Spark to introduce SMS over wifi in 2023 (?)

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gzt

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#311198 22-Dec-2023 12:10

In my annual checkup on Spark I noticed this on official Spark site:

Spark: Spark also plans to introduce SMS (or texting) over WiFi in 2023.

One week left. No doubt one of those times someone made a special exception to never put a date on anything and regretted it : ).

I see Skinny offers SMS over wifi. Hopefully Spark is not far away.

https://www.skinny.co.nz/help/vowifi-calling

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#3174573 22-Dec-2023 12:25

Maybe it's already here. Just put phone in Airplane mode and SMS still went through on Spark. From my couch in lounge that's usually a mobile deadspot anyway.

gzt

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#3174575 22-Dec-2023 12:32

With airplane mode on that is more likely to be RCS not SMS I think.

CYaBro

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#3174579 22-Dec-2023 12:45

Definitely still not working.

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gajan

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#3174582 22-Dec-2023 12:50

hi team. Spark and Skinny SMS support on VoWiFi is live and we're working through the device updates required with the various device manufacturers. At the moment it's mainly around Samsung and Oppo rolling out the change across the various models.

My comments and remarks are not necessarily of my employer.

gzt

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#3174598 22-Dec-2023 13:53

Thanks for the update Gajan. That's great news for the new year coming. I can start considering a new phone purchase for the new year. It is likely I will go with one of those you named for the first year.

Separate question coming. Is there any indication for Pixel 8 support and if so which model will be best for your network? I appreciate it's early for that question and maybe too early for an answer.

Bung

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#3174617 22-Dec-2023 14:39

gzt: With airplane mode on that is more likely to be RCS not SMS I think.

Yes, switching off chat mode killed it. Still, better than when Telecom introduced texting, you needed a new phone. "Is it just different firmware?" "Who knows, there's no way of changing yours."

shk292

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#3174627 22-Dec-2023 14:58

Now all we need on Spark is VoWiFi when overseas and they will have caught up with 2 Degrees

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gzt

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#3174628 22-Dec-2023 15:01

One step at a time. That will come.

gajan

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#3174632 22-Dec-2023 15:31

gzt: ... Is there any indication for Pixel 8 support and if so which model will be best for your network? I appreciate it's early for that question and maybe too early for an answer.

Whilst we work with Google to get Spark's settings built into their devices, it's not the same as certified Spark devices that we range/sell. Most things work as expected, but not everything across all devices - so as usual - ymmv.

My comments and remarks are not necessarily of my employer.

CYaBro

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#3174633 22-Dec-2023 15:36

And when can we expect it to work with iPhones?

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gajan

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#3174634 22-Dec-2023 15:44

CYaBro:
And when can we expect it to work with iPhones?

I can’t comment officially on that as you can appreciate. However I would expect it soon.

My comments and remarks are not necessarily of my employer.

myfullflavour

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#3185477 23-Jan-2024 12:41

SMS via Wifi Calling doesn't appear to be working on iPhone yet.

It would be helpful if Spark could update their webpage to make this clearer, there is no indication that SMS via Wifi Calling on iPhone isn't working yet.

https://www.spark.co.nz/help/mobile/understand/wifi-calling/

snj

185 posts

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#3185480 23-Jan-2024 12:46

myfullflavour: SMS via Wifi Calling doesn't appear to be working on iPhone yet.

It would be helpful if Spark could update their webpage to make this clearer, there is no indication that SMS via Wifi Calling on iPhone isn't working yet.

https://www.spark.co.nz/help/mobile/understand/wifi-calling/

It's more clear on https://www.spark.co.nz/help/mobile/device-help/device_compatibility_list/ which is linked further down. Agree though that it seems like the wording could be improved even a "Some features may not be available on all phones, check the compatibility list for more details" tacked on at the end of the Wifi Calling services list would be better.

myfullflavour

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#3185487 23-Jan-2024 13:01

snj:
It's more clear on https://www.spark.co.nz/help/mobile/device-help/device_compatibility_list/ which is linked further down. Agree though that it seems like the wording could be improved even a "Some features may not be available on all phones, check the compatibility list for more details" tacked on at the end of the Wifi Calling services list would be better.

Is SMS via VoWIFI the same as SMS via SMSoIP?

gajan

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#3185496 23-Jan-2024 13:26

SMSoIP is the enabler that allows it to work over VoWiFi, so yes related. Will take the feedback on board to the teams to see if the capabilities can be made clearer.

My comments and remarks are not necessarily of my employer.

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