BSNL Launches Nationwide Wi-Fi Calling Services at No Extra Cost
New Delhi, January 8, 2026 – In a significant boost to connectivity across India, state-owned telecom giant Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has rolled out Voice over Wi-Fi (VoWiFi), commonly known as Wi-Fi Calling, nationwide. The service, which went live on January 1, 2026, allows BSNL subscribers to make and receive high-quality voice calls and messages over any Wi-Fi network, completely free of additional charges.
This New Year gift from BSNL marks a pivotal step in the company’s ongoing network modernization efforts, bringing it in line with private competitors like Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea, who have offered similar features for years. The nationwide rollout ensures that the service is now available across all telecom circles, addressing long-standing complaints about call drops and poor indoor coverage.
What is Wi-Fi Calling and How Does It Work?
Wi-Fi Calling, or VoWiFi, is a technology that enables users to place voice calls and send SMS over a Wi-Fi connection instead of relying solely on cellular networks. Built on an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) platform, BSNL’s implementation supports seamless handovers between Wi-Fi and mobile networks. This means if you’re on a call and move out of Wi-Fi range, the call automatically switches to the cellular network without interruption – and vice versa.
Users can make calls directly from their phone’s native dialer using their existing BSNL mobile number. No third-party apps like WhatsApp or Skype are required, making it simple and integrated. The service also supports sending and receiving text messages over Wi-Fi.
One of the standout features is its cost structure: BSNL has confirmed that Wi-Fi calls are billed exactly like regular voice calls under the user’s existing plan. There are no extra fees, hidden charges, or premium rates, making it truly accessible for all subscribers.
Key Benefits for Users
The launch comes at a crucial time when reliable connectivity remains a challenge in many parts of India. Here are the primary advantages:
Improved Indoor Coverage: In basements, high-rise buildings, offices, and homes with thick walls where mobile signals often weaken, Wi-Fi Calling ensures crystal-clear voice quality and fewer dropped calls.
Rural and Remote Areas: BSNL, with its strong presence in underserved regions, highlights that the service is especially beneficial in rural areas. As long as there’s access to a stable Wi-Fi connection – whether from BSNL’s Bharat Fiber broadband or any other provider – users can stay connected even in low-signal zones.
Network Decongestion: By offloading voice traffic to Wi-Fi networks, VoWiFi reduces strain on cellular towers, potentially improving overall network performance for everyone.
Seamless Experience: Automatic switching between networks ensures uninterrupted conversations, ideal for long calls or important discussions.
This feature is particularly timely as BSNL continues its 4G expansion and prepares for 5G upgrades. It acts as a bridge, enhancing voice services while the company phases out older technologies like 3G and reforms spectrum for better capacity.
How to Activate Wi-Fi Calling on BSNL
Activating the service is straightforward for users with compatible devices:
Ensure you have a VoWiFi-supported smartphone (most modern Android and iOS devices qualify, including recent models from Samsung, Apple, Xiaomi, and others).
Go to your phone’s Settings > Network & Internet (or Connections) > Mobile Network (or SIM & Network).
Select your BSNL SIM and look for the “Wi-Fi Calling” or “VoWiFi” option.
Toggle it on.
For iPhone users: Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling > Enable.
Note that a BSNL 4G SIM and proximity to a BSNL 4G network area may be required for initial registration. If the option doesn’t appear or the feature doesn’t work, users can contact BSNL customer care at 1800-180-1503 or visit a nearby service center for assistance.
BSNL has emphasized that compatibility varies by device and software version, so checking the latest updates is recommended.
BSNL’s Revival and Competitive Edge
BSNL has been on a revival path, gaining subscribers thanks to affordable plans and government support. As of October 2025, the operator had around 9.25 crore mobile users and 44.2 lakh broadband subscribers. The VoWiFi rollout is part of broader initiatives, including expanding 4G to over 97,000 sites and leveraging its extensive fiber network.
By offering Wi-Fi Calling at no extra cost, BSNL is directly challenging private telcos. While Jio and Airtel have provided this for years, BSNL’s integration with its Bharat Fiber services gives it an edge in bundled offerings for fixed-mobile convergence.
Industry experts view this as a strategic move to retain and attract price-sensitive customers, especially in rural India where BSNL holds significant market share. It also signals BSNL’s commitment to modernizing infrastructure amid competition from 5G-ready private players.
Impact on Indian Telecom Landscape
The introduction of nationwide VoWiFi by BSNL could intensify competition in the voice segment, which has seen tariffs rise in recent years. With clearer calls and better coverage, users in signal-challenged areas now have a viable alternative without switching operators.
Moreover, as India pushes for digital inclusion, features like this bridge the urban-rural divide. In remote villages with growing broadband penetration – thanks to initiatives like Bharat Net – VoWiFi ensures voice communication remains reliable.
BSNL Chairman and Managing Director A. Robert J. Ravi has motivated teams to aim higher in 2026, with VoWiFi marking a strong start. The Ministry of Communications has called it a “commitment to improving connectivity in underserved areas.”
Looking Ahead
As BSNL gears up for full-scale 4G saturation and eventual 5G rollout, services like VoWiFi provide immediate relief and build user trust. For millions facing daily frustrations with call quality, this no-cost upgrade is a welcome development.
With conversations now uninterrupted “anytime, anywhere” over Wi-Fi, BSNL is reinforcing its tagline of #ConnectingBharat. Subscribers are encouraged to enable the feature and experience the difference.
This launch not only enhances user experience but also positions BSNL as a revitalized player in India’s dynamic telecom sector.