Verizon begins Wi-Fi calling rollout with Samsung Galaxy S6, S6 Edge
With its FCC waiver in hand, Verizon is set to offer Wi-Fi Calling services to its subscribers. The carrier says it will push out a software update starting on December 8 to add the feature.
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Unlike AT&T, which has focused on bringing Wi-Fi calls to select iPhones models, Verizon is starting with Google Android handsets.
Owners of either the Samsung Galaxy S6 or Galaxy S6 Edge will be the first to use Wi-Fi for native voice calls using Verizon's Advanced Calling feature.
The software update will be made available in phases, so you may not see it on your S6 or S6 Edge right away.
And Verizon will be pushing it to other handsets after we flip the calendars to 2016: Additional Android phones and iPhones will see it "early next year" says Verizon.
While the Wi-Fi calling feature won't incur any additional monthly charges, some could see costs. Wi-Fi calls to U.S. phone numbers are free, however, international calls are billed at international long distance rates.
Once your Verizon handset receives the software update, you'll have to enable the feature by turning on Advanced Calling and then activating Wi-Fi Calling. If AT&T's procedure is any indication, the activation will require you to enter a physical address for 911 call purposes.