SingTel to launch VoWiFi in August

SingTel has revealed plans to launch Singapore’s first commercial Voice over Wi-Fi service in August following the success of its recent HetNet trials.

The trials, conducted in collaboration with IDA Singapore, confirmed that voice calls and texts can be sent over Wi-Fi in areas which are challenging for mobile signals.

Service continuity can be maintained as smartphones transition between cellular and Wi-Fi networks, without the need of an installed mobile app. SingTel said this will allow its customers to make uninterrupted calls over Wi-Fi in locations including basements and the upper floors of skyscrapers.

The trials also demonstrated the readiness of SingTel’s HetNet to support the IoT by providing reliable connections to sensors and other connected devices, the operator said.

“In the near future, with millions of connected devices fuelling data demand, ensuring a consistent experience for multiple mobile customers across different locations is paramount,” SingTel CEO consumer Singapore Yuen Kuan Moon said.

“With pervasive connectivity and higher data capacity set to become the norm, it was important for us to conduct a HetNet trial to gain further insights.  Given our positive trial results, we are ready to support the Internet of Things with our networks and provide SingTel mobile users with high-quality voice calls and SMS island-wide.”

IDA co-managing director Gabriel Lim said 90% of HetNet trial users had an improved mobile experience, including superior connectivity, download and upload speeds and transitions between wireless and cellular networks.

“We will use the lessons from the trial to work with our industry partners to further enhance the experience of Singapore mobile users,” he said.