Wi-Fi calling: Tu Go service from O2 to cease in November 2017

O2 have officially announced that they will no longer offer Tu Go Wi-Fi calling app from November 30th!!

For all of the users out there that have found this app by O2 indispensable, you will be saddened to learn that O2 will stop supporting this app by November this year. For those that are unaware o this amazing app, it allowed a user on any smartphone phone from Apple, Android and Windows to be able to make calls via local Wi-Fi hotspots.

This proved handy when there was no O2 signal around. It also had an amazing hidden feature, where calls could be made whilst abroad via, let's say, Wi-Fi by the swimming pool. Because you were not technically using a mobile network to make the call, you were not being charged international rates. In fact, if you had a set amount of minutes included in your package, then this means the call was absolutely free!

Shhh! The network never really knew about this!

Alas, this will be gone soon and so will the cheaper calls made (outside of Europe) to the UK. The network has finally set up their in-house Wi-Fi calling service that does not have to rely on an app to work. Similar to the service already offered by Vodafone and EE, O2 will allow their users to make calls from local Wi-Fi hotspots, As well as receive calls and send/receive text messages.

There is a catch!

yes, the problem is that if you were using the Tu GO service on your old trusty smartphone, the odds are that it will be incompatible with the new Wi-Fi calling service with O2. They have issued a list of devices, as seen below. These are the only handsets that will currently work with this service, resulting in a need for you to upgrade your handset;

iPhone 8, 7, 6S, 6 and SE (including Plus models)
Samsung Galaxy S8, S8+, S7, S7 Edge and Note 8*
Sony XZ Premium, XZ1 and XZ1 Compact*

If you have an Android device, then it must be locked to the O2 network for it to work with WiFi Calling.

Many of you will be disappointed with this news and even more when you realise you can not use your old handset. We have asked O2 on what will be done for the users that are left in the dark with no Wi0Fi calling app, nor service that is meant to replace it. Unfortunately, there is no solution for these users, but to upgrade your handsets. If you have quite a while left on your contract, then this means forking out for a new handset with your own money.

For some of you, this news might be a welcoming message, as the Tu Go app was reported to have many issues and faults with it. The main one being voicemail. Many users reported that their voicemail no longer worked when the app was up and running.

What to do next...

Don’t forget that TU GO, whether in use now or previously downloaded to a handset must be completely deactivated/deregistered and the APP removed before trying to add the WIFI and 4G Calling with O2. If you don't, then the To Go service can have a negative impact on the network sited Wi-Fi calling and prevent it from working

Do you use "O2 Call Recording Service"?, as this is not compatible with the WIFI Calling service either! THis will also result in not working if both on the account.

What are your thoughts on O2s change in service? Does this help your business?