[Sticky] Rogers, Fido 21.1 Carrier Update Released for iPhone Wi-Fi Calling [u]

Just in time for iOS 9’s release (available now!), Rogers and Fido have released their 21.1 carrier update, to bring support for Wi-Fi calling for iPhone users.

Rogers wifi calling

As promised, the update brings Wi-Fi calling support iPhone 5c/5s users or newer. Once the carrier update is installed (it should pop up when you go to Settings > General > About), just enable Wi-Fi Calling by going to Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling > ON.

Once you enable the feature, you’re taken to a page to agree to terms and conditions and also an E911 Address page (thanks @Alan_3000):

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The feature allows iPhone users with no cellular signal to continue to receive and make voice calls and send/receive text messages when connected to Wi-Fi. This is helpful if you’re in a basement or area with no cell coverage.

Wi-Fi Calling on iPhone requires carrier support to enable it, and Rogers is the first of the Big 3 to support it in Canada. TELUS already confirmed it will not support the feature at this time.

UPDATE: We should have clarified the following from the Rogers Wi-Fi Calling FAQ–One Number needs to be disabled plus the following other features, for Wi-Fi Calling to work:

Are there any services that will not work with Wi-Fi Calling?

Customers with select features and services, including any of the following, will not have access to Wi-Fi Calling:

  • Data blocking

  • Ringback tunes

  • Advanced Call Manager

  • Teletypewriter

  • Rogers One NumberTM

UPDATE 2: If you’re on iOS 9 or iOS 9.1 beta, you need to downgrade to get the carrier settings update. Restore your device in iTunes via DFU mode.

UPDATE 3: Fido has not enabled Wi-Fi Calling yet. Doesn’t work, we’ve tried.

Let us know how Wi-Fi Calling works on your iPhone in the comments below (that is if you can download iOS 9 right now as Apple’s servers are being slammed).

Update 4, Sept. 17, 10AM PDT: Fido Wi-Fi Calling was successfully activated! I disabled Wi-Fi, then tried it and it worked.

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Update Sept. 18: Rogers emailed us to say “the issue some customers were having enabling the Wi-Fi Calling feature is fixed.”

In addition, the company said “We’re offering Wi-Fi Calling on a number of devices which really allows a large segment of customers to take advantage of this exciting new feature,” which alludes to the difference in how Bell will only support iPhone 6s models with WiFi Calling.

Update Nov. 16: Are you traveling while using Rogers or Fido Wi-Fi Calling? You will not be charged for the following while you are roaming, according to Fido’s FAQ:

  • (1) All text messages and calls you get from anywhere in the world
  • (2) All text messages and calls you make or send to a Canadian number

But if you make calls or texts to a U.S. number, you will be charged accordingly.

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