Hmmm, I can see how that might work. Would open up the network to many more people but as it's app specific, they can still control it.

In the long run, it's a dead concept but it may work in the short term for many users with random phones.

Went and tested the new 4G mast near Portrush, Northern Ireland today, 84 Mbps

Very pleased, just wish unbranded phones could access 800, and life would be bliss..

That little Jackson fella's good for something then.

(Didn't like to mention the 3G/4G toggle wasn't working either).

I assume it's possible, as long as Three can enable and disable access to 800 quick enough.

If it can, it solves the problem and may not be ideal but if it means I can use 800 for data, I'll be very happy. Given I make so few calls, I'm not even bothered about how well it works for voice.

"We're planning some network improvements in your area on 28 October 2015."

That's the 5th time this month, yet every time, nothing changes. 1800 coverage in my town hasn't changed since April (other than the extra 5mhz turned on) and 800 coverage hasn't changed since 800 went live.

One thing I have noticed is VoLTE seems to be activated on 1800MHz, just that phones will always CSFB instead. I wonder if an end user could force VoLTE over 1800MHz, or whether that is all in the hands of the network.

If you force 4G only?

How do you know VoLTE is active on 1800MHz? I thought that the two arrows just meant it was connect to the IMS Core. On my S5, I know that it will do a VoLTE call because when I slide the contact to the right, it say VoLTE call just before I call it.

They seem to have done something to the G4 which makes it impossible to select LTE only or even select band 3, only selecting band 20 or 3G will make it register on the network.

I toggled a setting in the hidden menu which gives me a constant notification about IMS connection.
On 3G it shows IMS disconnected, on 4G 800 and 1800MHz it shows IMS VOIP connected with a green HD call logo. I assume it means the technology is in place to make a VoLTE call, but maybe it does only mean it is registered on the IMS core like you say.

From the 3 blog;

Moderator: Claire September 16, 2015

... we are only using 800mhz for the VoLTE calls

They are indeed, like I say on 1800MHz it will always CSFB. But all the neccesary framework looks to be in place to allow VoLTE over 1800MHz unless I'm reading far too much into the IMS status my phone reports.

I did a video about 3's super-voice shortly after it became live, yet it seems I still understood it more than 3's social media team...hmmm.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZ8tweH6hpc

Three are using the VoLTE on DD to promote its penetration benefits, if they allowed VoLTE on 1800MHz they can't.

Why not? It would simply be in addition to 800MHz and not instead of, like EE intend to do.

Sure they can, the 1800 footprint is the same as the 3G footprint, if 1800 VoLTE was enabled you'd just get VoLTE calls in the same footprint with them extending beyond that into the 800 range when necessary. The penetration benefits don't go away.

I don't get what Three are doing.
If you have VoLTE then you can have WiFi calling. So where is it?
VoLTE will work over 1800 just the same as 800 so why is it not allowed?
Nothing makes sense. Is it because the 800 is still a lower priority than 3G (if it still is)?
In that case is it something to do with SRVCC?
Maybe they don't have reverse SRVCC working but then I still can't see how that would be a problem if voice was on 1800 too. The call would just stay on 3G.
I assume SRVCC is working (to drop a 4G call to 3G).
Has anyone tested for reverse SRVCC? i.e. start a call on 3G and move to an area where there's no 3G but there is 4G800?

There's no technical reason why Three couldn't allow VoLTE on 1800. To make a VoLTE call you need to be IMS registered (which you should be while on 4G) AND have it enabled on the cell you are camped in. If Three decide not to enable it on 1800, you can't force it.

Thanks for the information RAN MAN

I also have a feeling Three aren't using IMEIs to whitelist 800MHz access, as even with an identical IMEI SV it was the difference in VoLTE settings which allowed me access.
May also explain why tablets/MiFis haven't been able to get access yet.

Just got a Three LG G4 update.

"Phone usability and functionality has been further improved."

Great! Good to know what you think including about priority (3G etc).

Hi

With all this talk about whether Three will allow 800mhz on non Three handsets. Three's handsets r unlocked. So what's the difference between having an iPhone 6S purchased from Three rather than directly from Apple?

Thanks

Baz

Three still have their own firmware on Android phones, that's a different thing to lock status. However, with iPhone it doesn't matter where it comes from, all features offered to a customer on the network will work with any iPhone, irrespective where it comes from.

http://oi60.tinypic.com/2mcafj4.jpg

800mhz speeds are not bad, when you are near the transmitter!

Can I ask you how far you were from the mast? Just wondering how far 800mhz can realistically travel..