Thailand’s AIS launches VoWiFi
In this article (5)
Thailand’s AIS has launched Voice over Wi-Fi (VoWiFi) services, and Taiwan’s APT has announced plans to do the same.
AIS, Thailand’s largest mobile operator, is initially offering VoWiFi for selected iPhone models, including the iPhone 5s, 5c, 6, 6 Plus, 6s, 6s Plus and iPhone SE.
The company will offer VoWiFi as a complementary add-on for AIS’s 4G services, offering calls at standard rates as well as the ability to send and receive SMS.
AIS has announced plans to expand its WiFi hotspot network from 120,000 to 160,000 this year and to 200,000 by 2017. The operator is aiming to have more than 10 million 4G subscribers by the end of 2016.
Taiwan’s APT has also announced plans to launch VoWiFi services, without announcing a timeframe.
Comments from APT suggest that the operator will initially support selected iPhone models and the Android-based InFocus M372 with the VoWiFi service.
Currently the operator’s 4G network covers around 94% of Taiwan, including 98% of metropolitan areas. The company passed the 4 million subscriber milestone at the end of May.
Last week, Singtel announced that it is planning to launch VoWiFi services in August following successful HetNet trials.
Questions & Answers
Q.Which iPhone models are currently supported by AIS's new VoWiFi service?
Which iPhone models are currently supported by AIS's new VoWiFi service?
AIS is initially offering VoWiFi for specific iPhone models. These include the iPhone 5s, 5c, 6, 6 Plus, 6s, 6s Plus, and the iPhone SE, all of which are listed as supported.
Q.What are AIS's plans for expanding its WiFi hotspot network in the near future?
What are AIS's plans for expanding its WiFi hotspot network in the near future?
AIS plans to significantly expand its WiFi hotspot network. The company aims to increase its network from 120,000 to 160,000 hotspots this year, and further grow it to 200,000 by 2017.
Q.Has APT in Taiwan specified which devices will support its planned VoWiFi service?
Has APT in Taiwan specified which devices will support its planned VoWiFi service?
Comments from APT suggest they will initially support selected iPhone models for their VoWiFi service. They also indicated that the Android-based InFocus M372 will be compatible with the new service.
Q.What is the current coverage of APT's 4G network in Taiwan?
What is the current coverage of APT's 4G network in Taiwan?
APT's 4G network currently covers approximately 94% of Taiwan. Within metropolitan areas, the coverage is even higher, reaching around 98% of these regions for their subscribers.
Reader pulse
Is VoWiFi a deliberate step for telcos?
19,243 votes so far