Hello
Just received a email from AT&T, claiming that none of my Sony phones will be compatible with AT&T wireless network on 2022. This is what their page says
"To bring you faster speeds and new features, we have to evolve America’s best and also fastest network. One change we’re making is phasing out our 3G network by February 2022. Once we do, 3G devices and 4G wireless devices that don’t support HD Voice will no longer work on our network."
Their compatibility list (https://www.att.com/ecms/dam/att/consumer/help/pdf/Devices-Working-on-ATT-Network.pdf) does not include any Sony phones at all.
Does anyone know if this is actually true? One the one hand, I can see that my phones are not on their compatibility list. On the other hand, AT&T appears to be completely unaware of Sony's existence.
TheKorbenDallas said:
Hello
Just received a email from AT&T, claiming that none of my Sony phones will be compatible with AT&T wireless network on 2022. This is what their page says
"To bring you faster speeds and new features, we have to evolve America’s best and also fastest network. One change we’re making is phasing out our 3G network by February 2022. Once we do, 3G devices and 4G wireless devices that don’t support HD Voice will no longer work on our network."
Their compatibility list (https://www.att.com/ecms/dam/att/consumer/help/pdf/Devices-Working-on-ATT-Network.pdf) does not include any Sony phones at all.
Does anyone know if this is actually true? One the one hand, I can see that my phones are not on their compatibility list. On the other hand, AT&T appears to be completely unaware of Sony's existence.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What model is your Xperia 1 (should be J8xxx or J9xxx)?
Do you get VoLTE with AT&T right now?
I"m on AT&T, and I don't have VOLTE from them here in Texas. Our X1 is not supported according to list provided by AT&T, however no Sony phones are. I haven't received the email...at least not yet for mine. Of course our phones are able to use VOLTE services but AT&T doesn't provision for them. There are some discussions about this going on on Reddit too, some people are reaching out to file complaints to the FCC.
MeltdownSpectre said:
What model is your Xperia 1 (should be J8xxx or J9xxx)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine is a dual-SIM model J9110.
MeltdownSpectre said:
Do you get VoLTE with AT&T right now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haven't been paying attention... but apparently not.
I have the J8xxx USA model.
TheKorbenDallas said:
Mine is a dual-SIM model J9110.
Haven't been paying attention... but apparently not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The phone will probably still be able to use data, but no calls will be possible since the phone doesn't support VoLTE on AT&T.
MeltdownSpectre said:
The phone will probably still be able to use data, but no calls will be possible since the phone doesn't support VoLTE on AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Phone supports it just fine. AT&T won't allow their servers to support the phone. They say its because they can't certify that it's safe to use for VoLTE and that means 911 calls could fail but it's really because they are pushing people to get AT&T branded phones and stay on a phone payment plan.
Related
I about to buy this tablet, but have some concerns regarding the LTE version support with T-Mobile in the USA.
Can i use a phone sim with this tablet? **Just to be clear in regards to phone sim with T-Mobile i mean that i can use the tablet on a phone plan (voice+data) and not data only like they did in the Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact**
Does it support T-Mobiles LTE bands?
samurayx89 said:
I about to buy this tablet, but have some concerns regarding the LTE version support with T-Mobile.
Can i use a phone sim with this tablet?
Does it support T-Mobiles LTE bands?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
1. Yes with nano sim. Userguide: http://support.sonymobile.com/global-en/xperiaz4tablet/userguide/
2. You can download the whitepaper for th SGP771 here: http://developer.sonymobile.com/downloads/whitepapers/xperia-z4-tablet-sgp771-white-paper/
And see if the T-Mobiles band is supported. (And I have no doubt that it is supported)
killdozer56 said:
Hi,
1. Yes with nano sim. Userguide: http://support.sonymobile.com/global-en/xperiaz4tablet/userguide/
2. You can download the whitepaper for th SGP771 here: http://developer.sonymobile.com/downloads/whitepapers/xperia-z4-tablet-sgp771-white-paper/
And see if the T-Mobiles band is supported. (And I have no doubt that it is supported)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to be clear in regards to phone sim with T-Mobile i mean that i can use the tablet on a phone plan (voice+data) and not data only like they did in the Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact
samurayx89 said:
Just to be clear in regards to phone sim with T-Mobile i mean that i can use the tablet on a phone plan (voice+data) and not data only like they did in the Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read the user guide "calling" page
killdozer56 said:
Read the user guide "calling" page
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't say anything about T-Mobile in the US. Even when some tablets support it it is block by their network and if you put a phone sim card on it it will only do calls/sms and no data or you need to use a data-device sim card which doesnt support calls. Hence my question in regards to an specific provider.
