Do you get charged for Wi-Fi Calling on airplane mode?

Unexpected Charges for Wi-Fi Calling in Airplane Mode: A Billing Discrepancy

Wi-Fi Calling is a convenient feature that allows users to make and receive calls and text messages over a Wi-Fi network instead of using their cellular network. However, recent reports have emerged of users being charged for Wi-Fi calls even when their devices were in airplane mode.

The Issue

Several users have reported incurring charges for Wi-Fi calls despite connecting solely through in-flight or cruise ship Wi-Fi. This suggests that there may be inconsistencies in the billing practices of certain carriers regarding Wi-Fi calling services.

When a device is in airplane mode, all cellular connections are disabled, including Wi-Fi calling. In theory, this should prevent any charges for Wi-Fi calls made while in airplane mode. However, some users have found that they are still being charged for these calls.

Possible Causes

There are several possible explanations for why this billing discrepancy may be occurring:

• Inconsistent Carrier Billing: Different carriers may have varying policies regarding Wi-Fi calling while in airplane mode. Some carriers may not recognize airplane mode as a valid indicator that cellular connections are disabled.
• Wi-Fi Network Issues: It is possible that the in-flight or cruise ship Wi-Fi network may not be properly configured to disable cellular connections when in airplane mode.
• Device Compatibility: Some older devices may not properly handle Wi-Fi calling in airplane mode, leading to billing charges.

Impact on Users

Unexpected charges for Wi-Fi calls can have a significant impact on users, particularly those who rely on Wi-Fi calling for communication on flights or cruises. These charges can add up quickly, especially if the user is charged for multiple calls.

Resolution

If you encounter unexpected charges for Wi-Fi calls while in airplane mode, you should:

• Contact your carrier and dispute the charges. Provide detailed information about the calls in question and the circumstances under which they were made.
• Check with the in-flight or cruise ship Wi-Fi provider to ensure that the network is properly configured.
• Consider disabling Wi-Fi calling on your device when in airplane mode to avoid any potential billing issues.

Conclusion

Unexpected charges for Wi-Fi calling in airplane mode highlight a potential billing discrepancy that needs to be addressed by carriers. Users should be aware of this issue and take steps to protect themselves from unexpected charges. By disputing charges and working with their carriers and Wi-Fi providers, users can resolve these billing issues and ensure that they are not charged unfairly.