Forum Discussion
WiFi Calling and VoLTE Support
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
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.
🍀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.
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.
Hmm, yeah theres no 2G network for it to fall back on like the other networks is there. This could actually be a huge issue, as SMARTY isnt communicating this well at all. Are SMARTY really saying sorry not our problem for not enabling functionality on devices that have had it for 10+ years including those which are brand new JodieC and not telling anyone about it? I'd also wonder how it would fit into obligations such as the PAC transfer service which I believe networks have to provide? I think you've made my mind up for me Chalkychap I'll be transferring off to one of the other networks, on a quick check the other big 3 and Three all seem to support my device on their compatibility lists.
Such a shame, as SMARTY's just gone from a firm recommend to a hard avoid. I'll now be monitoring the impact of the turn off before making any recomendations.
UPDATE:
This probably isn't actually as complicated as we've perhaps made it 😄 The initial query about VoWifi stands but the recently added potential fallout of VoLTE we may have blow up a bit.
I've just checked in with support via chat on the status of VoLTE, this was the response:
Be rest assured, if your device supports 4G and 5G then you will be able to use services without any issue.
This actually aligns with the advice on the switch off page here Switching off 3G | SMARTY the android device only needs to be showing as "4G" or "5G" as options under network type.
So for now I'm not as concerned for the 3G switch off, though I will be keeping a keen eye on it and unfortunatly wont me making any recommendations until i see its outcome.
They have switched 3g of here I can't make calls or receive them can send texts and use data Sony Xperia 1 iii and Sony Xperia xz2
Wonder why author of the "We’ll be switching off our 3G network in 2024" page has adopted "VolTE" instead of "VoLTE" (aka 4G Calling) throughout?
Perhaps 4G / 5G indoor coverage might improve after 3G switch-off, reducing the need to use WiFi Calling.
🤞
