Why Wi-Fi Calling Fails (And What You Can Do About It)

Annette Acosta
May 5, 2025
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You’ve been there. A client calls, frustrated because their Wi-Fi calling keeps dropping, or worse, their voice keeps cutting in and out mid-conversation. They thought Wi-Fi calling would fix their weak indoor cell signal, but instead? It’s one headache after another.

They’re not alone—72% of cell owners experience dropped calls at least occasionally, and 32% report issues a few times a week (Pew Research). And while clients often assume their Wi-Fi or internet service is to blame, the real issue isn’t their network at all.

The house has rock-solid Wi-Fi, fiber internet, and a high-end network install—so why are calls still failing? Because the problem isn’t the Wi-Fi.

This isn’t about weak signals in the home. It’s about how the cellular carrier prioritizes network-based calls. And spoiler alert: Wi-Fi calls are at the bottom of the priority list.

If you’ve ever upgraded a client’s network, only for them to still have the same Wi-Fi calling issues, here’s why—and what you can actually do to fix it.

Why Is Wi-Fi Calling So Unreliable? (Hint: It’s Not Just the Wi-Fi)

1. Cellular Carriers Don’t Prioritize Wi-Fi Calls

The biggest issue with Wi-Fi calling isn’t your client’s network—it’s how the carrier handles those calls.

Carriers prioritize calls made over the cellular network because they control the entire process. But when a call is made over Wi-Fi, it has to travel through the internet first, and by the time it reaches the carrier’s network, it’s at the back of the line.

The result? Delays, dropped calls, choppy audio, and frustrated clients.

2. Why Wi-Fi Calling Keeps Getting Worse

Your client isn’t the only one struggling with Wi-Fi calling. The more people rely on it, the bigger the problem becomes.

Because Wi-Fi calls travel over the carrier’s internet infrastructure—not the traditional cell network—too many users trying to make low-priority Wi-Fi calls at the same time creates a bottleneck. The carrier simply doesn’t have the capacity (or the incentive) to prioritize or expand resources for these calls.

This mess has only gotten worse over the last five years with the rollout of 5G. 3G and 4G signals could actually punch through walls and windows. 5G? Not so much. The higher frequencies struggle to get past common building materials—especially in newer construction. So now, instead of being able to grab a usable cell signal indoors, more people are getting forced onto Wi-Fi calling just to make a basic call. That means even more traffic clogging up the Wi-Fi calling network.

And in places like Florida, it’s even tougher. Updated building codes now require hurricane-proof windows packed with materials that kill cell signals even more. So not only is the cell service weaker indoors, but more users are competing for the same overloaded Wi-Fi calling resources. End result? Bottlenecks, dropped calls, and even more headaches.

(Need proof? The FCC’s 5G FAST Plan highlights how different 5G frequencies behave and why high-band 5G struggles indoors.)

3. Call Handoffs Between Wi-Fi & Cellular Are a Mess

Your client walks from one room to another or steps outside—and boom, the call drops. That’s because the transition between Wi-Fi and cellular isn’t smooth.

Phones aren’t great at deciding whether to stay on Wi-Fi or switch to a cell tower. And when they switch at the wrong time? Calls get cut off mid-conversation.

4. 911 Calls May Not Send Accurate Location Data

This one’s serious.

Unlike traditional cellular calls, which automatically send accurate GPS data, Wi-Fi calling relies on a manually registered address.

If that address isn’t updated—or the call is coming from a different location—the emergency call could be misrouted, delaying response times. Not ideal when seconds matter.

How to Actually Fix Wi-Fi Calling Problems

If your client is expecting you to “fix” Wi-Fi calling, upgrading their network isn’t the answer —because it won’t change how the carrier treats the call.

Here’s what actually works:

1. Educate Clients on Why the Issue Exists

Many homeowners assume better Wi-Fi means better Wi-Fi calling—but that’s not how it works. You can set expectations upfront:

“Your Wi-Fi isn’t the problem— your carrier is.”

“Even with perfect internet, your calls are treated as second-class traffic.”

“A stronger cellular signal indoors is the real fix.”

2. Provide a Cellular DAS Solution

For reliable, uninterrupted phone calls, your clients need a Cellular Distributed Antenna System (DAS). Unlike Wi-Fi calling, DAS amplifies cellular signals inside the home, keeping calls on the carrier’s network instead of pushing them over Wi-Fi.

Keeps calls on the priority cellular network.

Provides seamless coverage throughout the home.

Ensures 911 calls send accurate location data.

Works with all carriers—no restrictions.

Wi-Fi Calling vs. Cellular DAS: The Real Differences

A No-Hassle Way to Provide Cellular DAS to Clients

We get it—integrators need easy-to-deploy solutions that don’t add complexity to their workflow. That’s why SpecOp Secure offers Cellular DAS as a Hardware-as-a-Service (HaaS) solution.

Instead of clients paying upfront, you can offer DAS as a low monthly service, making it easier for them to say yes—while you generate recurring revenue.

Stop Fixing Wi-Fi Calling. Start Solving the Problem.

Your clients expect seamless connectivity. When Wi-Fi calling fails, you have the opportunity to be the expert who delivers a real, long-term solution.

SpecOp Secure makes it simple—turn Cellular DAS into a plug-and-play service for your business. No complex setup. No massive investment. Just rock-solid connectivity that keeps your clients happy (and keeps you from endless troubleshooting calls).

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