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Three 4G Discussion Thread (Part 2)


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Old 17-09-2015, 11:11
d123
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Hi, where did you get that from please?
From the 3 Blog linked further up in this thread.

Some examples of the 3 staff confirming it:

Alan September 16, 2015
Will my unlocked iPhone 5s not purchased from Three get the update? I’m just wondering asThree also now sell phones as sim free/unlocked now

Moderator: Claire September 16, 2015
@Alan – Hi, we will support your iPhone 5S for VoLTE use.

We will let you know when this is available. Thanks.

Nick September 16, 2015
I’m excited about this news, but…
I have an unlocked iPhone 6 bought from the Apple store on a Three pay monthly SIM, I work on the outskirts of Bradford where I currently can’t even get a 2g/3g signal.
When am I going to be able to benefit from this new service?

Moderator: Claire September 16, 2015
@Nick – Hi, you will be able to use VoLTE with your iPhone 6 and we’ll let you know when this is available.

Moderator: Claire September 16, 2015
@james Vincent – Hi, sorry at present we are only supporting selected Three branded phones and iPhones for our VoLTE service. This may change in the future but we have no further details on this. Thanks.
:
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Old 17-09-2015, 11:18
enapace
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The iPhone 5S doesn't support VoLTE in theory it should be Apple decided that it didn't want to enable on the 5S and made it a 6/6 Plus only feature last year.
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Old 17-09-2015, 11:25
d123
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The iPhone 5S doesn't support VoLTE in theory it should be Apple decided that it didn't want to enable on the 5S and made it a 6/6 Plus only feature last year.
I remember that, the Three staffer answering the questions might have just been told that all iPhones will be compatible and then leapt to the conclusion it included the 5s.

The point being made though is that non-3 iPhones are included in their VoLTE plans.
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Old 17-09-2015, 11:42
Chinda
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I remember that, the Three staffer answering the questions might have just been told that all iPhones will be compatible and then leapt to the conclusion it included the 5s.

The point being made though is that non-3 iPhones are included in their VoLTE plans.
I wonder if Google are keeping a close eye on this & maby make a similar arrangement with Three for there unbranded Nexus phones that get released shortly.
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Old 17-09-2015, 11:55
GavinAshford
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I wonder if Google are keeping a close eye on this & maby make a similar arrangement with Three for there unbranded Nexus phones that get released shortly.
I'm hoping Marshmallow brings this to the table for Nexus. But as it doesn't really affect me (pretty solid 3G signal around where I need to go). I've survived this long on Three without it so I don't mind, but it'd be a nice to be able to make use of all the features a network offers.
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Old 17-09-2015, 12:05
jonmorris
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I do think the only 'non-Three' phones supported will the the iPhone, because for all intents and purposes, Three can't treat them any different.

For everyone else, it's tough (although if you can flash a phone that Three sells with the Three firmware, that's not SO bad).

I've just posted this on their blog. I wonder if they'll reply or delete it?

I've got a number of data only devices that I use on Three; Nexus 7 (2013, LTE) and two Huawei Mi-Fi portable hotspots. Will I be able to use 800MHz if I put a mobile broadband SIM in that doesn't offer voice?

It seems 800 is being marketed primarily for VoLTE right now, but clearly for mobile data users having better indoor coverage for data is a BIG thing. Yet there's nothing to suggest that's going to be possible.

If so, that's very disappointing.

Likewise, it's very disappointing that there's so much good kit out there right now that can be used with a Three SIM-only contract. Phones from Huawei, Honor*, Wileyfox, OnePlus, and of course Google. Yet none of these I assume will EVER get support for VoLTE on your network?
(* Maybe the Honor 7 will get support as it's being ranged by Three!)
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Old 17-09-2015, 12:23
tarzion
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although if you can flash a phone that Three sells with the Three firmware, that's not SO bad
Do you mean the handset has to be supplied by Three or only the software does matter?
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Old 17-09-2015, 12:30
enapace
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One of the reasons I went for an iPhone 6 because of how Google has handled WiFi Calling and VoLTE. This issue as others have said is not as big in the US because carrier plans are so common there but in UK sim free had a fair bit of following. Hopefully this doesn't ruin that expect the networks are hoping it does.
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Old 17-09-2015, 12:42
jonmorris
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Do you mean the handset has to be supplied by Three or only the software does matter?
Not sure. I've seen it mentioned that there could be other ways Three will check, but I'd hope it's just a case of flashing the Three firmware.

