Wifi calling mobile plans

 

If you’ve ever found yourself with no signal in a remote location, a concrete basement, or even just your own bedroom, you’ll understand the frustration of unreliable mobile coverage. That’s where WiFi Calling NZ steps in.

This guide will break down exactly how this feature works, compare which New Zealand mobile plans and providers offer the best service, and show you how to save money when travelling abroad.

 

 

What is WiFi Calling and Why Kiwis Need It

WiFi Calling (sometimes called Voice over Wi-Fi, or VoWiFi) is a modern feature that lets your mobile phone make and receive standard phone calls and texts using any available Wi-Fi connection, instead of relying on a traditional cellular tower.

💡 The Simple Definition: How Does WiFi Calling Work?

When you enable WiFi Calling on your phone, your device registers with your mobile provider over the internet. When you dial a number, the voice data travels through your home or public Wi-Fi network (your broadband connection), securely connects to your mobile provider’s core network, and is then sent to the recipient.

Crucially, this is not the same as using apps like WhatsApp or FaceTime. It uses your existing mobile number and your plan’s minutes, meaning you can call any landline or mobile number without the other person needing the same app.

✅ Key Benefits: Why You Should Turn It On Today

The primary benefit of WiFi Calling in NZ is bridging coverage gaps. New Zealand's beautiful landscape means there are many areas where mobile signal can be weak or non-existent (often referred to as "mobile black spots").

• Better Coverage: Make and receive crystal-clear calls even when you have zero bars of mobile signal - perfect for rural homes, large office buildings, or deep inside shopping malls.

• Call Quality: Calls made over a fast, stable Wi-Fi connection often offer higher quality HD Voice compared to calls over a congested mobile network.

• Seamless Switching: Most modern phones and networks automatically switch between the Wi-Fi connection and the mobile network (VoLTE) when you walk in or out of range, keeping your conversation going without a drop.

Who Offers WiFi Calling? NZ Mobile Provider Comparison

Almost all major mobile networks in New Zealand, and many of the popular MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) that use their infrastructure, now offer WiFi Calling as a standard, included feature. This is great news for Kiwis looking for better coverage. See a full list of all NZ mobile providers here.

📡 Spark: Policies and Supported Plans

When comparing plans on MobilePlan.co.nz, check the fine print for device compatibility and international rules, as these can vary significantly.

This network generally includes WiFi Calling on all its Pay Monthly and Prepay plans, offering a reliable way to connect in areas with patchy signal. For more details on this network, visit our dedicated page for Spark. However, be aware that their WiFi Calling service is sometimes limited to use within New Zealand, meaning it may not work when you travel abroad.

📶 One NZ: Policies and Supported Plans

This provider is well-known for offering WiFi Calling both in New Zealand and internationally. As a One NZ customer, calls made over Wi-Fi, regardless of location, are treated as if you are calling from New Zealand, using your plan’s minutes. This is a crucial detail for saving money when travelling (see the international section below).

📞 2degrees: Policies and Supported Plans

Like its competitors, this provider offers Wi-Fi Calling on most current mobile plans. When using their network for WiFi Calling abroad, calls and texts to NZ and Australia numbers are typically charged from your allowance, offering great roaming value. Learn more about plans from 2degrees.

💰 MVNOs and Budget Options (e.g., Kogan Mobile NZ, Skinny)

Many budget and MVNO providers, such as those that service Kogan NZ customers, offer WiFi Calling because they use the infrastructure of the major networks. If you are looking for an affordable plan, ensure you specifically confirm WiFi Calling is included, as this feature is essential for robust service.

Choosing the Best Mobile Plan with WiFi Calling (Top Deals)

The best mobile plan for you is the one that includes WiFi Calling and fits your data and international needs. Here are the types of plans that offer the best value for users who prioritize this feature:

🏅 Top 5 Mobile Plans for WiFi Calling Users

1. The Budget Traveller Plan (Prepay/Low Data): Look for prepay plans (often under $20) that include WiFi Calling and unlimited minutes. This ensures your calls are covered locally and cheaply internationally (when calling NZ/AU) without the commitment of a monthly contract.

2. The Unlimited Local Plan (Monthly): Plans from major networks (around $40-$50) offering "Endless" or "Unlimited" data, calls, and texts. These are ideal if you want to eliminate concern about minutes entirely, whether you use the mobile network or Wi-Fi. Many of these are also 5G Ready for future-proofing your connection.

3. The Max-Speed Data Plan: For heavy users, plans with a high maximum-speed data cap (e.g., 75GB+) are great. While WiFi Calling uses minimal data (around 1MB per minute), having a strong data plan ensures high-quality Wi-Fi is always available if you use a hotspot.

4. The International Talker Plan: If you frequently use WiFi Calling to connect with family overseas, choose a premium plan that includes a bundled international minute allowance (e.g., 200+ minutes to key destinations), making those WiFi calls free. Look for plans that are eSIM supported for easy international travel.

5. The Family/Companion Plan: If you link multiple phones on one account, look for deals that include WiFi Calling on all companion plans, ensuring everyone in the household gets coverage, especially in large homes or rural properties.

