T-Mobile to sell phones that call, text on Wi-Fi

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — T-Mobile will sell a wide range of smartphones that tap into Wi-Fi networks to make phone calls and send texts when customers can't connect to the wireless carrier's cellular network.

The program announced Wednesday represents T-Mobile's latest attempt to lure wireless subscribers away from three larger rivals, Verizon Wireless, AT&T Corp. and Sprint Corp.

T-Mobile is trying to exploit the hoopla surrounding the Sept. 19 release of Apple Inc.'s iPhone 6 with its new twist on Wi-Fi connections. The iPhone 6's latest options include the ability to begin a call on a Wi-Fi network and then automatically transfer the conversation to a cellular network without interruption when the device is on the move. T-Mobile is the only U.S. carrier offering this versatility on the iPhone 6.