I have a T-Mobile sim in mine right now. I can tell you that I DO NOT have a phone app in order to make calls. I am using a sim card from my second phone account. It connects to LTE fine and has good speeds on data. I am not sure if it's because the tablet is considered international or if it's blocked from T-Mobile. I contacted Sony and did not get much information.
I wish the OP or others would chime in about this. @legendindisguise may I ask what model yours is and where you got it from? What makes it more challenging is that the model number is SGP771 (right?) but for some it works for others not, so perhaps like the OP said the network is somehow blocking this feature?
Just to add to this post there is two model versions of the SGP771 with wifi and LTE I believe.
International version 43015809
Alledged US version 13035541
UK model ? Comes with keyboard 12957383
I just got a SIM card for my Xperia Z4 Tablet LTE (SGP771 / 13035541) on the AT&T network with a new AT&T account. This SIM is a new line with Phone+Data and I am having an issue making calls and making data connections (websites, etc..). I am still investigating and will update everyone when I figure something out. Odd thing is that the tablet connects to the network enough to display AT&T, the correct phone number assigned to the device, and 3 AT&T APNs, but nothing is working.
Inc8pable said:
I just got a SIM card for my Xperia Z4 Tablet LTE (SGP771 / 13035541) on the AT&T network with a new AT&T account. This SIM is a new line with Phone+Data and I am having an issue making calls and making data connections (websites, etc..). I am still investigating and will update everyone when I figure something out. Odd thing is that the tablet connects to the network enough to display AT&T, the correct phone number assigned to the device, and 3 AT&T APNs, but nothing is working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does it show the inbuilt phone dialler?
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
Yes I have the phone dialer
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Totally forgot to update this post! Works great on the AT&T network. I did have to call AT&T to update the APN details but after that it works great. I can make phone calls and use the LTE data without any issues. I even took it to Spain and it worked great there too.
What is the best way to try to get working Wi-Fi Calling and VoLte on this model phone? Just ordered it yesterday so I don't have it yet
Thanks
I am not a developer but experienced user.
There is MUCH confusion about VOLTE .
To get VOLTE in the past on 99% of phones you needed 2 Things .
1] A VOLTE capable phone .
2] Network SOFTWARE on that phone to enable VOLTE ( and often WIFI calling ). This means you only get VOLTE on Tmobile , for example with a Tmobile BRANDED [ or Metro OCS phone ] with the preinstalled software from the Manufacturer for that specific NETWORK.
Android was supposedly going to ADD this into their system but I don't think it's possible technically or legally.
A friend as recently as a week ago on SPRINT had an S9 with a VOLTE On/OFF setting and when he engaged VOLTE is affected call quality negatively - I heard it.
This is one of the reasons Sprint is merging with TMO , IMO.
I have heard rumors of 'generic ' or AT&T Iphones having VOLTE on Metro PCS/Tmobile for example but real VOLTE stays on LTE always and you never lose Internet due to a call - simultaneous STABLE voice and data is the benefit - not some little trick on /off thing.
If the F/DS is an Exynos you may have issues however someone pointed out in another thread that the Exynos should work with T-Mo WiFi calling.
I am using the firmware for the 965U1, it is generic software for US Based Snapdragon phones. When I flashed and put my SIM in, it detected T-Mobile and set up WiFi calling automagically. The VoLTE also works with no adjustments or settings.
So I am thinking at a minimum you should be able to get WiFi calling. Hopefully.
Scott said:
If the F/DS is an Exynos you may have issues however someone pointed out in another thread that the Exynos should work with T-Mo WiFi calling.
