BSNL Launches Nationwide Wi-Fi Calling to Bridge India's Digital Divide

BSNL has launched Voice over WiFi (VoWiFi) services nationwide, making it available to all customers across every telecom circle. The service is designed to provide clear and reliable voice calls over a Wi-Fi connection, particularly benefiting users in rural, remote, or low-signal areas like basements. It operates using the customer's existing mobile number without requiring any third-party applications. This rollout is a key part of BSNL's network modernization and commitment to bridging the digital divide in underserved regions.

Key Points: BSNL Launches Free Nationwide Voice over WiFi (VoWiFi)

  • Free service for all BSNL customers
  • Enhances connectivity in rural/remote areas
  • Uses existing number, no app needed
  • Reduces network congestion
2 min read

BSNL launches Voice over WiFi services nationwide to connect underserved areas

BSNL rolls out free Voice over WiFi nationwide, enabling calls over Wi-Fi in areas with poor mobile signals to improve rural and remote connectivity.

BSNL launches Voice over WiFi services nationwide to connect underserved areas
"VoWiFi enables customers to make and receive voice calls and messages over a Wi-Fi network, ensuring clear and reliable connectivity in areas with weak mobile signal. - Ministry of Communications"

New Delhi, Jan 1

The government on Thursday announced the nationwide rollout of Voice over WiFi, also known as Wi-Fi Calling, on New Year.

This advanced service is now available to all BSNL customers across every telecom circle in the country, ensuring seamless and high-quality connectivity even in challenging environments, said Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), India's premier state-owned telecommunications provider.

The service is now available to BSNL customers across all telecom circles in the country.

According to BSNL, the service is particularly beneficial in rural and remote areas where mobile coverage may be limited, provided a stable Wi-Fi connection is available, including BSNL Bharat Fiber or other broadband services.

VoWiFi also helps reduce network congestion and is offered free of cost, with no additional charges for Wi-Fi calls.

"VoWiFi enables customers to make and receive voice calls and messages over a Wi-Fi network, ensuring clear and reliable connectivity in areas with weak mobile signal such as homes, offices, basements, and remote locations," Ministry of Communications said in a statement.

VoWiFi is an IMS-based service that supports seamless handovers between Wi-Fi and mobile networks.

Calls are made using the customer's existing mobile number and phone dialer, without the need for third-party applications.

"VoWiFi is supported on most modern smartphones. Customers only need to enable Wi-Fi Calling in their handset settings. For device compatibility and support, customers may visit the nearest BSNL customer service centre or contact the BSNL helpline - 18001503," said the ministry.

The launch of VoWiFi is an important step in BSNL's network modernisation programme and its commitment to improving connectivity across the country, especially in underserved areas, said the ministry in a statement.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Great initiative, but the real test is the quality of BSNL's own Bharat Fiber in these remote areas. The service is only as good as the underlying broadband. Hope they've strengthened that infrastructure first.
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Ananya R
Finally! My society basement has been a dead zone for years. No more running upstairs to take a call. Hope all smartphone brands properly support the feature. Well done BSNL! 🙌
V
Vikram M
As a frequent traveler to rural project sites, this is excellent news. Reliable communication is crucial. The fact that it uses your existing number and dialer, no extra app, is a smart, user-friendly move.
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Karthik V
Private operators have had this for a while. Good to see BSNL catching up, especially for underserved areas. The 'free of cost' aspect is key. Hope the customer service helpline is actually responsive to setup queries.
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Priya S
This will be a blessing for so many students in remote locations who rely on mobile data for online classes. Clear voice calls over Wi-Fi can improve their learning experience. A positive step for education too.

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