone on Rogers and Fido (postpaid customers) once iOS 9 is out?

 

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