How to make calls via the Internet to MTS: VoLTE, Wi-Fi Calling and MTS Connect

Date: April 7, 2021 | Updated: June 4, 2021 | Author: Moblie-man

April 2021 was marked by a pleasant innovation for MTS subscribers, thanks to which it became possible to make calls via Wi-Fi networks. And today in our article we will look at information about possible options for using the new offer, and also talk about who it is available to.

Calls via the Internet using VoLTE technology on MTS

This technology allows you to make voice calls via 4G/LTE networks, in which the sound quality is at HD level. In addition, such calls can be made together using the mobile Internet. This means that you can, for example, have a conversation over a speakerphone or through a headset, and at the same time surf the net, play videos or audio recordings in various online services. Another advantage of the technology is almost instant dialing, even faster than in today's popular instant messengers.

The option of calling via VoLTE on MTS is available for use on all modern SIM cards, and Internet traffic when making calls is not consumed from the prepaid quota.

The disadvantages of the technology are, perhaps, only the following points:

Inability to use the service in international roaming;
Temporary operation of the service only in the capital and Moscow region, St. Petersburg, Voronezh and their regions (the zone is constantly expanding);
Outgoing calls are provided for a fee (according to the tariff conditions of the tariff plan used);
The service is available only on relatively new devices, starting with SamsungS7, iPhone6/SE and newer.

What is VoLTE in a smartphone

The abbreviation VoLTE stands for Voice over LTE - voice over LTE. The technology itself is innovative; it allows voice communication using a special development of LTE. The voice will be converted into a stream of information transmitted over the network.

The service provides better quality of data transmission compared to standard types of communication.

In the early years of its existence, the development was only compatible with Samsung models, but over time, other phone systems also began to support the technology. At the moment, most gadgets are capable of ensuring the normal operation of the option.

Internet calls via Wi-Fi Calling on MTS

The Wi-Fi Calling service allows MTS subscribers to make calls via Wi-Fi networks even if there is no operator network coverage. It is noteworthy that for this you do not need to install any applications similar to instant messengers, and the service works even abroad.

In order to make a call using Wi-Fi Calling technology, subscribers must perform the following steps:

Activate the Wi-Fi Calling service on your smartphone (for example, on an iPhone this is done like this: “Settings” > “Phone” > “Wi-Fi Calling”).
Connect to any Wi-Fi network (be it a home router, or a guest network in a hotel, cafe, train station, airport).
Check the activity of the Wi-Fi Calling icon, and then make a call as you are used to doing via cellular networks (that is, absolutely normally).

Outgoing calls within the Wi-Fi Calling service are charged according to the standard conditions of the tariff plan used. Incoming calls are available free of charge.

As for connecting the service, the activation/deactivation procedure is performed using the same commands as in the case of VoLTE ( *111*6# and *111*6*01# to enable and disable, respectively).

Connecting and disabling the “Internet calls” option

Clients of this provider can independently enable and disable this function. For activation, a standard procedure is provided, consisting of the following steps:

You need to go to the official website of the mobile operator.
Here you need to log in to your personal account.
You can log in with a permanent or temporary password.
Next you go to the services and finance section.
Here you need to find the appropriate option to ensure communication.
It is necessary to activate, or vice versa, deactivate the mode.
At the end, you will definitely receive a corresponding SMS notification.

Don't forget that this is not the only way to enable calls. Users can also connect everything they need through a mobile application installed on their phone or tablet, or a USSD command. To activate, you will need to enter *111*6# in tone mode and place a call.

Important! If you want to completely disable the ability to make calls via the Internet, you can also use the USSD request *111*6*01#, after which you will also receive a corresponding notification.

If a client of the MTS cellular operator does not want to spend extra money on calls within the network, then he can use Internet calls. This option has become available to absolutely all users who live in connected regions. This opportunity will allow you to significantly save money on conversations with your loved ones, or if you need to communicate at work or on business. Of course, this system cannot be considered completely ideal, and has some flaws, however, as the cellular provider MTS assures, the option will soon be improved and will receive additions in accordance with the requirements and wishes of customers.

MTS Connect application

The third option for making calls to MTS via the Internet implies the need to use a special application “MTS Connect”. The application is an almost complete analogue of today's popular instant messengers. Its functionality includes the following main features:

Text correspondence one-on-one and in group chats;
Making calls via the Internet;
Sending files;
Exchange of geo-position;
Setting statuses, avatars and photos;
Possibility of use in international roaming.

