The increase in multimedia content and the influx of data hungry mobile devices on the communications landscape is seeing mobile operators scrambling to provide services even in areas that cannot be penetrated by mobile networks. EE has introduced a new service –VoWi-Fi – which can operate even when there is no cellular signal present or where there is poor coverage.
“There are places where we don’t currently penetrate. I’m not going to hide that. I run the best network and I put a lot of work in. But equally I can’t cover everywhere,” said Tom Bennett, director of network services and devices in Borehamwood, North London, EE, while speaking at the company’s test facility.
Although mobile coverage can be improve by sending mobile signals out on lower frequencies, there are some buildings like the ones in London’s Canary Wharf, where mobile signals just don’t penetrate. Voice over Wi-Fi or VoWi-Fi will allow enterprise-grade smartphones operate anywhere where there is a reliable Wi-Fi connection.
Essentially VoWi-Fi is VoIP with a Wi-Fi connection. VoIP uses a computer or a home gateway to connect to a broadband network, while VoWi-Fi is primarily accessed using mobile devices, such as tablets and smartphones.
Of course there is a slight snag with VoWi-Fi. The mobile handset that is being used has got to be compatible; signal has got to be sufficiently strong and wireless coverage extensive enough to ensure that the smartphones work in all the required places.
“It’s basically for new phones and we’re working on some of the existing phones in the EE range that are upgradable,” said Jones, adding that certain devices will be compatible after they receive a firmware update.
In essence, VoWi-Fi may work fine at home or office because there is a stable broadband connection behind the Wi-Fi network, but while on the go (where there is usually a wavy Wi-Fi connection), it may not work so well.
Currently, EE is talking with handset manufacturers to ensure that the new technology is built into the phone’s native dialer. Also, by embedding the controller in the access point, network latency is minimized. Hence, VoWi-Fi will be able to offer higher quality and greater degree of reliability than VoIP services.
Edited by Rory J. Thompson