Last Updated on June 10, 2026
Summary✨
- VoWiFi, or Voice over WiFi, allows users to make calls over WiFi instead of relying on cellular networks.
- This technology improves call quality, reduces costs, and works even with weak mobile signals.
- However, it also has drawbacks, such as dependence on stable WiFi connections and issues with network overloads.
- VoWiFi is now available in Nepal, with services launched by major telecom operators like Nepal Telecom and Ncell.
- Overall, VoWiFi presents a promising alternative for areas with poor network coverage, though it may not fully replace traditional cellular services yet.
The problem of network coverage is still a big issue in Nepal. Though Network Coverage has been steadily improving, many people are not able to get a decent mobile signal. In that situation, the voice call quality is not up to the mark, and people keep on complaining. With the VoWiFi service, you may not have to suffer from a poor mobile network and voice quality.
The new trend of using WiFi for calling (VoWiFi technology) has been prevalent in foreign countries like the US and even our neighboring Nation India. Popular Telecommunications companies like Reliance Jio and Airtel have started providing the VoWiFi service in India. So, in this article, we will talk about the VoWiFi technology and look at the pros and cons of the technology. Is VoWiFi the solution to the problem of Network Coverage and expensive roaming? Let us discuss the VoWiFi or WiFi Calling technology below:
✅ Nepal Telecom fiber internet Price, Speed, How to Install
Table of contents
What is VoWiFi?
VoWiFi stands for Voice over WiFi. To simply define the VoWiFi, it is a technology that uses the IEEE 802.11 (WiFi) connections to enable us to make phone calls, text messages, MMS, etc. rather than cellular data networks. They are pretty much similar to that of the widely used VoLTE network that stands for voice over LTE.
✔️ Top Android secret codes: USSD, MMI codes and their function
How Does it Work?
If you are familiar with the VoLTE, then it won’t be hard for you to understand the VoWiFi Technology. We know that VoLTE uses a data network to make a voice call providing better quality then circuit lines. But in the case of VoWiFi, it is dependent on internet connections that improve the quality of calling that allows a more optimized packet transfer compared to other calling apps. Don’t mistake it with other calling apps like Skype, Whatsapp, etc. that use ‘Voice over Internet Protocol’ or ‘VoIP’ Technology.
Basically, Technology is dependent on the WiFi connection and your network provider. Your network provider must have the VoWiFi technology, and you also must have a device that supports VoWiFi.
Advantages Of VoWiFi
It has many advantages :
- The most crucial benefit of voice calling has to be a decrease in dependency on the mobile data network.
- One will be able to make the phone call even if they are not online.
- It improves the voice quality significantly in areas where there’s a weak cellular data network.
- It saves a lot of costs as it uses an already existing internet connection paid by the customer for the voice calls.
- People will be able to use their existing phone numbers, so no additional setup is necessary.
- You can extend the battery life of the phone.
- You won’t need to download any other application to use this feature.
- It helps the Service Providers to reduce the burden on their mobile Network (Cellular towers) and provide a seamless and smooth calling experience to Customers.
- It does not use a lot of bandwidth, as it is just for voice calls, text messages.
- It can be used anywhere in the world (roaming) with just the SIM and Wifi.
✔ 3G and 4G networks which are the best option for you?
Disadvantages Of VoWiFi
It has many benefits like mentioned above, but along with them, it also has some inherent drawbacks listed below :
- The foremost drawback has to be the lack of WiFi signals when the WiFi networks are overloaded with data traffic at places like airports, hospitals, hotels, etc., then the WiFi connections lag, and the performance depletes.
- As WiFi connections become unstable, the voice calls also become weaker, and the quality of the call drops drastically.
- The device you currently use might not have the WiFi calling features on it.
- WiFi is an unlicensed frequency; hence, it is subject to many interference sources. Read how to improve internet speed at your home.
- It has a significant maintenance problem as the network operators are not responsible for maintaining the WiFi networks, as users are responsible for it.
Is VoWiFi Available in Nepal?
Yes, Nepal Telecom commercially launched VoWiFi service on Magh 22, 2081. Similarly, Ncell launched VoWifi on Falgun 1, 2081. Now, users can call and send SMS using a WiFi network. Some of the VoWifi Supporting handsets have been able to use the service in Nepal Telecom for some time. Ncell started the VoWifi service with the iPhone at first, and more phones will support it in the near future.
Update: Both Ntc and Ncell have launched VoWiFi in Nepal.
Some of the Smartphones Supporting VoWiFi Technology
Smartphones are not the issue for the use of VoWiFi, as almost all the smartphones that have VoLTE come equipped with the VoWiFi feature. Your network operator should facilitate this feature. Then again, what is the harm in knowing phones with VoWiFi support? The major brand’s smartphones as Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, Realme, Oppo, etc., have support for VoWiFi Technology. But they need to provide special software (customized for the local service provider) to be able to use the wifi calling service in Nepal. Till now, all the latest Xiaomi phones support Nepal Telecom’s VoWifi service while it does not come in the options by default. You need to activate VoWiFi in a Xiaomi phone by dialing *#*#86583 #*#* which will disable the carrier checking.
Conclusion
VoWiFi is a very attractive technology that helps us to diminish our dependence on the cellular data network. It also provides a higher quality service compared to the data network at a much lower cost. But it still is not a stable technology that is ready to replace the cellular data network right now.
In Nepal, there are still many places where there are no WiFi hotspots, and VoWiFi Technology uses internet connections to provide services. Even if it is available, as WiFi is an unlicensed bandwidth, it will face various interference, and heavy sharing decreases the quality of phone calls. However, it is a good alternative for places with no cellular network but a good/workable Wifi network.
As telecom operators bring this technology to use WiFi hotspots for calling, it will be the next big thing in the future. Then, we may always prefer to call over WiFi when we reside at home or any place with a good WiFi connection.
VoWiFi can help us solve the problem of poor network coverage. It will also be very affordable for the common people, and they will be able to enjoy better quality calling. Plus, you can use it even if you are away from Nepal, which means when you are roaming abroad over Wifi. A cheaper alternative to international roaming!!
VoLTE technology has flourished in the country with the aggressive expansion of the 4G network. VoLTE is very similar to VoWiFi, and it provides better quality call service, has a faster connection, and increases battery life. So, people have started to adopt VoLT,E whereas VoWi-Fi is something made for us in the coming days.
So, what do you think about VoWiFi technology? Please let us know your insights about the Voice over WiFi service in the comment section below.
Have a look at this article to know whether an ADSL or FTTH internet connection is best for you.