I am using the firmware for the 965U1, it is generic software for US Based Snapdragon phones. When I flashed and put my SIM in, it detected T-Mobile and set up WiFi calling automagically. The VoLTE also works with no adjustments or settings.
So I am thinking at a minimum you should be able to get WiFi calling. Hopefully.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you link the other thread? I plan on buying Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus (SM-G965F/DS) for use with T-Mobile US
How was your experience with stock?
Wifi calling is enabled for Verizon (go to phone settings to enable). I am sure there
are other changes. Update G965U1UEU3ARH7.
fb
Hi, just posted the same update for GS9 Unlocked using AT&T. 495.78 MB.
Thanks for sharing... View attachment 4598513
Sent from my SM-G960U1 using Tapatalk
fbroce said:
Wifi calling is enabled for Verizon (go to phone settings to enable). I am sure there
are other changes. Update G965U1UEU3ARH7.
fb
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, and Secure Wi-Fi has now been added. I think it previously existed only on the European firmwares. Now we get it, too.
Any way to see if AT&T Wifi Calling will work as I do not see the option in Settings? I have US Unlocked GS9 on AT&T
If I flash this U1 for my ATT phone (running full Tmobile firmware now),
will I have Wifi calling with Tmobile? Or Wifi calling only works with Verizon with U1
sweetboy02125 said:
If I flash this U1 for my ATT phone (running full Tmobile firmware now),
will I have Wifi calling with Tmobile? Or Wifi calling only works with Verizon with U1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Despite what the websites like to post, there really isn't a VZW U1 and an ATT U1. There's just XAA U1. You'll get Wi-Fi Calling on every carrier with it now, except for ATT.
maddie01 said:
Any way to see if AT&T Wifi Calling will work as I do not see the option in Settings? I have US Unlocked GS9 on AT&T
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Reading up on it (short summary) this is because AT&T uses a database of IMEI numbers to provision WiFi calling and VoLTE. Since our IMEI numbers from our phones are not in that database we won't be able to use WiFi calling or VoLTE.
Makes sense but is ridiculous for AT&T to restrict it. Has anyone ever called to ask to have thier Unlocked IMEI added to this "list" so that these features will work? Seems like it is a disadvantage for AT&T if it works for TMo and now Verizon but not AT&T...?
Just curious...
Sent from my SM-G960U1 using Tapatalk
maddie01 said:
Makes sense but is ridiculous for AT&T to restrict it. Has anyone ever called to ask to have thier Unlocked IMEI added to this "list" so that these features will work? Seems like it is a disadvantage for AT&T if it works for TMo and now Verizon but not AT&T...?
Just curious...
Sent from my SM-G960U1 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's odd for sure. Verizon has always had VoLTE on unlocked too. At least since the S7. Probably before that. ATT has never felt the need to change the policy.
maddie01 said:
Makes sense but is ridiculous for AT&T to restrict it. Has anyone ever called to ask to have thier Unlocked IMEI added to this "list" so that these features will work? Seems like it is a disadvantage for AT&T if it works for TMo and now Verizon but not AT&T...?
Just curious...
Sent from my SM-G960U1 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Who can say if it's disadvantageous or not, for all we know it might be the technology differences between the networks. Also it does make sense... having specific IMEI numbers known to connect to carrier specific services like wifi calling and VoLTE ensures that everything works. It doesn't make it convenient for us and I will admit it would be nice to have the features.. but for calling via wifi there are options.
Personally I use pbx in a flash and bria softphone. With the right VoIP provider it's a good setup and doesn't break the bank at all. I haven't even spent more then 5 bucks maybe in a month. For me this is better then wifi calling and I don't have any problems.
As for adding our IMEI to that database I tried inquiring about it, but I do recall reading where some people may have had luck in doing this. I suspect it may require a bit of luck and/or perserveriance after my last discussion with AT&T customer service.
I explained the situation and what needed to be done while being placed on hold a few times. As the call continued I tried to be patient with the person I spoke too, but I admit it is not easy when he is saying that just because I see H data speed that it's actually VoLTE. When I mentioned the speed test and how it was H data speed (and that H data speeds are not VoLTE) he was saying that H data speeds were like blazing fast compared to LTE..
