In October, AT&T launched Wi-Fi calling for iOS devices, and now it's bringing the feature to Android as well.
Starting today, AT&T customers with an LG G4 can make and receive calls and text messages over Wi-Fi when they're in areas with bad or no cellular service. The company plans to bring Wi-Fi calling to more Android devices at some point "soon," Network Operations President Bill Smith wrote in a blog post.
Smith called Wi-Fi calling a "complement" to AT&T's network: "It's another option in areas where a cell signal is tough to get — like a home or office with dense building construction," he wrote.
G4 owners will get a notification on their phone when the feature is available. Once you get that, just install the software update and you'll be good to go. To take advantage of this feature, you'll also need a postpaid wireless account set up for HD voice.
"Once Wi-Fi Calling is set up and your smartphone connects to a Wi-Fi network, it detects when to use Wi-Fi Calling in places with limited or no cell coverage," Smith explained.
With Wi-Fi calling, you can make and receive calls, and send and receive texts, just like you would on the cellular network, meaning you'll have the same phone number and access to your contacts without having to add them to a separate app.
Wi-Fi calls are billed based on the number you're calling or messaging. For instance, making a call on your US number to another person in the US is free, even if you're overseas. The feature is available in the US, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands and "most international countries."