Analysis: Carrier outage? How to use Wi-Fi calling when your phone network goes down

Why Wi-Fi Calling Matters for North East India

In today's interconnected world, reliable communication is crucial, especially during emergencies. With the increasing frequency of network disruptions, understanding and utilizing Wi-Fi calling can be a lifesaver for residents of North East India. This feature allows users to make and receive calls even when traditional cellular service is unavailable.

Enabling Wi-Fi Calling on iPhone

Apple introduced Wi-Fi calling on the iPhone 5c, and most US carriers support this feature. To enable Wi-Fi calling on an iPhone, follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app and select Cellular.
2. Tap the entry for "Wi-Fi Calling" and turn on the switch for "Wi-Fi Calling on this iPhone" if it's off.
3. If prompted, enter your emergency address and agree to the terms and conditions.
4. Confirm that Wi-Fi calling is turned on by looking for the words "Wi-Fi" after your phone's carrier name.

Using Wi-Fi Calling on Android

Android devices have had Wi-Fi calling since 2015. Major US carriers such as Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile offer this feature. To enable Wi-Fi calling on Android:

1. On a standard Android phone, go to Settings, select Network & internet, tap SIMs, and then select the name of your mobile carrier. Swipe down the screen to the Calling section and select the option for Wi-Fi calling. Turn it on if it's off.
2. On a Samsung phone, open the Phone app, tap the three-dot icon and select Settings. Swipe down the Call settings screen, tap the option for Wi-Fi calling, and then turn it on. Set the Calling Preference to Wi-Fi preferred.

Leveraging Wi-Fi Calling in Emergencies

In situations where cellular service is down or unreliable, you can still make and receive calls using Wi-Fi. To do so, simply open the Phone app and place the call, either audio or video. After the other person answers, you should see a notice that the call is going through Wi-Fi.

Preparing for Potential Network Disruptions

In the North East region and across India, network disruptions can occur due to various reasons, such as natural disasters or technical issues. By familiarizing yourself with Wi-Fi calling and ensuring it is enabled on your device, you can be better prepared for such situations and maintain communication during emergencies.