- The recently launched Wi-Fi calling feature by Bharti Airtel has already registered more than a million users, the company said Friday in a statement.
The recently launched Wi-Fi calling feature by Bharti Airtel has already registered more than a million users, the company said Friday in a statement.
The service uses WiFi networks to create a separate voice call channel and improves customer calling experience.
Calling via’ Airtel WiFi Calling’ is free of charge and customers can access the service on their smartphone without the need for any device or SIM card.
“Airtel is the first to make the service live across India and our customers can use the app on any WiFi,” said Randeep Sekhon, Bharti Airtel’s Chief Technology Officer. More than 100 smartphone models across 16 brands are now compatible with the latest offering from Airtel. Airtel’s Friday announcement comes only two days after its bitter rival Jio unveiled the same service for its mobile users.
Jio WiFi calling will be available pan-India from January 7 to January 16 and will be compatible with 150 mobile phones, the company said on Wednesday.
This feature will seamlessly switch voice and video calls between VoLTE and WiFi to provide a better calling experience.
Of course, Airtel announced in December that it was launching this service in Delhi, Mumbai, Tamil Nadu, Kolkata, and Andhra Pradesh for its customers.
While Airtel reported its highest loss of approximately 23,045 crores compared to a net profit of approximately 119 crores in the corresponding period last year, Vodafone Idea recorded a loss of approximately 50,921 crores, the highest ever loss for a company in India.
Airtel has given € 228,450 crores for an additional charge. For AGR payments, Vodafone Idea provided $25,677.9 crores.
The loss for Vodafone Idea would have been lower if it had accounted for the estimated total compensation of approximately ~44,150 crores.
Both operators said they hoped to receive government relief on AGR payments. “After the recent Supreme Court ruling, we are in active discussions with the government seeking financial assistance,” said Ravinder Takkar, Vodafone Idea, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.
