In a bold move, state-owned telecom provider BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited) has launched VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi), allowing users to make voice calls even in areas with zero or weak cellular coverage. India TV News+2code24.in+2
What Is VoWiFi and How It Works
VoWiFi lets your smartphone route voice calls through a Wi-Fi or broadband connection instead of relying on mobile towers. So when you’re in a basement, in a remote village, or indoors where signal is patchy, as long as there’s Wi-Fi, your call can go through (just like any regular call).
You don’t need a separate app or new number — your existing number and dialer work normally. The VoWiFi feature is built into many modern smartphones; it just needs to be enabled. code24.in+2PUNE PULSE – Trusted-Connected-Targeted+2
Where It’s Available & What’s Next
Right now, BSNL has rolled out VoWiFi in its South and West zones. They plan to expand it across the country in phases.
It’s being offered free to BSNL users (i.e. no extra charge for using Wi-Fi calls over your regular plans). M9.news+2PUNE PULSE – Trusted-Connected-Targeted+2
Why This Matters
- Bridging the coverage gap. In many rural or hilly regions, cellular towers may be sparse. VoWiFi helps bypass that barrier, making sure people stay connected.
- Resilient calls. In emergencies or natural disasters when mobile networks falter but Wi-Fi infrastructure holds, VoWiFi becomes lifesaving.
- Leveling the field. Private telecom players already offer WiFi calling. With BSNL joining in, customers in underserved zones gain access to modern services they’ve long missed.
- Seamless experience. Since it uses your existing phone number and call interface, users won’t feel the tech difference — just better call reliability.
Challenges & Things to Watch
- Wi-Fi quality matters. If the Wi-Fi link is poor or unstable, call quality may suffer — just like any voice-over-network service.
- Device compatibility. Only smartphones that support WiFi calling / VoWiFi can use this — older phones may not be supported.
- Rollout logistics. Expanding this service across India means handling regions with low broadband penetration, power issues, or terrain challenges.
- Regulatory and billing clarity. Ensuring the service remains free and interoperable with traditional networks will be key to user trust.
The Bigger Picture
BSNL is simultaneously pushing other upgrades: rolling out pan-India 4G service via its “Swadeshi 4G” stack, and offering eSIM options for more flexibility. Wikipedia+2code24.in+2
The VoWiFi launch aligns with the company’s intent to modernize and close the digital divide — especially for India’s “last mile” populations. For many residents in rural or remote zones, this could be the difference between silence and staying connected.
As BSNL spreads VoWiFi to more regions, the move may well redefine how voice connectivity is delivered across challenging terrains. For people who’ve lived with poor or no signal, this is more than a tech upgrade — it’s empowerment.