You can download the corresponding version of the application today for iOS and Android devices using the following links:

For iPhone (works on iOS 8.0 and higher);
For Android devices (works on Android 4.0 and above).

Price

The program itself is free - it can be downloaded freely from both app stores and does not require a purchase. Incoming calls in the MTS Connect service are not charged, including on international trips (only mobile Internet is paid). Outgoing Internet calls to MTS numbers are also free, even abroad. Calls to numbers of other operators are paid according to the current tariff plan. This tariffication remains the same on all MTS tariff plans, including those with per-minute payment.

Since all calls are made via the Internet, the subscriber needs to pay for Internet traffic or use package tariffs.

Regions where calls via MTS Connect are available

Actual information. Updated June 4, 2019

Moscow and Moscow region;
Abakan and the Republic Khakassia;
Arkhangelsk and Arkhangelsk region;
Barnaul and Altai Territory;
Belgorod and region;
Blagoveshchensk and Amur region;
Bryansk and region;
Vladivostok and Primorsky Krai;
Vladikavkaz and rep. North Ossetia;
Voronezh and region;
Ivanovo and region;
Kaluga and Kaluga region;
Kostroma and region;
Krasnoyarsk and Krasnoyarsk region;
Kyzyl and rep. Tyva;
Magadan and region;
Maykop and republic Adygea;
Makhachkala and the Republic Dagestan;
Murmansk and region;
Naryan-Mar and Nenets Autonomous Okrug;
Novosibirsk and region;
Omsk and Omsk region;
Eagle and region;
Petrozavodsk and rep. Karelia;
Stavropol and Stavropol Territory;
Syktyvkar and the Republic Komi;
Tver and region;
Tomsk and region;
Tula and region;
Ufa and the Republic Bashkiria;
Khabarovsk and Khabarovsk Territory;
Chita and Transbaikal region;
Yakutsk and rep. Sakha;
Yaroslavl and Yaroslavl region;

How to connect and disconnect

Using the service is very easy - we have prepared step-by-step instructions for you:

Connect through your personal account, the “My MTS” application or using the USSD command *111*6#;
Download the branded mobile application and install it on your smartphone;
Launch the application and enter your phone number;
Complete registration by following the on-screen prompts.

Now you can make and receive calls through the application. If there is no Internet connection, calls are automatically answered on the phone.

3.7 / 5 ( 4 voices)

Author

Vyacheslav

For several years he worked in mobile phone stores of two large operators. I understand tariffs well and see all the pitfalls. I love gadgets, especially Android ones.

Eventually

Summarizing the information discussed about calls via the Internet from MTS, it can be emphasized that the operator does not stand still and tries to quickly catch up with all modern trends in the field of technology, and this is commendable. However, in a specific case, speaking about making calls over the Internet, neither VoLTE, nor Wi-Fi Calling, nor, especially, MTS Connect, can be called full-fledged competitors to such instant messengers as Viber, WhatsApp and Telegram. Especially when it comes to the need to make calls while staying outside of Russia.

Therefore, before you start using new offers from MTS, I recommend carefully weighing all the pros and cons in order to understand how rational such services are specifically in your case.

Volte action in the Russian Federation

The main operators of the Russian Federation - Beeline, Megafon, MTS and Tele2 - have supported VoLTE since 2015. However, for the period of 2021, the technology was available only in Moscow and the surrounding region. The coverage area is expanding slowly due to the fact that 4G connections are not available everywhere. Complete modernization should be completed by 2019-2020.

It must be said that the provision of the service depends on the operator. Some of them are focused only on the Moscow region, others have already extended their coverage to almost all major cities of the Russian Federation.

Specifically, the option is provided as follows:

Megafon is the territory of Moscow and Moscow Region;
MTS - almost all major cities of Russia;
Beeline - within Moscow;
Tele2 - within Moscow and Moscow Region.

Such communication is available only in large cities due to the fact that it is necessary to replace outdated equipment with new technologies that are capable of two-way voice communication.

Equipment and services

To take advantage of the new communication standard, the company has developed and offers subscribers on a paid and free basis:

MTS 4G SIM – special USIM cards for the LTE standard;
MTS 4G modem - special modifications used for deploying home and office networks;
for home purposes, an MTS 4G modem and tariffs for unlimited Internet with the distribution of network access for all household devices.