I had to politely finish the call before I either started to laugh or feel sorry for that rep.
scottusa2008 said:
I tried inquiring about it, but I do recall reading where some people may have had luck in doing this. I suspect it may require a bit of luck and/or perserveriance.
In my case I tried to be patient with the person I spoke too. After waiting on hold a few times the representative tried to say everything was normal.. and then proceeded but to say that just because I see H+ speed that it's actually VoLTE. When I mentioned the speed test and how it was H data speed (and that H data speeds are not VoLTE) he was saying that H data speeds were like blazing fast compared to LTE..
I had to politely finish the call before I either started to laugh or feel sorry for that rep.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hahaa, i have had a similar situations in the store where i had to correct a worker that was completely explaining 3G/HSPA wrong. Incredible how incompetent they are unless you just want an iPhone...thanks
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
maddie01 said:
Makes sense but is ridiculous for AT&T to restrict it. Has anyone ever called to ask to have thier Unlocked IMEI added to this "list" so that these features will work? Seems like it is a disadvantage for AT&T if it works for TMo and now Verizon but not AT&T...?
Just curious...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only thing I've seen some people do successfully to get VoLTE working on an unbranded unlocked device is to have AT&T provision a SIM card to an IMEI of a phone that is AT&T branded and capable of VoLTE. Then use that SIM card on the unbranded unlocked device.
guyd said:
The only thing I've seen some people do successfully to get VoLTE working on an unbranded unlocked device is to have AT&T provision a SIM card to an IMEI of a phone that is AT&T branded and capable of VoLTE. Then use that SIM card on the unbranded unlocked device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you recall seeing if they said this work for prepaid and/or postpaid?
If it's that simple i'm gonna have to find a phone capable of VoLTE and see if this works
scottusa2008 said:
Do you recall seeing if they said this work for prepaid and/or postpaid?
If it's that simple i'm gonna have to find a phone capable of VoLTE and see if this works
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly don't recall, or if it was even mentioned.
So this new version includes wifi calling. You find this in the menu system somewhere? Does HD Voice also work and indicated like Verizon SM-G965U?
houston-tx said:
So this new version includes wifi calling. You find this in the menu system somewhere? Does HD Voice also work and indicated like Verizon SM-G965U?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hd voice always worked on unlocked for Verizon. Wifi calling is found in the phone app's settings.
I flashed G965U1UES3ARI1 for XAA to SM-G965U1 and I can't find settings for Wifi calling. Are they visible or just built in and assumed to be there?
houston-tx said:
I flashed G965U1UES3ARI1 for XAA to SM-G965U1 and I can't find settings for Wifi calling. Are they visible or just built in and assumed to be there?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What carrier are you on? It's supported for SPR, TMB, and now VZW. Look in the settings of the actual phone app, not the device settings.
Verizon. Found it. Thought it was in Settings. Thank you!
houston-tx said:
Verizon. Found it. Thought it was in Settings. Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem. You're not the first person to look for it in the wrong place. U1 builds always place the setting there. So they stayed consistent doing it this way.
With the impending 3G network shutdowns by AT&T (on Feburary 2022) and T-Mobile (already done in January 2021; Sprint network will in Janurary 2022), I'm badly in need of another option. My current LG Nexus 5 (International version) won't enable me to survive these shutdowns, as it lacks the full LTE band support for the United States carriers.
After searching for another phone model with the criteria of removable battery, USB-C and unlockable bootloader, I settled on the following listing for a LG G5 (RS988): https://www.ebay.com/itm/LG-G5-RS98...M-Unlocked-Smartphone-8-10-18174/164707426461
The main thing I care about here is whether I can get VoLTE support at all, so that I can continue receiving cellular service beyond 2021. I currently use Cricket, an MVNO which uses AT&T as its network. Unfortunately, AT&T has a whitelist of devices that are allowed to use VoLTE on their network: https://www.att.com/ecms/dam/att/consumer/help/pdf/Devices-Working-on-ATT-Network.pdf. They do list the AT&T version of the LG G5 (H820), but it is bootloader locked. If I cannot use get this phone to work on AT&T, I will have no choice but to switch to T-Mobile or an MVNO using its network, such as MetroPCS. They have already shutdown their main 3G network, and also require VoLTE, but at least they don't have a whitelist that only allows me to use certain devices.