I've just seen on the blog that the Xperia Z3 isn't going to support VoLTE at all, even Three supplied ones.

I've also asked about the Honor 7 separately.
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Old 17-09-2015, 12:43
d123
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Do you mean the handset has to be supplied by Three or only the software does matter?
If Three sell the model and you flash the Three firmware then Three will "see" it as a Three phone and it will get the service. A bit like people who flashed the EE firmware onto non-EE phones to get WifiCalling.
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Old 17-09-2015, 13:29
Gigabit
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Yeah you can, using the RF Band Selection Menu by typing *#2263# in the Dialer.
I just got the S5 and that code isn't working - I'm currently on 4.4.2; do I need to update?
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Old 17-09-2015, 13:29
-ajm-
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Doesn't look like any Xperia devices will be supported.
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Old 17-09-2015, 13:48
jonmorris
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I am sure the Z5 will be. Surely Three will make sure that every new phone it ranges will support it?

I know it took on the Honor 6 Plus even though it doesn't even have Band 20 support, but surely that was a one off?
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Old 17-09-2015, 14:36
enapace
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I am sure the Z5 will be. Surely Three will make sure that every new phone it ranges will support it?

I know it took on the Honor 6 Plus even though it doesn't even have Band 20 support, but surely that was a one off?
You would think so but look at the American networks not all of there major phones are VoLTE enabled which support it. Seems very pick and mix still and imagine it will be sadly for a while.
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Old 17-09-2015, 15:29
packages
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I remember that, the Three staffer answering the questions might have just been told that all iPhones will be compatible and then leapt to the conclusion it included the 5s.

The point being made though is that non-3 iPhones are included in their VoLTE plans.
Apple doesn't let networks decide which features to omit. That's why on some occasions, having an iOS device is good.
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Old 17-09-2015, 15:47
jonmorris
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You would think so but look at the American networks not all of there major phones are VoLTE enabled which support it. Seems very pick and mix still and imagine it will be sadly for a while.
But given Three has said some Xperia devices, it can only be the Z5/Z5C as they never ranged the Z3+ did they? And if the Z3 isn't being done, the Z2 certainly won't be (if that even supports VoLTE).
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Old 17-09-2015, 15:53
enapace
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But given Three has said some Xperia devices, it can only be the Z5/Z5C as they never ranged the Z3+ did they? And if the Z3 isn't being done, the Z2 certainly won't be (if that even supports VoLTE).
True enough will be interesting to see. Hopefully Three negotiate with manufacturers for any new big devices coming out to have VoLTE I mean HTC/Sony/Samsung Flagships that launch March.

I would be surprised if mid tier devices get VoLTE think Three might want reserve that for the more expensive devices so they make more on 24 month contracts. Though I suppose people can just buy pay as you go devices but they sometimes are even more than SIM Free.
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Old 17-09-2015, 16:16
Patrikvk
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I do think the only 'non-Three' phones supported will the the iPhone, because for all intents and purposes, Three can't treat them any different.

For everyone else, it's tough (although if you can flash a phone that Three sells with the Three firmware, that's not SO bad).

I've just posted this on their blog. I wonder if they'll reply or delete it?



(* Maybe the Honor 7 will get support as it's being ranged by Three!)
Well said!
I agree, because I don't think it's the phone calls that makes the 4G network so congested. As no one (until now can) can make phone calls over 4G.

I remember tweeting to 3 saying that the 4G speeds have dropped dramatically where I live and that I now have switched back to 3G because I get three times the speed on 3G than on 4G, even the response time is better on 3G for me. That was never the case when 4G was initially rolled out.

They replied that they could see that the mast I'm connected to is heavily congested, that's why my 4G speeds are so low. But rest assured they told me, they will roll out 800mhz that will ease up on the congestion.

