T-Mobile Rediscovers Wi-Fi Calling

Some T-Mobile phones have, for years, been able to treat home or public Wi-Fi networks as part of the T-Mobile network. That system, also known as UMA or (formerly) Hotspot@Home, let T-Mobile users fill in the gaps in mobile networks and save money, as calls initiated on Wi-Fi are free.

But for a while, T-Mobile was ignoring what could be a differentiating feature for the carrier. While it snuck the occasional Wi-Fi-calling capable phones into its lineup, such as the Nokia E73 Mode and BlackBerry Curve 3G, it was hard to find a word about Wi-Fi calling on its Web site or in its stores.

Today, however, T-Mobile announced that Wi-Fi calling will be available on a "wide selection of Android powered smartphones," starting with the new myTouch and the Motorola Defy (pictured here). Voice calls and SMS will seamlessly flow between Wi-Fi and cellular networks.

I'm curious, though, that unlike with previous Wi-Fi-calling capable phones, these Android phones have a dedicated app to do the business. Hopefully the app is just a toggle; one of the great things about T-Mobile's system was that it worked from the dialer, like making ordinary phone calls.

Both my sister and I have T-Mobile Wi-Fi calling plans at home, so you know I like the technology. My sister uses it because she lives behind a mountain which is a giant cellular dead spot. With Wi-Fi calling, she can give herself five bars. I use it because of a great, old deal T-Mobile offered on home VoIP phone service.