These are the main proposals of MTS, since the maximum speed of this standard is achieved in the absence of movement. At the same time, the 4G standard is also available to mobile smartphone owners, who can also use high-speed Internet access for personal and household purposes on favorable terms. Users have access to the best 4G coverage area in MTS.

4G tariffs for phones

4G is available on all plans!
It is enough to have USIM with you!

The 4G standard is available in almost all MTS service plans without restrictions, the main thing is that the subscriber is in the coverage area, has a USIM card and an LTE-compatible device. To take advantage of new generation communication services, it makes sense to purchase an MTS 4G smartphone at an MTS store. However, some tariffs are specially adapted for high-speed access.

Tariffs for smartphones provide priority 4G access

For owners of MTS smartphones on Android and iPhone, a special line of tariffs with conditionally unlimited Smart Internet is offered, which connects subscribers to high-speed LTE Internet on priority terms. You can also access the 4G network through a modem and home routers located in the coverage area.

Use the opportunity to access 4G networks from the MTS line of tariff plans:

Smart – for smartphone owners, the maximum amount of traffic is available in the Smart+ and Smart Unlimited plans;
MTS Connect 4 – for tablets;
ULTRA – for subscribers who need a large volume of traffic throughout Russia and the ability to provide a federal number. The Internet can be used anywhere in MTS coverage.

These plans provide access to LTE networks, while any package can be connected to the Connect service, which will allow unlimited use of high-speed traffic.

Smart Mini

250 minutes and SMS
Free calls within the MTS network
1 GB mobile internet monthly
Cost: 300 rub. \month

Connection:*111*1023#
Tariff description

Smart

600 minutes and SMS
Free calls within the MTS network
3 GB mobile internet monthly
Cost: 550 rub. \month

Connection:*111*1024#
Tariff description

Smart Unlimited (unlimited network access)

200 minutes and SMS
Free calls within the MTS network
Unlimited Internet
with daily billing
Cost: 600 rub. \month

Connection:*111*3888#
Tariff description

Smart+ with weekly pricing (unlimited network access)

1100 minutes and SMS
Free calls within the MTS network
15 GB of mobile internet monthly
Cost: 900 rub. \month

Connection:*111*1024#
Tariff description

Smart Nonstop

400 minutes and SMS
Free calls within the MTS network
Unlimited internet at night
with daily billing
Cost: 500 rub. \month

Connection:
*111*1027# Tariff description

Smart Top

3000 minutes and SMS
Free calls within the MTS network
15 GB of mobile internet monthly
Cost: 1600 rub. \month

Connection:*111*1026#
Tariff description

Unlimited tariff "ULTRA"

5000 minutes and SMS
Free calls within the MTS network
20 GB mobile internet monthly
Cost: 2700 rub. \month

Connection:
*777# Tariff description

Flexible – “Transformische”

400 minutes and 100 SMS
Free calls within the MTS network
Unlimited Internet
Cost: from 650 rub. \month

Connection: To the website
Tariff description

How does 4G from MTS work?

A large percentage of clients speak positively about this provider. A large selection of tariffs allows you to find a suitable option for each client. From simple and inexpensive with speed limits to unlimited, but higher in price. Also, reviews of 4g Internet from MTS often praise the operator for the opportunity to use services without restrictions and additional fees at night. For the most part, all dissatisfaction is related to the payment system and attitude towards debtors. If you pay for services regularly, then you will enjoy using MTS Internet. A large number of 4G towers provide coverage across most of central Russia, which puts the company in an advantageous position over Tele2 or Yota. Also on our website you will find instructions on how to connect 4G to Megafon.

Peculiarities

Customers do not always carefully study the information about the activated services, and then begin to complain due to a misunderstanding of a specific service. Let's consider what nuances of the service you need to know about:

The service is not available to corporate clients with the M2M Manager option active due to technical limitations.
For VoLTE to work, the “Mobile Internet” and “Internet calls” options must be activated on the number.
After activating the service, setting up forwarding can only be done in your personal account on the operator’s website or application.

Currently, the service area is significantly limited. It includes only Moscow and Moscow Region, but the company is working on its expansion. Another limitation is related to the need to support the service on the subscriber device side. It is mainly available to iPhone owners.