Trial in Orlando and Tampa allows for hot spot access and Wi-Fi to VoLTE handoff
T-Mobile US, with partner Bright House Networks, is testing Wi-Fi Passpoint access and Wi-Fi to voice over LTE hand-off in the Tampa and Orlando, Fla., markets.
Cable operator Bright House Networks has around 34,000 public Wi-Fi hot spots in the two cities. T-Mobile US will invite 50,000 customers to take part in the trial.
Basically, T-Mobile US customers will be able to automatically connect to the Bright House Networks hot spots using Passpoint; that standard, developed by the Wireless Broadband Alliance and the Wi-Fi Alliance, allows for Wi-Fi access with no authentication step.
Passpoint is available for free to all T-Mobile US customers, but they need to have a Passpoint-enabled phone to take advantage of the feature.
Customers will also be able to place VoLTE calls using the Wi-Fi access. If working correctly, it means customers won’t be paying data rates for Internet browsing or Internet-based calls made while connected via Passpoint to Bright House Networks’ hot spots.
T-Mobile Us’ Passpoint capable phones include Apple’s iPhone 5, 5S, 6 and 6 Plus, along with the Samsung Galaxy S5, S6, S6 Edge and Sony, HTC and LG models.
T-Mobile US posted some information about the Wi-Fi trial on its support website, specifically noting that customers don’t have to enable VoLTE, although it’s suggested: “While it is not required, it is encouraged and will improve your experience by enabling call handovers between Wi-Fi and VoLTE network when on the move. For seamless call handoffs, you must have a VoLTE device and be in a VoLTE area. If not, voice calls will drop when transitioning from network to Wi-Fi and vice versa.”
The company also assured customers that, “Voice calls and text message traffic is transmitted via an encrypted connection, giving you the same level of security you experience on our mobile GSM network. Bright House Networks Passpoint enabled hotspots provide the latest in data security, however you should always take precautions sharing personal data over any Wi-Fi network like ensuring the sites you use are encrypted.”
With the announcement of quarterly results earlier this month, T-Mobile US officially overtook Sprint as the No. 3 domestic carrier behind AT&T Mobility and Verizon Wireless, No. 2 and No. 1, respectively.
