Say goodbye to 3G
Good morning (or afternoon) reader, we hope you are well!
Welcome to another blog! This one is very handy, especially for those people who enjoy travelling to the US or whose work requires them to go abroad. We will be explaining the changes that started within the USA regarding mobile roaming, which we all know can now not live without! Especially when it comes to updating our socials.
So that being said… If you’re planning on travelling to the USA anytime soon, there are some important changes that you will now need to consider and could impact you. Especially when it comes to working.
The major networks in the USA are focusing this year on closing their 3G services. AT&T has already switched off its 3G services and it appears that T-Mobile will be doing the same and this is in process. So, you will need to be prepared for this change!
Why is this happening?
As we know older technology is reliant on 3G networks and visa-versa. Mobile carriers are shutting down their 3G networks to make room for more advanced network services, most importantly 5G. Many older phones will be unable to make or receive calls and send texts, including emergency services. As different networks upgrade so do people, new phones are compatible with 4G and 5G and as the old technology phases out so do the networks which are now upgrading, like you would upgrade your phone.
What do you mean by networks making more room?
Mobile networks have limited access to the spectrum, which they use to transmit mobile signals. The more spectrum that is available for a specific connection type (such as 3G, 4G, or 5G), the greater the coverage, dependability, and speed of the service that can be provided.
Therefore, by deactivating 3G, networks may repurpose the spectrum utilised for this to strengthen their 5G and 4G services. Since 4G and especially 5G are more advanced, faster services, it is desired to do so, and it should enhance the customer experience. Ending 3G services will also let networks remove obsolete, energy-hungry equipment from the 3G era, hence decreasing expenses. This action may also help pave the way for 6G.
Please see below an update we have received from Vodafone:
There are some important changes taking place that may impact your travelling to the USA.
Our mobile network roaming partners in the USA (AT&T and T-Mobile) are in the process of switching off their 3G networks, AT&T has already done so, and T-Mobile is in the process. This means customers who roam in the USA may experience lower-quality voice calls and slower data speeds.
However, ahead of the complete USA 3G switch-off, some American networks have already begun to cease 3G services in some states. O2 and Vodafone have issued information around this, please see below:
O2
O2 has advised if you are going to the USA, you should have the following to ensure the best levels of service:
· A 4G or 5G compatible phone, which supports 4G calling when roaming
· 4G and 5G enabled SIM
· A compatible tariff – All Kiwi tariffs comply
· 4G calling enabled on subscription and device
Please note: As you get notified of a new update on your device, please make sure this is updated to the most recent software version.
VODAFONE
As part of the network updates, Vodafone’s network roaming partners in the USA (AT&T and T-Mobile) are in the process of switching off their 3G services. This means you may have or will notice an impact on your roaming experience, this includes voice calls. Vodafone has worked hard to improve the roaming experience for their customers travelling to the USA and can confirm that 4G calling in the USA is now live. Thanks, Vodafone!
4G calling known as Voice over LTE or VoLTE, is a way of making phone calls over the 4G network which should result in improved call quality. 4G data can still be enjoyed as normal! To access 4G calling abroad, you must ensure your phone is updated to the latest software version.
Vodafone has partnerships with other mobile networks so that you may keep using your phone in countries where Vodafone doesn’t operate on its own network. This year, those cellular service providers are enhancing their infrastructure to provide broader access to both 4G and forthcoming 5G services. They need to shut down older networks, such as 3G, to make room for the new infrastructure.
Unfortunately, Vodafone and Kiwi are unable to influence or control how other networks operate. However, Vodafone's recent implementation of 4G calling Abroad should enhance call quality for compatible devices.
Where can I get more information?
Please contact us here at Kiwi for more information. If you are a customer of ours, you would have received an email regarding this. For more information please email or call.
Devices capable of 4G calling abroad:
(This list is based on the information from Vodafone, who have received this from device manufacturers as of the date of publishing.)
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iPhone 11 64GB
iPhone 11 Pro 64GB
iPhone 11 Pro Max 64GB
iPhone 12 (5G)
iPhone 12 mini (5G)
iPhone 12 Pro (5G)
iPhone 13
iPhone 13 Mini
iPhone 13 Pro (5G)
iPhone 13 Pro Max (5G)
iPhone 14 Pro (5G)
iPhone 14 Pro Max (5G)
iPhone 7 32GB
iPhone 7 Plus
iPhone 8
iPhone 8 Plus
iPhone SE 2020
iPhone SE 3
iPhone X 64GB
iPhone XR 64GB
iPhone XS 64GB
iPhone XS Max 64GB
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A13 5G
A13
A13 New Edition
A53 5G
Galaxy S21 FE 5G
Galaxy S22 5G
Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G
Galaxy S22+ 5G
Xcover 6 Pro
A03
A03s
A12
A12 New Edition
A22 5G
A32 5G
A33 5G
A41
A42 5G
A51
A51 5G
A52 5G
A71
A90 5G
Galaxy A52s 5G
Galaxy Fold 5G
Galaxy Note 10
Galaxy Note 10 Lite
Galaxy Note 10+
Galaxy Note 10+ 5G
Galaxy Note 20 5G
Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G
Galaxy S10
Galaxy S10 5G
Galaxy S10 Lite
Galaxy S10+
Galaxy S10e
Galaxy S20
Galaxy S20 5G
Galaxy S20 FE 4G
Galaxy S20 FE 4G New Edition
Galaxy S20 FE 5G
Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G
Galaxy S20+ 5G
Galaxy S21 5G
Galaxy S21 FE 5G
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
Galaxy S21+ 5G
Galaxy Z Flip
Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G
Galaxy Z Flip 5G
Galaxy Z Fold 3 5G
Galaxy Z Fold2 5G
Xcover 5
Xcover Pro
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Pixel 3
Pixel 3XL
Pixel 3a
Pixel 3a XL
Pixel 4
Pixel 4XL
Pixel 4a
Pixel 4a 5G
Pixel 5
Pixel 5a 5G
Pixel 6
Pixel 6 Pro
Pixel 6a
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G10
Nokia 105 (2021)
Nokia 110 (2021)
Nokia 2.3
Nokia 2.4
Nokia 8.3 5G
Nokia G11
G50 (5G)
Nokia 1.4
Nokia 5.4
Nokia X10
Nokia X20
Nokia 3.4
Nokia XR20
Nokia 5.3