Telenor Norway has begun the roll out of WiFi Calling service, dubbed as WiFi Voice, enabling 4G customers in the country to make calls and send text messages as usual via WiFi hotspots. WiFi Calling enables 4G customers to enjoy uninterrupted calls and texts as they move from outdoors into a building with poor indoor coverage. The service will initially be available on the Sony Z5 and the operator is working towards making the service available on additional models in coming months.
The operator has started collaborating with Norwegian University of Science and Technology(NTNU) to pilot test the new technology. Previously, both students and staff at the NTNU were struggling to communicate with the surrounding world from multiple dead zones in the university.
According to Telenor, mobile coverage has never been better in Norway, but the nation’s buildings have also never been better insulated. This is something that many people with offices in modern buildings have experienced all too painfully. Many buildings are insulated and constructed in such a way that mobile signal cannot penetrate through to the indoor areas.
Bjørn Amundsen, Director of Coverage at Telenor
Up until now, measures to provide better indoor coverage have been not only demanding, but also very expensive. Finally, we’ve tried out WiFi Voice, and I’m delighted to say that anyone struggling with poor indoor coverage will be thrilled.
Ove Fredheim, CMO Business at Telenor
For Norwegian businesses that are focussed on both the financial and environmental elements of their build through the use of good insulation, but who are naturally dependent on excellent communication, WiFi Voice has been long sought after.
