Wifi-calling
SURF is researching Wi-Fi calling as a new type of wireless application, which carries phone calls and text messages over the Wi-Fi network. It is a solution to indoor coverage problems. SURF is playing an important role in the effort to make Wi-Fi calling available and is providing advice on public tenders for telephone services.
Solution to indoor coverage problems
Wi-Fi calling is a cost-effective solution to the indoor coverage problems that users experience when calling from mobile devices inside buildings. The alternative solution of installing extra infrastructure to improve coverage in the building can be effective, but it is costly and often dependent on the provider. With Wi-Fi calling, the existing Wi-Fi network is used and therefore no extra modifications to the infrastructure are required.
Calling via a Wi-Fi network
With Wi-Fi calling, phone calls and text messages that are normally carried over the radio network (2G/3G/4G) of a mobile provider, are instead carried over the Wi-Fi network. This can be done with an app on the smartphone or a smartphone with native support for Wi-Fi calling.
SURF as a catalyst
Mobile providers in the Netherlands do not currently offer Wi-Fi calling. SURF is playing an important role in the effort to make Wi-Fi calling available in the Netherlands and is providing advice on public tenders for telephone services.