In a significant move to bolster its service offerings ahead of its planned 5G foray, state-owned telecom operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has officially launched its Wi-Fi Calling feature across India. This service allows BSNL customers to make and receive voice calls over a Wi-Fi network at no extra cost, addressing call quality issues in areas with weak mobile signals.
What is BSNL's Wi-Fi Calling and How Does It Work?
BSNL's Wi-Fi Calling, or VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi), is a technology that routes voice calls through a broadband internet connection instead of the traditional cellular network. This feature is now live for all BSNL mobile users nationwide. The primary advantage is significantly improved call clarity and connectivity in locations where cellular reception is poor, such as inside buildings, basements, or remote rural areas, provided a stable Wi-Fi network is available.
The service is completely free for BSNL subscribers, with calls charged as per their existing mobile plan. There is no need for a separate app; the functionality is built directly into the smartphone's native dialer. To use it, customers simply need a Wi-Fi Calling compatible handset and must enable the feature in their phone's network settings.
A Strategic Step Before the 5G Ambition
This nationwide rollout is a key part of BSNL's strategy to enhance its value proposition and retain customers as it prepares for a major technological leap. The telecom operator, in collaboration with the Indian government, is targeting a full-scale deployment of its 5G network by 2026.
The introduction of free Wi-Fi Calling serves multiple purposes. It immediately improves the user experience for millions of existing subscribers, making BSNL's services more competitive against private players like Jio and Airtel, who already offer similar features. Furthermore, it helps offload voice traffic from the cellular spectrum, which can improve overall network efficiency and readiness for future data-centric 5G services.
How to Activate and Use BSNL Wi-Fi Calling
Activating the service is straightforward for most users. First, ensure your smartphone supports Wi-Fi Calling. Most modern Android devices and iPhones from recent years have this capability. The steps generally involve:
- Connecting your phone to a Wi-Fi network.
- Going to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks on Android or Settings > Cellular > Wi-Fi Calling on iPhone.
- Enabling the Wi-Fi Calling toggle.
Once activated, your phone will automatically switch to Wi-Fi Calling when the cellular signal is weak but Wi-Fi is strong. The dialer screen will typically display a "Wi-Fi Call" or similar icon to indicate the call is using this technology. It's important to note that the quality of the call is dependent on the speed and stability of the Wi-Fi connection being used.
Implications and the Road to 2026
The launch positions BSNL as a more robust player in the Indian telecom landscape. By offering a reliable free calling feature over Wi-Fi, BSNL directly tackles one of the most common customer pain points: dropped calls and poor voice quality. This move is expected to improve customer satisfaction and could potentially attract new users looking for affordable and reliable calling solutions, especially in semi-urban and rural regions where connectivity can be inconsistent.
This initiative is seen as a foundational step in BSNL's larger revival plan, which is heavily backed by the Indian government. The successful implementation and adoption of VoWiFi will provide the company with crucial operational experience in managing internet-protocol-based voice services, which are integral to next-generation 5G networks. As BSNL works towards its 2026 deadline for 5G services, such customer-centric upgrades are vital for building a loyal subscriber base that will transition to its new high-speed network.
