3G switch off - slightly confused

ajf · 24 Oct 2022 at 18:57

My parents mentioned they needed new phones as theirs don’t do 4g calling. They are with Vodafone.
They both have Nokia 5.1 which are LTE capable - which is 4G?
Spec of phone: https://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_5_1-9214.php
what are the handsets missing that they/me need to check for?

I thought it was to do with VoLTE but that is apparently a network specific software addon, rather than handset specific, yet my unlocked iPhone 12 when checked says it is OK for 4G calling as well.

Never given much thought about the networks so unfortunately an area I am really vague on.

demonix · 24 Oct 2022 at 20:14

Taken from the ofcom page relating to the 3G shutdown

If you’re already using a newer 4G or 5G device, you shouldn’t need to do anything. Some 4G devices might still need a software update to ensure any calls you make use the right network. Your provider will tell you if that’s the case and explain how to make the updates needed.

As that phone was released in 2018 it might require a software update if it hasn't been updated or even upgraded to the newer version.

Your iPhone 12 was released in 2020 which would explain why it already has support for 4G calls outside of VoLTE (since VoLTE is just the 4G version of VoIP for the most part).

If memory serves, 4G was originally used for data traffic only with voice calling being added later.

Terminal_Boy · 24 Oct 2022 at 20:29

VoLTE has been supported by iPhones since the iPhone 6.

Whether you get the option to enable VoLTE in Settings > Mobile Data > Mobile Data Options is entirely dependent on if your mobile operator wanted it on or not.

ajf · 24 Oct 2022 at 20:32

There is an IMEI checker on Vodafone site, and it just comes back not compatible for their Nokias, no other info.
Vodafone also say the same as Ofcom about ‘newer’ 4G devices but so vague as to almost useless.
Like myself, they buy handsets outside the contract so the only ‘help’ from Vodafone was our phones all work. Whether that means I can buy an unlocked model of anything they sell, or do some of theirs also include Vodafone specific VoLTE firmware.
They are not looking at iPhone priced handsets!

Since found it does appear that 5G includes VoLTE anyway, so probably why mine is OK, but doesn’t have a VoLTE option.
For a major change there seems to be very little information other than from the networks, who obviously want a sale!

Disco_P · 25 Oct 2022 at 21:22

My Dad had the same message on his Nokia 6.1, told him to ignore it. I think my first 4G phone would lose 4G when on a call, but the call would work fine so that might be what happens.

If you call them when they are on 4G does it stay on 4G?

Rroff · 26 Oct 2022 at 22:06

Not sure what is going on with this - some of my older phones like the Note 4 don't support 4G for calls and getting VoLTE support/enabled is a bit of a mess - I'm not quite sure what happens when 3G is switched off whether it just falls back to 2G or won't work.

EDIT: The amount of times I see my phones fall back to 3G, etc. though I think it incredible premature on VF's part - if it wasn't for most operators are probably going that way sooner or later I'd ditch them.

Orcvader · 27 Oct 2022 at 12:48

Just a heads up all networks have different switch-off dates: https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-telecoms-and-internet/advice-for-consumers/advice/3g-switch-off

Although looking at that, Vodafone is the first to switch it off in early 2023, EE early 24, 3 late 24, and O2 not yet announced.

On the other hand 2G will be switched off much later by 2033. Looking at Vodafone's page about the switch off confirms phones that doesn't support 4G/5G calling will fallback to 2G calling: https://www.vodafone.co.uk/help-and-information/3g-switch-off

If you haven’t moved over to 4G or 5G when 3G is switched off, and you have a 3G phone, you’ll be switched over to our 2G network.

Like all other networks, we’ve agreed to meet the government’s plan to switch off 2G by 2033 – but we won’t be switching off our 2G network anytime soon.

Your parents should be fine and it's plenty of time to upgrade to a new handset that supports 4G/5G calling properly.

throwaway4372 · 27 Oct 2022 at 12:51

Volte is just a war on unlocked phones to try to get people tied to networks again, shun it hard.

2g/3g isnt going anywhere because smart meters need it.

ajf · 29 Oct 2022 at 18:48

Thank you for all the replies.
Yes, VoLTE does seem to be a way to try and get you to buy network locked handset, unless it’s Apple!
Given how many unlocked phones there must be and are currently sold amazed there isn’t more about this aspect.
Regards the 2G option, I presume that would be for the calls only. Any data/internet usage would still use 4G where available?
That was one concern although their data usage is low.

Disco_P · 29 Oct 2022 at 19:15

ajf said:
Thank you for all the replies.
Yes, VoLTE does seem to be a way to try and get you to buy network locked handset, unless it’s Apple!
Given how many unlocked phones there must be and are currently sold amazed there isn’t more about this aspect.
Regards the 2G option, I presume that would be for the calls only. Any data/internet usage would still use 4G where available?
That was one concern although their data usage is low.

My unlocked android phones have all worked with VoLTE.

You'll lose all Gs when on a call, it'll just show the signal bars but there will be no internet data available.