Forum Discussion

jamescutts's avatar
jamescutts
SMARTY Pioneer
22-01-2024
Solved

WiFi Calling and VoLTE Support

I've hit my first snag with SMARTY, having jumped over from Three last week everything has gone through smoothly and working mostly as expected, with a few issues getting an equally as good signal in...
VoLTE
wifi calling
  • JodieC's avatar
    JodieC
    23-01-2024

    Hi jamescutts 

    Thank you for reaching out to our SMARTY community.

    Although SMARTY share the Three network, we operate as different providers, this means some services Three offer may not be offered by us, this includes Wi-Fi-Calling. 

    You can view our Wi-Fi-Calling compatibility list here - Which devices are compatible with WiFi Calling? | SMARTY Help Centre

    We are continuously working on adding new devices to this list but I am unable to provide a timeframe as to when your device would be compatible with this feature. 

    I appreciate your feedback on this and I can assure you it does not go unnoticed. 

    Jodie

  • Chalkychap's avatar
    Chalkychap
    23-01-2024

    Maybe Three UK and SMARTY use different IMS systems for provisioning VoLTE and WiFi Calling services on their mobile networks, jamescutts. This could explain why your Sony Xperia works with one and not the other.

    When I used Android devices, being able to use a WiFi Calling service with my handset was always problematic. Because I needed a WiFi Calling service in my mobile not-spot, I reluctantly switched to iOS and an iPhone - mainly because the big 4 UK networks all supported iPhone handsets with VoLTE and WiFi Calling, while offering limited support for Android devices.  

    With my iPhone, I've not encountered issues with VoLTE and WiFi Calling support. If you're using an Xperia handset and not an iPhone, perhaps you'll always find your service provider choices are limited. 

    At least there's no 12/24 month minimum-term lock-in at SMARTY, jamescutts.  
    🍀

     

  • Chalkychap's avatar
    Chalkychap
    23-01-2024

    Sorry jamescutts, your Xperia might be able to use a mobile data connection after 3G switch-off, but how would you make/receive calls, and send/receive text messages, if your Xperia device doesn't work with SMARTY's current VoLTE and WiFi Calling services, running on their 4G data network? 

    You might have to rely on Skype calls or WhatsApp calls, over your SMARTY mobile data connection.

     

Chalkychap's avatar
Chalkychap
SMARTY Trendsetter
23-01-2024

Thanks jamescutts.
Unfortunately, I suspect you'll find whenever resources are limited, network operators focus on supporting handsets with bigger market shares.

In the UK, this probably means offering VoLTE and WiFi Calling support for Apple, Samsung, Google, Xiaomi, and Honor devices in the main. 

jamescutts's avatar
jamescutts
SMARTY Pioneer
23-01-2024

I think that's certainly a factor Chalkychap I'd just love (and I'm sure others would too) some documented requirements so that I use to help me make informed decisions, is it just SMARTY needing to enable it or is it requirement for a particular thing in the OS etc? I'm never not going to be baffled as to why my ancient and cheap backup Nokia 7.2 works but my ex-flagship Xperia V II doesn't 😄

I'm certainly willing to stick it out for a bit and see though at least for a good few months. I might end up dual siming with someone like the 4 letter V provider who do have support to get me out of those tricky situations where i need Voice over Wifi, though with the inconvenience of an extra number.

Inevitably I'll also be switching to a new phone at some point, if it works with that new device great, if not then I'll probably switch at that point.

  • Chalkychap's avatar
    Chalkychap
    SMARTY Trendsetter
    23-01-2024

    I suspect support for VoLTE and WiFi Calling is a grey-area or dark-art, jamescutts. 

    It's my understanding both these services rely on the IMS solution the network operator deployed with their network infrastructure.

    The IMS solution provides support for IP-based packet switched calls, over the operator's data network, as opposed to 'traditional' circuit switched calls.

    With 3G switch-off by end of 2024, the operator can't provide circuit switched calling, so if you stick with SMARTY your Xperia won't be too useful. 

    • jamescutts's avatar
      jamescutts
      SMARTY Pioneer
      23-01-2024

      I don't think that's quite right Chalkychap  4G and 5G devices shouldn't be affected by the 3G switch off, standard calls and texts should continue to work just fine. 

      • SimonGr_1348836's avatar
        SimonGr_1348836
        SMARTY Maverick
        10-05-2024

        All Sony Xperia phones don't work for calling they have switched of 3g here and my Sony Xperia 1 iii and my Sony Xperia xz2 can't make calls and receive them but when I put a 3 network SIM in they both work and WiFi calling works to