Hello CamLillico,
Welcome to the community!
I understand it seems intuitive that Wifi-calling should be 'free' because you're using Wifi. However Wifi-calling is different from other types of Wifi-based calling apps such as WhatsApp or Skype, etc. With app-based calls, the entirety of the calls are transmitted via the internet. In addition, those types of calls require both parties to use the same app. If the receiving party does not use the app, there are charges for connecting those calls. The reason there are charges for calls outside of the app is that those calls would terminate via the telecommunications networks (cellular or landline).
With Wifi-calling, the calls do not transmit entirely via the internet. Wifi-calling calls are routed through the cellular networks (see graphic here). Rather than connecting to a cellular tower, your phone is using Wifi to access the cellular networks. The services still use cellular networks. Calls are treated the same as if a call was made over the cellular network because they are being made over the cellular networks. Wifi is just a different means to connect to the networks.
Hope this helps 😀
Cheers
Hey @josborn!
Wi-Fi calling is primarily offered as a way to let you use your mobile phone in more places when connected to Wi-Fi such as at the cottage or in basements. This offers you some extra coverage but you still have access to your Fido Services! 
Hello LH216,
Welcome to the community!,
If you're jumping ship because of this issue, you should note that it's the same with the other providers as well.
Wifi calling via mobile providers is slightly different from other free Wifi calling services (ie Whatsapp, Skype, Viber, etc) because while the calls are initially routed through the Internet, at some point the calls are passed over to the traditional telephone network to complete the connection. Similarly, when receiving calls via Wifi calling, the calls pass from the telephone network to the Internet to complete the connection. Even if both parties were using Wifi calling, the calls would still route through the telephone network at some point. Since the calls are routed via the telephone network, that's why they're considered airtime.
On the other hand, the free services of those apps require both parties to use the same app. Often those apps cannot complete calls to landlines or cellular phones. If they can, usually charge for those calls.
Hope this helps
Cheers
Hello again,
I'm not sure what you referenced previously, but I just checked the Telus, Bell, Rogers, Freedom Mobile, and even Virgin Mobile websites again and they all treat Wifi calling as airtime (plus long distance, if applicable).
Hope this helps
Cheers
Hello,
Thanks to LH216 for kindly forwarding the information to me...
Just to clarify, they were referring to services providing virtual numbers. Virtual numbers (DID) have available for a long time and are not associated with an actual telephone line or network. However, a number with mobile provider is associated with network. While a Wifi call might free up capacity at the local cell tower, it still routes through the network -- airtime. As noted previously, they are completely different services and you cannot compare the two services.
Cheers
The calls made over WiFi will be treated the same way as if it was made over the cell network. The minutes will be deducted from your monthly alloted minutes if you have unlimited minutes then you don't have to worry.
If you are using Wi-Fi Calling while outside of Canada, the following will be deducted from your airtime and messaging limits included in your wireless plan without incurring any long distance or roaming charges:
Incoming calls and messages received from anywhere in the world
Outgoing calls and messages made or sent by you to a Canadian number
Roaming and/or long distance charges will vary depending on the roaming option you have on your account.
If you have Roam Like HomeTM: Outgoing Wi-Fi calls or messages made to a non-Canadian number will incur the Roam Like Home daily charge. If you have already incurred this charge, then all outgoing Wi-Fi calls and messages made or sent within that 24-hour period will be Roam Like Home-rated.
*Edited title
