One notable feature of iOS 9 is that it enables Wi-Fi Calling for AT&T customers. Unfortunately, despite the fact that iOS 9 officially began rolling out to the public yesterday, it looks like AT&T isn’t quite ready for it’s Wi-Fi Calling service to go live on the iPhone.
AT&T has revealed that its Wi-Fi Calling service for the iPhone is on hold while it waits for the FCC to grant a waiver. AT&T wants to use real time text (RTT) instead of TTY tech for customers that are hard of hearing because TTY can be unreliable when used over a Wi-Fi connection. However, in order for AT&T to use RTT, it must wait for a rule change from the FCC.
In a statement to PhoneScoop, AT&T says “[We] tested WiFi Calling through the iOS 9 beta and we are prepared to support commercial launch of the service once approved by the FCC.” However, it’s unclear when the FCC might give AT&T the green light.
Wi-Fi Calling is a big feature because it lets you make and take calls over a Wi-Fi connection, which can sound better than cellular, especially when your cell connection is weak. The news of AT&T Wi-Fi Calling for iOS getting delayed is especially disappointing considering that Sprint and T-Mobile iPhone users already have Wi-Fi Calling features, so here’s to hoping that the AT&T version rolls out shortly.
