In today's world, voice quality often depends less on the operator and more on the coverage at a particular location. This is where technology comes in. Voice over Wi-Fi, which MTS is actively implementing. For many subscribers, it remains a mystery how exactly these calls are charged and whether switching to a wireless network will lead to unexpected expenses.
The technology is simple: your smartphone uses your internet connection to transmit voice traffic, bypassing standard cellular base stations. This is especially useful in dense urban areas, where the LTE signal can be unstable, or in remote offices with thick walls. MTS positions this service as a way to improve the quality of communication, but the financial side of the issue requires detailed clarification.
The most important thing to understand is that, from a carrier's billing perspective, a Wi-Fi call in your home region is treated like a regular call. This means that if you have a package of included minutes, it will be used just like a call over a standard cellular network. There are no hidden fees for using Wi-Fi Calling, making it a safe bet.
Home Region Billing Principles
When you're in Russia (in the SIM card's home region), Wi-Fi call rates are fully consistent with your main plan. The operator doesn't create a separate "pocket" for such calls. If your plan includes unlimited minutes to mobile numbers, then Wi-Fi calls will also be unlimited. This is the fundamental principle of the service. VoWiFi.
It's important to note that your smartphone must be configured to make this call. This is usually an automatic process, but sometimes manual activation is required in the phone settings. You can see an indicator in the device menu. Wi-Fi Call or a handset icon with a wireless network symbol. While this indicator is active, your traffic is transmitted over the internet, but minutes or fees are charged according to your plan's standard rules.
β οΈ Important: Make sure "Wi-Fi Calling" is enabled on your device in the cellular settings. Without this option enabled, your phone will attempt to use your regular network even if Wi-Fi is connected.
It's also worth keeping in mind that connection quality directly impacts call stability. If the internet connection is weak or overloaded, the call may be dropped or switch to standard cellular service (if the corresponding switching option is enabled). During this switch, billing will also switch to standard service, which shouldn't be surprising when checking the details.
Roaming pricing features
A completely different picture emerges when an MTS subscriber travels outside the Russian Federation. This is where the technology's main economic potential lies. While in international roaming, Wi-Fi calls are charged. How to make and receive incoming and outgoing calls from RussiaThis means you pay the same as you would if you were at home, ignoring the hefty roaming charges of partner networks.
For example, if you're in Turkey and call a number in Moscow via Wi-Fi, you'll be charged per minute at your home rate (often 0 rubles if the minutes are included in your package). If you were calling using a local SIM card or standard MTS roaming without Wi-Fi, the cost per minute could reach tens or even hundreds of rubles. This makes this feature critical for travelers.
However, there's an important nuance: incoming calls. If you receive a call to a Russian number while you're abroad and you answer the call via Wi-Fi, it's also considered an incoming call from Russia. Most modern MTS plans offer free incoming calls even when roaming (with the "Unlimited World" or similar option enabled), but it's best to double-check the terms of your specific plan before traveling.
β οΈ Please note: For "Like at Home" pricing to work while roaming, the call must be established over Wi-Fi from the start. If you are within local network coverage and your phone switches to 3G/4G during the call, roaming rates will apply.
Technical implementation requires the phone to be in Airplane mode with Wi-Fi enabled, or to have cellular data disabled to prevent accidental switching. Some smartphones can prioritize Wi-Fi for calls, but relying entirely on automatic settings on expensive trips is risky.
Impact on the included minutes package
Many subscribers mistakenly believe that internet calls don't consume their minutes. This is not true. As mentioned earlier, the MTS billing system doesn't care whether the voice packet physically travels via the base station's radio waves or the provider's fiber optic line. Minutes package is spent uniformly.
Let's consider a situation where your minutes package has been exhausted. If you run out of included minutes and make a call over Wi-Fi, your plan's rate for outgoing calls to mobile or landline numbers will be charged. No "free" data is provided beyond the limit. This is logical, as the service replaces the transmission channel and does not change the call time billing terms.
- π Calls to mobile phones: spend minutes or money according to the tariff.
- βοΈ Calls to landlines: are charged as regular calls to landline numbers.
- π International calls: are charged at international call rates, even via Wi-Fi (except for calls to Russian numbers from roaming).
- π Emergency services: Calls to 112, 101, 102, etc. are always free.
There's also a nuance with video calls. If you use the native video call feature through your carrier's network (not messaging apps like WhatsApp or FaceTime, but rather video calls from within a voicemail app), your rates may vary. These calls are typically charged per minute, even if you have unlimited voice minutes. Check your account to see if video calls are included in your plan.
