Poor mobile accessibility? The solution is already in your phone.
Dropped calls. Poor indoor coverage. Sky-high international data plans. You know the drill. Mobile coverage in the Netherlands isn't uniform everywhere, and at home, you might only have a couple of bars of signal in the garden. Yet, many people continue to struggle with their mobile connection, even though the solution has been in their phones for years.
Wi-Fi calling sounds like a technical thing, something you have to pay extra for or need a special app for. But here's what no one tells you: your iPhone already does it automatically without you even realizing it. In fact, it doesn't cost you anything extra, and your Wi-Fi assistant takes care of everything in the background. All you have to do is flip a switch —and most people forget even that. A simple software update can also do wonders for your connection.
Useful links
- Refurbished iPhone collection - All models support Wi-Fi calling
- Refurbished iPad collection - Also suitable for FaceTime via Wi-Fi
- Accessories - For optimal audio quality during calls
What exactly is WiFi calling?
Wi-Fi calling, also known as VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi), is a technology that allows you to make phone calls using your internet connection instead of the mobile network. What's special about it? You simply use your regular phone number, without any special apps or additional accounts. The other person won't notice a difference—you'll still be reachable on your mobile number.
This feature is built into modern smartphones. All iPhones from the iPhone 5s onward support it, as do most Android devices from the past five years. All you need is a working Wi-Fi connection and a carrier that supports the service—which, thankfully, is the case with all major carriers in the Netherlands.
The real benefits at a glance
The biggest advantage is, of course, the improved reachability. In concrete office buildings, basements, or rural areas where mobile signal is weak, you'll remain reachable. But there are more advantages:
- No extra costs: Calls via WiFi are simply deducted from your normal bundle
- Savings abroad: Call the Netherlands from abroad at local rates
- Better call quality: HD voice often works better over Wi-Fi than over the mobile network
- Longer battery life: Your phone doesn't have to constantly search for a mobile signal
- Seamless switching: Modern devices automatically switch between Wi-Fi and mobile network
How to activate WiFi calling
On your iPhone
Activation is surprisingly simple. Go to Settings > Mobile Network > Wi-Fi Calling and turn on the switch. Some providers require you to enter your address once for emergency services. This is a legal requirement, as emergency services need to be able to determine your location.
On Android devices
The exact location varies by brand, but you'll usually find it under Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi Calling . Samsung users often find it under the Phone app > More options > Settings > Wi-Fi Calling .
When is WiFi calling really useful?
There are situations where this feature really makes a difference. Think of people working from home in new neighborhoods where mobile coverage isn't yet optimal. Or people living in older buildings with thick walls. Even in modern office buildings with special insulation, the mobile signal can be weak, even though the Wi-Fi connection is excellent.
When vacationing abroad, you can save significantly on roaming charges. Using hotel Wi-Fi, you can call home at Dutch rates. Note, however, that calls to local numbers in your vacation destination are often charged as international calls.
Tips for optimal call quality
For the best Wi-Fi calling experience, here are some practical tips:
- Use 5GHz WiFi: This frequency is less crowded and offers more stable connections
- Minimum speed: Ensure at least 1 Mbps upload and download for good call quality
- Router position: Place your router centrally in your home, not in the meter cupboard
- Mesh Network: Consider a mesh system for large homes or multi-story homes
- QoS Settings: Prioritize voice traffic in your router settings
Possible disadvantages and solutions
While Wi-Fi calling offers many advantages, there are a few things to keep in mind. An unstable internet connection can cause inconsistent call quality. The solution? Invest in a good router and a stable internet connection. This will not only improve your phone calls but also your entire home network.
Some older modems or routers can cause Wi-Fi calling issues. This is due to outdated firmware or incompatible settings. A firmware update or new router usually resolves this. Providers often offer new modems for free if your equipment is outdated.
The future of mobile calling
Wi-Fi calling isn't a temporary solution, but a permanent component of modern telephony. Providers are increasingly investing in this technology because it reduces network congestion. For users, this means improved accessibility at no extra cost.
With the advent of 5G, the line between Wi-Fi and mobile calls will blur even further. Devices will switch between different networks more intelligently, automatically choosing the best connection. For you as a user, this all happens behind the scenes – you're always reachable.
Practical scenarios
Imagine: you're working from home in your attic room with poor mobile coverage. With Wi-Fi calling, you'll never miss a business call again. Or you're visiting family in a rural area with only Edge coverage. You're still perfectly reachable via their Wi-Fi network.
It's also ideal for people with a second home abroad. As soon as you arrive and connect to your own Wi-Fi, you're immediately reachable on your Dutch number without roaming charges. Colleagues and family don't even need to know you're abroad.
WiFi calling solves all your reachability problems
So Wi-Fi calling isn't a complicated technology you have to pay for, but a practical feature already built into your phone. It takes literally a minute to activate and instantly solves all your reachability issues.
Whether you're working from home with poor signal, in a concrete office building, or want to make calls while on vacation without exorbitant costs, Wi-Fi calling takes care of it all. All you have to do is flip the switch . The rest takes care of itself.