Looking at the custom ROMs, including LineageOS, it seems that none of them have VoLTE support, which is critical for me if I decide to switch to T-Mobile or one of their MNVOs. I could also see if there are any ROMs based on the stock ROM. If all else fails, I can resort to using the stock ROM/OS and then root it. However, this opens up another problem: I cannot tell if there exists a stock Android 8.1 Oreo ROM for the RS988; everything I read so far seems to indicate that I will only get up to Android 7.1 Nougat on this particular model.
As I have accepted an offer for $55 down from $64.99 in the above listing, and cannot decline to buy it, changing to another phone model is no longer an option for me in terms of keeping my cellular service working. Since I will be stuck with this RS988 for the next few years, can someone tell me what is the current situation about VoLTE support, whether for AT&T or T-Mobile, and which ROM I should stick on to gain this support? Losing my cellular service in 2022 is not going to end well for me if it does happen.
Worldblender said:
I will have no choice but to switch to T-Mobile or an MVNO using its network, such as MetroPCS. They have already shutdown their main 3G network, and also require VoLTE, but at least they don't have a whitelist that only allows me to use certain devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DONT use MetroPCS I was with 'em for years but they have changed there policy's not like now. Simplemobile costs the same...
Worldblender said:
Looking at the custom ROMs, including LineageOS, it seems that none of them have VoLTE support, which is critical for me if I decide to switch to T-Mobile or one of their MNVOs. I could also see if there are any ROMs based on the stock ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm up against the same VoLTE wall (had a Blackberry Passport 4 years) and right now only finding VoLTE in Nougat ROM... TBH, I don't want Oreo b/c of that "A-B parition" buisness
Worldblender said:
Losing my cellular service in 2022 is not going to end well for me if it does happen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I feel ya bro, right now I'm on a "burner" (LG-Stylo, for big screen) due to this concern. Did you ever find a ROM for RS988 with VoLTE?
virginwidow said:
I feel ya bro, right now I'm on a "burner" (LG-Stylo, for big screen) due to this concern. Did you ever find a ROM for RS988 with VoLTE?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You came in a tad too late; by now, I ended up getting an entirely newer phone, a Motorola Moto G Power (2020) via Google Fi bill credit. Though its battery is not meant to be user-replaceable, at least it has support for VoLTE out of the box, which is what I care about more.
(US ATT and T-Mobile)
I have this phone, but only by way of ATT telling me my non-VoLTE 4G LTE phone would not work after ATT shuts down 3G.
I move over to T-mobile recently. All works ok. I then activate VoLTE on the Mi. All works ok.
But I had to call a T-mobile rep regarding my iPhone, in that conversation I asked if VoLTE was even needed, and he tells me no, that T-mobile will still do voice data w/o VoLTE enabled.
So, VoLTE is a feature of LTE and implemented on 4G/5G, and really has nothing to do with 3G being shut down.
There's so many sites stating you "need" VoLTE to keep making voice calls after 3G is gone. This is not true.
"As 3G is switched off, you need VoLTE or HD Voice support to make calls on 4G networks."
Explained: AT&T and T-Mobile VoLTE phone cutoffs
Everything you need to know about AT&T's move over to HD Voice and T-Mobile's transition to VoLTE, and what it means for smartphone calls.
www.androidauthority.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I understand it you need 3G for voice.
You may be able to use internet service but without VoLTE, no phone service.
If the device is not white listed it likely will not be able to have phone service as your link states.
I have straight talk with AT&T sim, I was using my Black Shark 3 pro which has volte and all of a sudden Friday at midnight, no data or phone service. At that time my bs3pro has been having heating issues, so i moved everything over to my redmagic 6 which has volte. I noticed my sim was locked in apn, totally different apn info than my bs3pro, so i called support, since everytime I tried to make call it blocked calls and sent me to support. The CS person did something on their end, had me restart phone, then service was back to normal and been fine since.
