Smart taps Samsung for VoWiFi service launch

PLDT’s mobile subsidiary Smart Communications has teamed up with Samsung for the launch of its voice over WiFi (VoWiFi) service.

Smart said the service will initially available to selected subscribers by October after Samsung releases its latest firmware over-the-air update.

Smart customers can make VoWiFi calls using Samsung smartphones such as the Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+, Galaxy S9 and S9+, Note 8, and Note 9 via any WiFi connection like Smart WiFi and PLDT Home WiFi.

VoWiFi, also known as WiFi calling, lets customers make and receive calls and text messages over a WiFi connection using their smartphone’s native dialer, without having to install a third-party app.

Smart said WiFi calling will also be available soon to other select Samsung devices.

Earlier this month, Smart made its first successful VoWiFi call over a live network in Cebu, in partnership with its technology partners Huawei and Samsung. 

Mario G. Tamayo, PLDT-Smart senior vice president for network planning and engineering, said the call is the first of its kind outside metro Manila, and “a key part of PLDT and Smart's integrated efforts to continuously improve and evolve our voice services.”

Last year, Smart also made the country’s first voice over LTE (VoLTE) mobile call, which uses LTE or 4G to conduct calls.

Smart is also deploying carrier-grade Smart WiFi in high-traffic public places across the country, such as transportation hubs like MRT-3 and LRT-1 stations, major airports, bus terminals and seaports across the country, as well as in schools, government buildings, hospitals, malls and entertainment centers.