MVNO FreedomPop unveils app to solve cellular/Wi-Fi handoff challenge
FreedomPop continues to enhance its mobile virtual network operator-based service, this week launching its Premium Voice technology that it claims solves the handoff challenge between cellular and Wi-Fi networks.
The MVNO said the software platform allows for a device to “seamlessly switch between VoIP and traditional cellular networks regardless of device type.” The service also is said to provide a higher-quality voice experience.
The application will be preinstalled on all new devices powered by Google’s Android operating system, with current customers able to download the application from the Google Play app store. Support for Apple’s iPhone lineup is expected later this year.
The application appears to solve the challenge of maintaining a voice call while a device switches between a Wi-Fi and cellular connection. Most services that provide for Wi-Fi calling are not able to seamlessly move that connection between the two networks due to the different spectrum bands used to support both services and the Wi-Fi call relying on voice over IP technology while a traditional cellular voice connection relies on circuit-switched technology.
More recently, carriers have begun to rollout voice over LTE technology to handle voice traffic, which allows for soft handoffs between VoLTE and Wi-Fi.
FreedomPop launched in late 2012, offering customers free mobile data services running across Clearwire’s WiMAX network. The company eventually added 3G and LTE support running across Sprint’s network, with a mix of free and inexpensive rate plans.
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