If your service provider only provides 4G infrastructure like mine... then you need VoLTE otherwise no phone calls. They are new and never had any 3G and below infrastructure. I tried making calls .... it doesn't.
My service provider annoyingly doesn't provision volte for my volte capable handphone (this makes my eyes swivel) but does provide an app to support phone calls without volte.. but it chews up battery
@roger_rex
But T-mobile (US) runs 4G and 5G, but # of towers with 5G not as plentiful as 4G. I connect 4G LTE most of the time, voice & data works just fine. T-mobile rep told me it will work w/ or w/o VoLTE enabled on phone. The APN used is the "fast" APN one.
A 5G connection does not negate any benefits from using VoLTE.
Was on phone again today with a T-mobile "tech team supervisor" for a service issue (they accidentally turned off one of my SIM cards). I then asked about VoLTE, he tells me it's no longer needed on T-mobile 4G or 5G LTE, but using VoLTE will still work. He seemed to suggest VoLTE not needed at all on 5G because the speed of the wireless can carry both voice and data fast enough. He also hinted their 4G can do the same.
If you have a fast pipe then you really don't need a side channel for the voice.
But duly noted, everything technical that I have read about on VoLTE, using that feature gives better voice call on any LTE that supports VoLTE. The supervisor also mentioned that "VoLTE" will basically go away at some point.
Pretty sure on 4G LTE you need either VoLTE capability or a 3G connection for voice calls.
Redirect Notice
4G VoLTE will likely be here for a long time as 5G is distance/obstacle limited, the former is very hard to overcome due to the wavelength's physical properties.
@blackhawk
I am not disputing how online info says it's required, I am just copying what T-mobile has told me.
T-mobile store rep tells me VoLTE is not really needed, then their online support supervisor tells me the same thing. So it is for sure confusing.
Call a T-mobile support # and ask.
Why would a 3G/4G-LTE phone have an option to turn off VoLTE?
https://www.republicworld.com/technology-news/mobile/what-is-volte-and-what-it-does-is-5g-volte-know-everything-here.html
ChuckStein123 said:
@blackhawk
I am not disputing how online info says it's required, I am just copying what T-mobile has told me.
T-mobile store rep tells me VoLTE is not really needed, then their online support supervisor tells me the same thing. So it is for sure confusing.
Call a T-mobile support # and ask.
Why would a 3G/4G-LTE phone have an option to turn off VoLTE?
https://www.republicworld.com/technology-news/mobile/what-is-volte-and-what-it-does-is-5g-volte-know-everything-here.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never paid much attention to this and still have questions but it's back burnered for when I run across it. From what I'm reading the T-mobile reps sound like they don't understand it either.
Even if they don't understand it... the only thing that matters immediately is if it will work. Hopefully that intel is correct!
Really until AT&T implements the change I won't be 100% sure. However pretty sure I'm ok as the devices don't use the 3G band and in hidden user settings VoLTE is toggled on. The only indication other than the 4G that VoLTE is active.
Probably HD too, but no indicator or setting other than very good call quality.
To make matters even more confusing AT&T changed the format and models listed drastically 2 weeks ago from their December whitelist. So small wonder reps might be confused too. Makes you wonder if it was deliberately self serving, an oversight or ongoing system modifications?
So, I have not been paying close enough attention to cellular these days. The cell companies have amassed large sets of licensed bands, probably near 200+ bands between 2G/3G/4G LTE and 5G NR.
Interestingly enough, 5G is not LTE at all. I suspect operators call their crud "5G LTE" to signify they support 5G-NSA or 5G-NR (or both), and, the older 4G LTE.
Some airlines are worried about two cell C bands (n77 and n79) that back up onto aircraft radio altimeter that run 4200-4400Mhz.
