SmarTone launches multi-device Wi-Fi calling

Hong Kong’s SmarTone has introduced Wi-Fi calling for multiple devices using equipment provided by Ericsson.

The new Wi-Fi calling service allows customers to pair up to five personal devices that lack SIM cards – including tablets, computers and smart watches – to enable operator voice calls via Wi-Fi connections.

Devices can be located across different Wi-Fi access points, and calls can be seamlessly transferred to a user’s smartphones. The service also supports multiple simultaneous calls using the same number.

Ericsson has adapted its existing Wi-Fi calling offering to support multi-device functionality. The company is offering an end-to-end platform comprising the evolved packet core, IMS, user data management and OSS/BSS.

“SmarTone has always focused on delivering outstanding experience to our customers. With the trend of more and more customers using multiple devices nowadays, we offer Wi-Fi calling for multi-device service to our customers,” SmarTone CTO Stephen Chau said.

“We believe the new capability to extend our voice service to devices without a SIM-card is adding genuine convenience to our customers.”

A recent Ericsson ConsumerLab survey of basic Wi-Fi calling users in the US showed that four in five are very satisfied with the service. Around one in three international smartphone users are aware of the technology, Ericsson said, and of these seven in 10 find the prospect appealing.