Windows
Phone is also capable of the kind of advanced calling tricks once found
only on fancy corporate office phones. Case in point: conference
calling. While you probably won’t have much occasion to use this feature
outside work, it’s still sometimes fun to get a bunch of old friends on
the line for a virtual reunion. Windows Phone lets you add as many
people to a call as your carrier allows.
1. Set Up a Conference Call
While on a call, tap the arrow, if necessary, to show in-call options.
Tap Add Call. Windows Phone puts the person or people you’re talking to on hold and opens Call History.
In Call History, add another person to the call by doing one of the following:
Tap Call next to someone’s name.
Tap Keypad, enter a number, and then tap Call.
Tap People, tap the person you want to call, and then tap a number to dial.
When the person answers, tap Merge Calls. To add more people, return to step 2.
To end a conference call, tap End Call. This ends the call for everyone.
Tip:
Don’t forget to take advantage of the Speaker and Mute options during a conference call.
2. Speak Privately with Someone
While on a conference call, tap the arrow, if necessary, to show in-call options.
Tap Private.
Tap
the name or number of the person you want to speak with privately.
Windows Phone puts everyone else on hold, so they can’t hear your
conversation.
When you finish speaking privately, tap Merge Calls to resume the conference call.
Or tap End Call to hang up on the person.
Tip:
How many callers can
you simultaneously have on a conference call? Theoretically, as many as
you want. In practice, carriers often cap the number of people. Ask
your carrier for more specifics.
Warning:
Be sure to check the fine
print on your service contract to see how your carrier charges for
conference calls, so you don’t inadvertently burn through your monthly
minute allotment.