VoLTE has a long history, but it seems 5G-NR does not even use VoLTE (because VoLTE is a LTE feature, and 5G is not LTE). Can a 4G/5G phone still use VoLTE? Sure, if the firmware is implemented to use it. Likely will use it if the device connects 4G LTE, but perhaps will not when connected to 5G-NR. It's not clear to me if a device will use both 4G LTE and 5G-NR at the same time, but I suspect not. I mean, you could technically connect a device on 5G-NR for data, and then use VoLTE on 4G LTE for facilitating voice calls.
Some reference links for the interested reader.
5G Frequency Bands & Spectrum Allocations - CableFree
5th generation wireless systems, or 5G, may use existing 4G or newly specified 5G Frequency Bands to operate. Technologies include: Millimeter wave bands (26, 28, 38, and 60 GHz) are 5G Massive MIMO, "Low-band 5G" and "Mid-band 5G" use frequencies from 600 MHz to 6 GHz, especially 3.5-4.2 GHz.
www.cablefree.net
5G NR frequency bands - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
LTE frequency bands - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
List of LTE networks - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
Voice over LTE - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
What is 5G LTE, NR, NSA, and MIMO Technology | How Will 5G RAN be Deployed? | Corning
Learn about 5G deployment including RAN, 5G-NSA, 5G-NR, and what they mean for LTE networks.
www.corning.com
LTE vs NR: Reference signal design
NR downlink reference signals are tailored for specific roles and can be flexibly adapted for different deployment scenarios and spectrum. 5G Training
www.5gworldpro.com
ChuckStein123 said:
@roger_rex
But T-mobile (US) runs 4G and 5G, but # of towers with 5G not as plentiful as 4G. I connect 4G LTE most of the time, voice & data works just fine. T-mobile rep told me it will work w/ or w/o VoLTE enabled on phone. The APN used is the "fast" APN one.
A 5G connection does not negate any benefits from using VoLTE.
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My understanding on this is that voice was using some 3G or below service. My provider was purely 4G and above - so unless my phone was provisioned by the cell company - no voice calls. I tried & it didn't work. I changed to an older device that they did support via VoLTE and calls worked. I can download an App from the cell company that allows my pixel 2XL to work on their system.
I can only guess T-mobile has 3G and below network infrastructure still. My provider is brand new and never built any 3G stuff and have no intention of rolling out obsolete stuff. VoLTE is annoying in that the provider gets to pick and choose which cellphones they allow (to use a standard protocol)
This may not be 100% - I've been kind of forced into a crash course on this myself over the last few days
@roger_rex - Take a read here
{Guide} QXDM Port activation on Pixel 2 XL, (VoLTE,WoWIFI,CA)
Hi all. First of all I DO NOT PROVIDE ANY KIND OF SUPPORT. YOU ALONE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY POSSIBLE ISSUES. I wrote this post during my vacation. I know it could be quite handy, but unfortunately/thankfully my primary sources of money are...
forum.xda-developers.com
Pixel 2's all have ability for VoLTE.
A cell operator should not be blocking any phone from using VoLTE.
When you call your provider what do they tell you when you tell them your Pixel 2 has VoLTE for 4GLTE but your Pixel won't make calls on their network?
I can tell you for sure, the operators play games with their support of hardware.
My iphone XS was connecting to ATT with a "5G" icon from time to time, so why does T-mobile say 5G is a "no"? I moved the XS to T-mobile and the phone won't ever connect to 5G, and the APN settings appear to be blocked.
Tutorials | T-Mobile Support
Update: I find many sites that say the Xr and Xs do not support 5G, so now I scratch my head, my Xs would sometimes show "5G" icon for cell wireless, when it was on ATT network. Apparently AT&T supports Xs and 5G, hence the Xs does have 5G capable radio.
Apple iPhone Xs / Xs Max - Signal & Cellular Data - AT&T
Get Apple iPhone Xs / Xs Max support for the topic: Signal & Cellular Data. Find more step-by-step device tutorials on att.com.
www.att.com
ChuckStein123 said:
I can tell you for sure, the operators play games with their support of hardware.
My iphone XS was connecting to ATT with a "5G" icon from time to time, so why does T-mobile say 5G is a "no"? I moved the XS to T-mobile and the phone won't ever connect to 5G, and the APN settings appear to be blocked.
