Odd Txt Regarding Roaming And 3G

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Rickles

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#311954 29-Feb-2024 16:36

I just got a text from OneNZ saying my phone may not be supported roaming in some countries as they close 3G. They also want me to buy a 4G VOLTE phone if necessary.

However, my phone is 4G VOLTE capable, AND says so on top top Menu Bar!

Why would OneNZ send me this text??

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#3201687 29-Feb-2024 16:42

+1 got one too!.....

Back in the dim dark past it would have had a 3G phone connected to the number, but its had at least 2 newer handsets since then...

s.joseph

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#3201688 29-Feb-2024 16:43

Probably a generic message but would assume that they are going with the approach that some peoples phones may not support specific LTE bands so they would have no 3g fall back either... or just not even have a 4g capable phone.

But to be fair, they do say "may not" and "if necessary"

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#3201698 29-Feb-2024 17:13

The actual wording is a bit more emphatic, which gave me concern, thus -

"... heads up, your phone can no longer support roaming in some countries ...."

cokemaster

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#3201742 29-Feb-2024 18:42

I believe its to avoid disappointment when you roam. Countries across the world have pulled out or have plans to pull out their 3G networks in favor of 4G and 5G.
You can see this in motion in the US where Tmobile is the last operator with a GSM/WCDMA network. In Australia, Vodafone AU for instance has shut down their domestic 3G network, with Telstra and Optus both having plans to shutdown their 3G networks.

Having a 4G device that isn't compatible with VoLTE roaming may give you a false sense of security... you'll probably be able to SMS and use data, but you won't be able to make calls (even to emergency services).

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quickymart

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#3201744 29-Feb-2024 18:44

I got this as well, but I know my (parallel-imported) device can do 4G and VoLTE, so was a bit confused too.

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#3201746 29-Feb-2024 18:47

I suspect some devices will be supported for domestic VoLTE but might not be supported for VoLTE roaming...

One NZ has a list here: https://one.nz/our-networks/volte/

Different operator but Spark breaks out their devices by VoLTE and VoLTE roaming support... https://www.spark.co.nz/help/mobile/device-help/device_compatibility_list/

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Rickles

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#3202170 1-Mar-2024 17:43

As cokemaster indicated, there seems to be hardware distinctions between volte, and volte roaming ... why this should be after all this technological time is baffling 😁

I've dug around the specs for my phone and it appears to be OK for everything in NZ, and OK for TXT and data whilst roaming outside NZ, but might fail for telephone calls ... again, seems weird that it can do everything under G3, but only partially under G4.

However, given the international roaming rates, I tend to use a SIM from the country being visited anyway, so until the 'phone falls down the toilet I should be fine.

MaxineN

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#3202182 1-Mar-2024 18:17

Several reasons.

Your device may have VoLTE working here but no VoLTE in the roamer country (this could be down to agreements, us still catching up on turning on VoLTE for that country and also device specifics, you could fall under the very latter part Ricky).
Post Pay vs Prepay. Yes there is a difference with AU roaming IN particular due to AU's 3G shutdown. Most are the same. But AU right now is a particular case.
There is a lot of work involved getting VoLTE roaming working(USA is a fantastic example of ensure everything is up to date before you LEAVE, codemaster couldn't have written it any better).

Hope this clear things up.

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quickymart

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#3202206 1-Mar-2024 19:28

If your phone isn't on the list, is there any way to tell what it can (or can't) do?

MaxineN

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#3202209 1-Mar-2024 19:35

quickymart:

If your phone isn't on the list, is there any way to tell what it can (or can't) do?

Your mileage will very sorry :(

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#3202210 1-Mar-2024 19:35

Its important to note that this is not a NZ specific thing either. With the Australian operators, only Optus has VoLTE roaming with a New Zealand operator (Spark - but this is not necessarily the default steered provider).
Whilst its not as pronounced as NZ largely has 3G services... there are 4G only areas (rural connectivity group sites) where you won't be able to make calls if you are a Vodafone AU or Telstra customer... or an Optus customer connected to One NZ / 2 Degrees.

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#3202245 1-Mar-2024 21:35

One have a bunch of stuff on Volte Roaming hera

https://one.nz/our-networks/volte/

The only interesting wrinkle might be

5. To use 4G Calling while roaming, you need to ensure you are on an eligible One NZ Pay Monthly plan. All of our current in-market plans include VoLTE roaming.

There is no provided list of "eligible" plans, so does this mean grandfathered plans don't provide for VOLTE roaming,??

MaxineN

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#3202246 1-Mar-2024 21:55

wellygary:

One have a bunch of stuff on Volte Roaming hera

https://one.nz/our-networks/volte/

The only interesting wrinkle might be

5. To use 4G Calling while roaming, you need to ensure you are on an eligible One NZ Pay Monthly plan. All of our current in-market plans include VoLTE roaming.

There is no provided list of "eligible" plans, so does this mean grandfathered plans don't provide for VOLTE roaming,??

As far as I am aware from the observations from the HLR. Aa long as you're post pay, you have VoLTE roaming. In addition VoLTE has been enabled as far back as the Red plans, even further with the legacy basic plans.

I can get a definite answer on Monday.

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Rickles

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#3202247 1-Mar-2024 22:05

After doing some reading, would it be correct to say that 4GVoLTE is internet based, and will be the equivalent of how we went from copper landlines to VoIP?

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#3202369 2-Mar-2024 12:44

VoLTE is packet based (IP) unlike its circuit switched parents (GSM, WCDMA etc). It wouldn’t be fair to say that it’s going ‘over the internet’ though (that’s what VoWifi is). There is definitely a grain of truth to your statement.

Some of the complexity with VoLTE is that you have to play nice with both roaming and home networks. Things like local emergency calling must work.

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