14 DAY TRIAL // Today, wireless carrier T-Mobile USA announced officially its plans to make Wi-Fi Calling technology available for its subscribers with Android-based mobile phones.
According to the company, built-in Wi-Fi Calling solutions were planned to be included in its Android offering starting with the recently announced T-Mobile myTouch and Motorola DEFY with MOTOBLUR.
At the same time, the carrier notes that it hosts a number of over 40 million Wi-Fi calls per month, and that the number is growing steadily since the initial launch of Wi-Fi Calling back in June 2007.
Through this feature, the carrier's customers would benefit from enhanced coverage, while its business customers can enjoy reduced domestic and international minute usage, along with increased mobility cost savings and more.
Currently, T-Mobile customers can enjoy Wi-Fi Calling on various handsets at the carrier, including the Nokia E73 Mode, BlackBerry Curve 8520, BlackBerry Bold 9700, and the new BlackBerry Curve 3G.
“T-Mobile’s expansion of Wi-Fi Calling to Android smartphones is an excellent innovation, and part of our ongoing initiatives on behalf of our customers to enhance indoor coverage,” said Torrie Dorrell, vice president, connected family products and services, T-Mobile USA.
“This new execution of Wi-Fi Calling technology helps us ensure that our customers’ Android-powered smartphones can keep them connected to the important people in their lives where they work, live or play.”
Wi-Fi Calling for Android smartphones comes via Kineto’s Smart Wi-Fi Application, and should be ready for use right out of the box, the company announced.
Through it, users can enjoy the ability to make voice calls and send SMS from Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n) access points around the world, while benefiting from the connectivity available on T-Mobile’s mobile network.
During the following months, more Android-based devices at T-Mobile should enjoy Wi-Fi Calling, the company announced, adding that the application would come with a tutorial aimed at first-time users.
The new T-Mobile myTouch with HSPA+ connectivity should hit the shelves at the wireless carrier in time for the holiday season in four colors - white, black, plum or red.
The Motorola DEFY with MOTOBLUR should arrive at T-Mobile in the coming weeks, exclusively on the operator's network.