USA Roaming Problem

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k14

629 posts

Ultimate Geek

#302619 7-Dec-2022 04:04

I am currently travelling for work in the USA and have an issue with my phone which I am unable to figure out.

I have a Samsung S21FE on Spark (work phone). It is roaming on AT&T and cannot figure out why I can't make calls from it using the data pack that auto subscribes (as per my work travel guidance). I can send txt's to both NZ and US numbers, data works fine but the phone will not make or receive calls to/from any number (NZ or US). When I attempt the call the phone screen just immediately goes to the end of call/call finished screen (no ring tone or anything). If someone calls my number it goes straight to answerphone. I have tried my SIM in a work mates iPhone 13 and that worked fine, but put back in my phone and no luck.

Have tried restarting and turning off multiple times. Also have reset the network settings multiple times. Tried sim in sim slot 1 and 2. Out of ideas. Haven't raised a ticked with Spark because I am thinking here would get more luck. Have not tried all settings reset as I would prefer to avoid this if possible.

Anyone have other suggestions?

tripp

3848 posts

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#3006640 7-Dec-2022 07:50

do you have voLTE turned on?

A lot of the US is no longer supporting 3g (which is what normally does the calling). There should be a setting somewhere in the quick settings for VOLTE

andyb

236 posts

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Spark NZ

#3006644 7-Dec-2022 08:14

Hi there - please ensure that you have VolTE enabled in your mobile and that you are running the latest software release for your device.

If you are still having issues email the helpdesk roaming@spark.co.nz

andyb

k14

629 posts

Ultimate Geek

#3006679 7-Dec-2022 09:26

Thanks for the replies. No luck with VoLTE - do not have any options for that in my phone settings. Looks like it may be an issue for others reading the comments in a youtube video showing how to do the same thing. Have sent a query to Spark roaming helpdesk so will see what they come back with.

andyb

236 posts

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Spark NZ

#3006929 7-Dec-2022 14:47

I meant to add: Its a possibility that your device isnt Spark or NZ carrier sourced so it doesn't support VoLTE - this means you will need to manually select T-Mobile from your devices network menu. T-Mobile still have a 2G network (in places) which will allow you to make and receive calls where coverage exists.

andyb

openmedia

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#3040541 22-Feb-2023 14:03

I'm currently trying to roam with Skinny in Houston and I'm reduced to EDGE data on T-Mobile. can't connect to any other networks and I can't get a 4G data connection on my Nokia 7.1

Generally known online as OpenMedia, now working for Red Hat APAC as a Technology Evangelist and Portfolio Architect. Still playing with MythTV and digital media on the side.

tchart

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#3040574 22-Feb-2023 15:21

It was unusable when I was in LA, SF and San Diego last June/July.

Anybody used a prepaid mobile hotspot in the USA? The RV forums suggest it’s doable.

andyb

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Spark NZ

#3040605 22-Feb-2023 17:02

openmedia:

I'm currently trying to roam with Skinny in Houston and I'm reduced to EDGE data on T-Mobile. can't connect to any other networks and I can't get a 4G data connection on my Nokia 7.1

The Nokia 7.1 isnt currently VoLTE roaming capable - the list of capable devices to date are here https://www.spark.co.nz/shop/mobile/volte/ they will be applicable for Skinny as well, as such you will be restricted to roaming on T-Mobile only, ie not be able to access AT&T.

With regards to 4G, its possible it doesnt support the bands required. From memory 4G on T-Mobile is Band 12, with other bands for infill, or you may have 4G roaming barred for some reason - best to give Skinny a call so they can investigate.

andyb

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openmedia

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#3040991 23-Feb-2023 17:39

Spark list the Nokia 7.1 as supported, but if it gets turned on there are odd issues they still haven't resolved.

Generally known online as OpenMedia, now working for Red Hat APAC as a Technology Evangelist and Portfolio Architect. Still playing with MythTV and digital media on the side.

andyb

236 posts

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Spark NZ

#3040997 23-Feb-2023 18:01

The Nokia 7.1 is supported for VoLTE but not VoLTE roaming. They are two different things.

If you click on the link I gave above you will see a list of VoLTE capable devices and a list of VoLTE roaming capable devices. The Nokia 7.1 isn’t currently in the second list.

andyb

openmedia

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#3041174 24-Feb-2023 08:59

andyb: The Nokia 7.1 is supported for VoLTE but not VoLTE roaming. They are two different things.

If you click on the link I gave above you will see a list of VoLTE capable devices and a list of VoLTE roaming capable devices. The Nokia 7.1 isn’t currently in the second list.

Well that is a bit crap as I don't use iPhones and I try to avoid Samsung devices.

Generally known online as OpenMedia, now working for Red Hat APAC as a Technology Evangelist and Portfolio Architect. Still playing with MythTV and digital media on the side.

Linux

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#3041241 24-Feb-2023 12:01

VoLTE roaming is a joke when compared to old school 2G / 3G

andyb

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Spark NZ

#3041250 24-Feb-2023 12:37

Linux: VoLTE roaming is a joke when compared to old school 2G / 3G

That's an interesting statement albeit a little trollish - perhaps you could elaborate?

andyb