Consumers prefer Wi-Fi calling, survey finds

Spotty indoor cell coverage is becoming less of a problem for consumers. And it's not because of improved mobile networks. Phone users are lapping-up Wi-Fi calling, a survey says. That's where phone calls are routed over Wi-Fi by the mobile network, as distinct from consumer-installed VoIP-style apps and other tools. Among other things, the users polled said Wi-Fi calling was more conducive to longer calls than their previous cell-only mobile network experience. S

ixty-one percent of Wi-Fi calling users say they are making longer and more frequent voice calls, according to the study by telecommunication equipment maker Ericsson. And people particularly like being able to make calls and send texts in places that they were not previously able to, such as inside tricky structures, like their homes; in Wi-Fi-sprouting subways; and on airplanes, the research says.