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T-Mobile shuts off Wi-Fi Calling feature on some older phones

A mobile phone running on the T-Mobile wireless network. (Photo: The Desk)

T-Mobile will stop supporting its Wi-Fi Calling feature on a number of older phones, according to text messages received by some customers this week.

Wi-Fi Calling allows customers to use their Wi-Fi connection to make phone calls over the Internet using their existing phone number as part of their wireless service. The feature is helpful for customers who live or work in areas where T-Mobile’s signal is not the strongest, particularly indoors.



Most newer smartphones support T-Mobile’s Wi-Fi Calling but starting soon, a number of older smartphones that once supported the perk will no longer be able to connect to the feature.

Those phones include the following models:

  • Alcatel One Touch Pop Astro
  • Alcatel Fierce 2
  • LG Optimus L70 and L90
  • Microsoft Lumia 640
  • Google Nexus 6
  • Samsung Galaxy S4 and S5
  • Samsung Galaxy S III LTE
  • Samsung Galaxy Note 4
  • Samsung Galaxy Avant
  • Samsung Galaxy Exhibit
  • ZTE Obsidian

T-Mobile did not release specific information as to why those phones will no longer work with the carrier’s Wi-Fi Calling feature, but said the perk would be unavailable to customers if they choose to continue using those handsets after May 31.

Customers who want to continue using Wi-Fi Calling after this date will have to upgrade to a newer device.

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About the Author:

Matthew Keys

Matthew Keys is a nationally-recognized, award-winning journalist who has covered the business of media, technology, radio and television for more than 11 years. He is the publisher of The Desk and contributes to Know Techie, Digital Content Next and StreamTV Insider. He previously worked for Thomson Reuters, the Walt Disney Company, McNaughton Newspapers and Tribune Broadcasting.
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