βοΈ Check tariff terms
Technical requirements for activation
For billing to work correctly and the connection to be established, your equipment must meet a number of requirements. First, your smartphone must support the technology. Voice over Wi-Fi. Currently, most modern models iPhone, Samsung, Xiaomi and other brands already have this feature out of the box.
Secondly, you need the latest firmware and network settings. The operator periodically updates profiles, so it's recommended to keep the software up to date. Activating the service on the network side is often as simple as sending a USSD command or activating the option in the app. Afterward, a corresponding icon may appear on the phone screen.
Below is a table of compatibility and requirements for different types of devices:
| Device type | Required OS | Necessary actions |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone (6s and newer) | iOS 13+ | Enable in Settings -> Cellular |
| Samsung Galaxy | Android 9+ | Settings -> Connections -> Wi-Fi Calling |
| Xiaomi / Redmi | Android 10+ | Settings -> SIM cards -> Wi-Fi calling |
| Other Androids | Android 9+ | Depends on the manufacturer and model |
If your phone is old or doesn't support this feature, no carrier-specific settings will help. In this case, messaging apps are an alternative, but they aren't part of the carrier's service and are billed exclusively as data traffic.
What should I do if the function is not activated?
Try resetting your network settings to factory defaults. This won't delete your contacts, but it will return your network settings to their default values. After rebooting, reconnect to Wi-Fi and check for the option.
Comparison with instant messengers and IP telephony
There's often confusion between Wi-Fi calling (VoWiFi) and app calls (Viber, WhatsApp, Telegram). The difference is stark. Messengers use your internet traffic to transmit voice, and your carrier charges it like regular internet traffic (megabytes). If you have unlimited internet, calls within messengers are free.
However, VoWiFi is a full-fledged phone call. You dial a number using a standard dialer, and the other person sees your number, even if they don't have internet access or the app. For business communications and official calls, this is the only acceptable option. Furthermore, the voice encoding quality on the operator network is often higher and more stable than on overloaded messaging apps.
In terms of saving money while roaming, both options are good, but VoWiFi offers more advanced features (caller ID, call recording, seamless switching to a cellular network). Messengers offer better video calling and group conferences, but lack connection reliability in weak signal conditions.
β οΈ Important: When using messaging apps while roaming, make sure you have cellular data disabled, otherwise background app updates can eat up all your roaming data. VoWiFi is safer in this regard, as it only works when you have an active Wi-Fi connection.
Privacy is also worth mentioning. Carrier communications (VoWiFi) are encrypted and pass through the carrier's secure channels, while messaging apps use their own encryption protocols. For government agencies and corporate clients, VoWiFi is often the only permitted method of communication.
Possible problems and their solutions
Despite the technology's robustness, users may encounter issues. The most common is an inability to make or receive calls, which are often dropped. This is often due to router settings. Some corporate or public Wi-Fi networks block ports required for voice traffic or use complex authorization systems (captive portals) that prevent the phone from establishing a persistent connection.
Another problem is a floating IP address. If your router frequently changes IP addresses or uses an unstable connection, your phone may constantly re-register with the VoWiFi network, leading to dropped calls. In such cases, it's recommended to use a stable home internet connection or a trusted access point.
If you are experiencing calls not going through, please follow these steps:
- Restart your smartphone and router.
- Check if the service is active on the MTS side (via the app).
- Make sure your phone settings aren't set to "4G/LTE Only" if you have poor voice coverage in your area (although this is less critical for VoWiFi).
- Try forgetting the Wi-Fi network and connecting again.
In conclusion, MTS's Wi-Fi calling technology is a powerful tool that, when used correctly, not only improves call quality but also saves money, especially when traveling. Understanding the pricing principles will prevent unpleasant bill surprises and allow you to get the most out of your plan.
Do you charge for incoming calls via Wi-Fi while roaming?
With most MTS plans, incoming calls are free even when roaming, if the appropriate option is activated. However, if you're abroad and receive a call and answer it via Wi-Fi, it's technically considered an incoming call. Make sure you have the "Unlimited World" package or an equivalent to avoid charges.
Are minutes used up for Wi-Fi calls?
Yes, they do. Wi-Fi calls are charged the same as regular cellular calls. If you have a minute plan, the call time will be deducted from it. If your plan is exhausted, you'll be charged at your plan rate.
Do you need a special app for Wi-Fi calling?
No, you don't need a special app. The feature is built into your smartphone's operating system (iOS or Android). You just need to enable the "Wi-Fi Calling" switch in your phone's settings and ensure the service is activated with your carrier.
Is it possible to call short numbers (banks, services) via Wi-Fi?
Yes, you can. VoWiFi technology allows you to make calls to any number, including short-code helplines, banks, and emergency services, just like with a regular cellular connection.