Ericsson has enabled Wi-Fi calling for multiple devices including tablets and computers, so that users can make calls across devices located on different Wi-Fi networks without any dependence on over-the-top voice services.
The consumer's personal devices can be located at different Wi-Fi access points anywhere in the world, while their smartphone can be on cellular access or any Wi-Fi access point, and consumers can choose to pick up calls on any of the devices. Therefore, it assists in locations with poor cellular coverage.
Commenting on the launch, Anders Olin, Head of Product Area Network Functions, Ericsson said, "While natively integrated Wi-Fi calling in smartphones has been commercially available for some time, both consumers and operators can benefit from extending this functionality to multiple devices. We are excited to launch Wi-Fi calling for multi-device, which is a clear example of how Ericsson's technology leadership is helping to create differentiated user experiences."
Ericsson already has Wi-Fi calling solution and the new Wi-Fi calling for multi-device functionality is only an addition to it. The Ericsson offering comprises product support in Evolved Packet Core (EPC), IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), User Data Management (UDM) and OSS/BSS, as well as system integration services. The functionality is verified and tested end-to-end towards device brands that support this service.
The Ericsson solution supports multiple options for call set-up use cases, such as simultaneous calls on several devices and transfer of ongoing calls between devices. These can be enabled on any device type in line with device ecosystem developments.
The commercial launch of Wi-Fi calling for multi-device services is expected in 2015. Ericsson supported the world's first commercial Wi-Fi calling launch and has since supported numerous operators in launching native Wi-Fi calling for smartphones.