How did they think that would be possible if the 800mhz spectrum are only meant for phone calls? If the congestion I had, and still have, while using 4G in my area, then surely it's not down to phone calls, especially as they were impossible to make on the 4G network when I reported it.

Hopefully they'll let us use the 800mhz for data too in the near future, but I doubt it.
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Old 17-09-2015, 16:51
Gigabit
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It's an interesting strategy that Three are going with - only allowing their devices on 800MHz - because in the past I thought Three liked to be seen as a BYOD network.
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Old 17-09-2015, 16:55
jaffboy151
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Sad to see that three is still basing it entire network around there 3g system, it's good, in places but it doesn't have the feel to use that 4g does when browsing and using apps, even when heavily congested it still feels a lot like being on WiFi where as 3g always feels much slower, for streaming I don't care what I'm on as long as it offers enough to keep the buffer full and provide steady streaming, three 3g works well in many areas but where I live and were I work and commute there are so many mbnl masts which provide little or no data, the same situation applies on EE but to a lesser extent plus they are now providing a decent 4g signal over the top of most areas with issues, I had hoped this is what three planned to do make 1800 & 800mhz 4g the prime system and keep 3g as a good legacy system, but it's not to be...
So sadly for 12 months at least I'm going to leave three and mbnl as it's pointless paying for data and a service you often can't use..
Hopefully things will improve in the long run.. But how long will that take, I waited 6 months so far for not a lot,
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Old 17-09-2015, 17:17
M1kos
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But given Three has said some Xperia devices, it can only be the Z5/Z5C as they never ranged the Z3+ did they? And if the Z3 isn't being done, the Z2 certainly won't be (if that even supports VoLTE).

Z2 onwards are VoLTE compatible
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Old 17-09-2015, 17:33
Chinda
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Well said!
I agree, because I don't think it's the phone calls that makes the 4G network so congested. As no one (until now can) can make phone calls over 4G.

I remember tweeting to 3 saying that the 4G speeds have dropped dramatically where I live and that I now have switched back to 3G because I get three times the speed on 3G than on 4G, even the response time is better on 3G for me. That was never the case when 4G was initially rolled out.

They replied that they could see that the mast I'm connected to is heavily congested, that's why my 4G speeds are so low. But rest assured they told me, they will roll out 800mhz that will ease up on the congestion.

How did they think that would be possible if the 800mhz spectrum are only meant for phone calls? If the congestion I had, and still have, while using 4G in my area, then surely it's not down to phone calls, especially as they were impossible to make on the 4G network when I reported it.

Hopefully they'll let us use the 800mhz for data too in the near future, but I doubt it.
What Three told you is true, there's lots of people using Three's 4G at same time leading to congestion in some places. Super Voice isn't just Volte voice calls over 800mhz 4G but it also is 800mhz 4G for data browsing. Say you have a samsung galaxy S5 Three branded phone you will get Volte & also be able to browse web on 800mhz 4G instead of usual 1800mhz 4G. As there wont be as many people connected to Three Super Voice 800mhz 4G it will be a lot faster & with improved signal than 1800mhz 4G. Coverage checker even shows Excellent for making calls using Internet for Three branded Samsung Galaxy S5 where as before most it would get was Very Good.
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Old 17-09-2015, 17:44
InfamousTeal
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I find it very odd that the Xperia Z2 and Z3 aren't supported..

I did work experience with Three back in March 2015, and experienced a live VoLTE call in their test centre. They used an Xperia Z2... Why would they not allow Z2 users to access it, when they literally used a Z2 to test it themselves

It had the software, I remember the two little horizontal arrows at the top of the Z2 screen as the call was made
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Old 17-09-2015, 18:15
-ajm-
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My current device is a Z2 bought directly from a Three store.

While we're on the subject, is it more power efficient to disable 4G as I live in a non 1800 area (does it constantly search for LTE?). Personally I haven't noticed much difference where ever 4G+WCDMA or just WCDMA.
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Old 17-09-2015, 19:37
iTech
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From the 3 Blog linked further up in this thread.

Some examples of the 3 staff confirming it:

:
Many thanks. That's really good news. I can take my Three Sim and get the phone from Apple.
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