Cairo: Egypt has officially rolled out a new service that allows mobile phone calls to be made via fixed internet networks (WIFI-calling), with the goal of enhancing call quality and improving overall telecommunications services. In a conference held on Monday, Minister of Communications and Information Technology Amr Talaat explained that the service addresses network coverage challenges in areas with high population density, narrow streets, and tall buildings, where providing sufficient mobile network coverage is often difficult. ‘WIFI-calling makes it easier for users to send and receive calls with good quality,’ Talaat stated during the announcement.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the new service, called WIFI calling, addresses the long-standing issue of mobile network coverage, especially in areas where users struggle to get a stable signal, such as those living in lower floors of buildings or in densely populated urban areas. The service was developed over the course of a year in collaboration with Egypt’s four major mobile operators and the telecommunications regulator, explained a MCIT statement.

WIFI-calling relies on the user’s fixed internet connection through WIFI to carry mobile calls, instead of relying on traditional mobile network towers. This allows users to make regular mobile calls using their home internet connection, which is especially beneficial in areas with poor mobile network coverage.

Talaat also mentioned that by mid-year, the government plans to complete the installation of mobile network coverage across all highways and villages included in the Haya Karima (Decent Life) initiative, which aims to improve living conditions in rural and underserved areas.