From the actual announcement:

> Wi-Fi enables Matter devices to interact over a high-bandwidth local network and allows smart home devices to communicate with the cloud.

If only there was a way to have it explicitly NOT communicate with the cloud. That's the last thing I want.

Not necessarily, because Wi-Fi is energy hungry and it will empty the battery in a short time. The Wi-Fi enabled CR123A battery powered Shelly devices I have exhibit shorter battery life than Zigbee devices operating on a CR2032 or CR2450 and the battery holds many more mAh. If yuo have an outlet or cable powered device then yes, they usually phone home.