SMS and WIFI calling (text messages)

[Anonymous]

I bought an O2 contract on the assumption WIFI calling would be similar to Vodafone and EE where you still get SMS text messages.

The reason I need this is because I always get companies sending SMS codes and confirmations I.e. Santander when you set up payments - so clearly can’t be done through What’s app and the like.

Is this something that is going to get resolved?

[MI5 · Accepted solution]

Wifi calling is handset dependant and only some phones currently supported.
SMS currently not supported on any handset.
https://www.o2.co.uk/connectivity/wifi-and-4g-calling

[anticpated]

I don't understand what you mean. Sms is an older standard which is surely supported on all handsets. Wi-Fi calling was previously available through tugo. That got shutdown.

It seems Iphone and some Samsung handsets support Wi-Fi and network signals at the same time.

[MI5]

The OP is talking about SMS over wifi which isn't supported by O2 yet.

[jonsie]

Standard text messaging works anywhere you have network coverage and wifi messaging works with no coverage but as long as you have wifi in places such as home.

[jonnymk]

Are you sure Vodafone support this ? Last I checked they didn’t unless added very recently. AFAIK only EE and 3 support SMS over WiFi. It would be nice if o2 enabled it, it’s less necessary but even the best networks have locations with no mobile coverage.

[Foddersin]

@jonnymk 

I work for Vodafone Customer Relations and I will guarantee you our implementation of WIFI Calling does NOT send SMS over WIFI. I am positive that EE do and I think last I tested Three UK also did this, O2 and Vodafone do not currently support this.

[jonnymk]

That was already my understanding as well

[Fabricem]

Yes that's a shame I moved to O2 from gifffaff because I thought wifi calling always included SMS over wifi as I used to be with EE and Three before. I guess I'll move back to EE when my contract runs out.

[jonnymk]

From o2 on Twitter: “ Hi there, sorry for the delay. We can’t wait to bring SMS over Wifi to our network, but it’s incredibly complex to implement and requires exhaustive testing. We hope to see it available in 2020”