📋 The Mobile Plan Comparison Checklist

When viewing plans on MobilePlan.co.nz, use these quick-check criteria:

• Coverage Handover: Does the plan support automatic switching between Wi-Fi and the 4G/5G network without dropping the call? (Most modern ones do, but it's worth checking).

• International Policy: Does the provider support WiFi Calling internationally? This is the key difference between saving hundreds on roaming and paying standard charges.

• Device Support: Does your specific phone model (WiFi Calling iPhone NZ or WiFi Calling Samsung NZ) appear on the provider's compatibility list?

Setting Up WiFi Calling on Your Smartphone

WiFi Calling isn't active by default—you need to turn it on! It's usually a quick switch found deep in your phone's settings.

🍎 Enabling WiFi Calling on iPhone (iOS)

WiFi Calling iPhone NZ setup is quick and straightforward, provided you have a modern device and the latest iOS software.

1. Go to Settings.

2. Tap Cellular (or Mobile Data).

3. Tap Wi-Fi Calling.

4. Toggle the switch next to "Wi-Fi Calling on This iPhone" to ON.

5. You may be prompted to confirm your address for emergency services (E911/111).

Once enabled, when you are on a Wi-Fi network, you will typically see "Wi-Fi" appear next to your carrier name (e.g., "One NZ Wi-Fi" or "Spark Wi-Fi") in the status bar.

🤖 Enabling WiFi Calling on Samsung and Android Devices

The steps for WiFi Calling Samsung NZ and other Android devices can vary slightly, but generally follow this path:

1. Go to Settings.

2. Tap Connections (or Mobile Network).

3. Look for and tap Wi-Fi Calling (sometimes listed under Call Settings).

4. Toggle the switch to ON.

Tip: On many Android phones, you can enable it instantly by swiping down from the top of the screen to open the Quick Settings panel and tapping the dedicated Wi-Fi Calling icon.

WiFi Calling Abroad: Saving Money on International Roaming

This is the most powerful money-saving trick of WiFi Calling international. You can avoid expensive daily roaming charges and connect with family and colleagues back home for cheap or even free.

🌍 The Golden Rule: How Providers Treat International WiFi Calls

When your phone is connected to Wi-Fi overseas and using WiFi Calling, your provider treats your location as if you are still in New Zealand.

Important Safety Tip: To guarantee you do not accidentally connect to an overseas cell tower and trigger a daily roaming charge, always put your phone into Flight Mode before you turn on Wi-Fi and activate WiFi Calling when you arrive at your destination.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about NZ WiFi Calling

We address the most common queries people have when searching for free wifi calling.

Q: Is WiFi Calling Free in NZ?

A: Generally, yes, in terms of call cost. The call itself is free if it’s a standard New Zealand or Australian mobile/landline number and you have unlimited minutes in your plan. If you are on a capped plan, the call simply uses minutes from your monthly allowance, with no extra charge for using the Wi-Fi feature.

Q: Do I Get Charged for WiFi Calling?

A: You only get charged if the call is outside your plan's allowance (e.g., calling an international number, or if you exceed your capped minutes). The data usage itself is minimal. A typical five-minute voice call uses less than 5MB of Wi-Fi data, so unless you have an extremely small broadband data cap, you won’t notice a charge for the data.

Q: Can I Use a Hotspot for WiFi Calling?

A: Yes, absolutely. A personal hotspot (wifi calling kogan nz or any other provider) provides a Wi-Fi signal, which is all the feature needs. Just be aware that the call will be using the data allowance of the hotspot plan itself.

Q: What is the Downside of WiFi Calling?

A: The main downside is call "handover." If you begin a call on WiFi Calling and walk out of range of your Wi-Fi signal, the call will usually drop unless your phone and provider support seamless switching to the mobile network (VoLTE). The call quality is also entirely dependent on the stability of the Wi-Fi connection - a slow or congested public Wi-Fi network will result in a poor call.

Q: Is WiFi Calling Free Internationally?

A: The service is free to enable, but the call itself is charged based on the number you dial. If you call a New Zealand number while overseas (on Wi-Fi), it comes out of your plan’s NZ minutes (making it functionally free if you have unlimited calls). If you call a local foreign number, it will be charged at your NZ international calling rate, which is far cheaper than standard roaming rates.

Final Verdict: Choosing Your Perfect Plan

WiFi Calling is no longer a niche feature - it's a critical tool for anyone living or travelling in New Zealand. It turns weak-signal areas into strong-signal zones, often providing clearer call quality than the mobile network itself.

The best plan for you is one that not only includes WiFi Calling but also aligns with your usage needs, especially concerning international travel and data allowances. Don't settle for poor reception when a simple plan change can fix it.

Ready to find the perfect plan that keeps you connected everywhere? Use the comparison tool on MobilePlan.co.nz today to check the latest deals and specific provider policies for your mobile usage.

 

 

---

 

Bookmark this page for the best information about wifi calling in New Zealand, mobile plans and comparison data.

Disclaimer: Pricing and offers subject to change. Always confirm current rates and terms with providers before signing up. Rankings based on publicly available data and may not reflect individual experiences.