UK operator EE is trialing a WiFi calling capability and plans to launch it in autumn 2014 on the latest handsets capable of supporting the service.

In recent demonstrations at the EE Test Lab, the company has also been showing live 4G call services (VoLTE), and will begin a trial later in 2014 using the 800MHz spectrum acquired in last year’s auction. The trial will expand data and voice coverage, bringing service to a previously unconnected part of rural Oxfordshire. 800MHz spectrum has a significantly greater reach than 1800MHz spectrum so can be used by EE to significantly increase the geographical coverage of its data and voice network.

A full commercial launch of the capability will follow in 2015 where the EE 4G network exceeds 90% population coverage.

Operator is investing £275 million this year in phone calls and aims to remove ‘whitespots’, and create ‘zero defect’ experience in UK’s busiest areas.

EE's 4G coverage currently reaches 70% of the UK population.