Tutorials | T-Mobile Support
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I think they go at least partially by number of a given model in use. My guess is it's not a painless procedure for them to configure their system for a given model.
AT&T first listed their Note 10+ variant but not the unlocked variant, a month later it was added as well. It may be a work in progress... it seems sort of helter skelter, oh my gawd get it done, whatever it takes... kind of deal
You know they are catching Berlin air raid volume flack
Before buying Mi 11 Lite 5G I went into a T-mobile store (not an affiliate). I asked if the Mi 11 Lite 5G will work on T-mobile and the rep told me all phones work on T-mobile as long as they are not locked to another carrier, and, the T-mobile freq bands ("channels") are covered by the phone.
Unless LTE or 5G-NR/5G-NSA is improperly implemented on the device, then I don't see why all phones should not work. They should all work.
Think about hotspot. The carrier can control is the device can use that service, or at least can with some devices, but why bother, who cares how the data on the data plan gets chewed up. Go over the plan and get charged. Thus far I have not seen unlimited hotspot data, T-mobile only allows 40G on their Magenta Max plan.
Good thing is, Mi 11 Lite 5G phone (model M2101K9G) works a-ok on T-Mobile USA. I did have to manually set the APN to the "fast" one, and had to use dial code for VoLTE, 4GLTE and 5G works.
Straight talk now keeps shutting off my service every 3 days, last night again, so 3 times now. Call and back working. But seems like they only care about giving me some crappy free phone and seems like they outsource. The redmagic 6 is not on AT&T list, if any more issues I will switch to T Mobile, T Mobile recognized my phone by imei and said it is fully compatible. I Noticed on my Redmagic 6, sim 1 is only 14 digits but sim 2 is 15, so I moved sim card, might be issue, but doubt it.
@Rotwiler I see you posted about the IMEI digit thing in another post/forum. *#06# should reveal a 15 digit IMEI. If it shows only 14 then the phone is hiding one digit. Put sim card in sim slot that has the 15 digit IMEI.
What does *#*#4636#*#* get you? Do some gooling around for activating VoLTE on RedMagic 6
Phone lists for carriers are mostly for support reasons. If the phone has all the cell bands the operator uses, then it should be good to go. If the phone only has some of the cell bands used, then the phone may work ok in one area, but not good in another, all depends on how the operator runs the bands in different areas. The cell operator does not want the support headache for a phone that only has partial bands, "hey ATT, my phone not working in Timbuck-too", etc.
The RM6 appears to have most of the ATT 4GLTE bands (all the major ones), so it should work a-ok on ATT (US). 5G should also work. It appears the RM6 had a firmware update about 26d ago. Make sure the firmware is updated to latest.
Are your APN settings correct?
Program Data Settings for Your Device
Can’t connect to the internet on your mobile device? Here’s how to set up the access point name (APN) to get you going again.
www.att.com
I am using AT&T through Straight Talk. I did move sim card to slot 2 to see if issue was due to sim one showing only 14 digits. Phone is fully updated. Odd thing is I cannot change the APN since this new Volte, there is red check mark and everything is grayed out. I have always been able to modify APN until now. My sim card is really old, used to be full size and over the years cut it down for new phones, is probably 8+ years old, had it since Android phones came out, but has always worked great.
Rotwiler said:
I am using AT&T through Straight Talk. I did move sim card to slot 2 to see if issue was due to sim one showing only 14 digits. Phone is fully updated. Odd thing is I cannot change the APN since this new Volte, there is red check mark and everything is grayed out. I have always been able to modify APN until now. My sim card is really old, used to be full size and over the years cut it down for new phones, is probably 8+ years old, had it since Android phones came out, but has always worked great.
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APN settings are grayed out when the phone is locked to carrier. Can you at least see what the APN settings are? If the phone is owned outright by you then tell the Straight Talk folks you want the phone unlocked.
As for old sim card, then just go get a new one from the store for a few $, and then move your number to the new sim card via online.
Phone is Redmagic 6 global version, never was locked.