Three beats EE to it with launch of UK's first VoLTE service

benster · 16-09-2015, 13:15

Taken from http://m.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/2425950/three-beats-ee-to-it-with-launch-of-uks-first-volte-serviceUK

MOBILE OPERATOR Three has beat rival EE to it with the launch of Voice over LTE (VoLTE), or 'Super-Voice' as the firm has decided to call it.
Three's Super-Voice service will boost mobile coverage indoors and in rural locations by using low-frequency 800MHz spectrum which is better at penetrating buildings and can travel greater distances, according to the operator.
Three claimed that its 800MHz network covers 50 percent of the population, including the majority of London, Edinburgh, Exeter and Birmingham. That figure is expected to jump to 65 percent by the end of the year as the firm extends to more towns and cities, including Cardiff, Manchester, Liverpool and Bristol.
This doesn't mean that much of the population will be able to use Super-Voice just yet, however, as a VoLTE-compatible phone is need to take advantage. Three told us that the Samsung Galaxy S5, LG G4 and unspecified Xperia handsets will be the first to gain Super-Voice functionality at launch.
Three said that new handsets will be added to its Super-Voice line-up regularly, including the new iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus. The operator also told us that last year's iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus will receive support later in the year, and that more Android phones will be added within the next month.
Three said it expects that up to 5.5 million customers could have access to 4G Super-Voice by 2017, subject to device compatibility and take up.
Bryn Jones, chief technology officer at Three, added: "By the end of the year, one million of our customers will have access to better indoor coverage and be able to use their phones in more places than ever before. We are proud to be the first network to roll this out across the country."
Three has beat its rivals to the punch, but EE and Vodafone are unlikely to be far behind as both have previously confirmed that a launch this summer was on the cards. No exact dates have been mentioned.
EE and Vodafone have one up on Three when it comes to their respective WiFi calling apps, however, as Three's InTouch offering is unable to hand off between a mobile and WiFi connection.

packages · 16-09-2015, 13:16

This info is all in the Three Thread

http://forums.digitalspy.co.uk/showthread.php?t=2077072

Chrysalis · 17-09-2015, 10:25

well to be fair a 41 page thread is a lot of stuff to search through so I thank him/her for the new thread.

Whats the advantage of volte?

e.g. does 800mhz 4g have better penetration than 2g?
does it have better battery life?

DevonBloke · 17-09-2015, 10:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrysalis

Whats the advantage of volte?

e.g. does 800mhz 4g have better penetration than 2g?
does it have better battery life?

AMR-WB (HD Voice) + more robust connection (hopefully).

Yes, on Three and EE at least 800 will reach further than 1800 and even 900 2G.

Maybe, maybe not. It's a slow 4G data connection. Up to around 30Kbps.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adapti...-Rate_Wideband

The Lord Lucan · 17-09-2015, 10:42

Worse battery life currently.

enapace · 17-09-2015, 11:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by DevonBloke

AMR-WB (HD Voice) + more robust connection (hopefully).

Yes, on Three and EE at least 800 will reach further than 1800 and even 900 2G.

Maybe, maybe not. It's a slow 4G data connection. Up to around 30Kbps.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adapti...-Rate_Wideband

VoLTE can use a higher quality codec than HDVoice I know for example AT&T are running a lower codec than T-Mobile US. Not sure about Verizon would need check.

But imagine as Three seemed to have rushed this out then they have probably used normal HDVoice,

Chrysalis · 17-09-2015, 13:16

I just read it will need carrier specific software updates to phones, oh dear. It seems carriers want to use wifi calling and volte as lock ins to their devices.

jonmorris · 17-09-2015, 13:19

I wrote this to try and explain things as simple as possible (not sure I managed!)

http://jmcomms.com/2015/09/15/three-...e-limitations/

So far, as for the unconfirmed Xperia phones bit, on their blog they've ruled out the Z3 so I assume therefore it will ONLY be the Z5 family, and even then only the models Three ranges. So that effectively means anyone stumping up for the Z5 Premium will be stuffed.

DevonBloke · 17-09-2015, 14:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by enapace

VoLTE can use a higher quality codec than HDVoice I know for example AT&T are running a lower codec than T-Mobile US. Not sure about Verizon would need check.

But imagine as Three seemed to have rushed this out then they have probably used normal HDVoice,

I think there's a WB+ codec that does up around 50Kbps.
Standard WB is somewhere under 30Kbps I think.
No idea which they are using.
It'll be whatever they are using for WiFi Calling.

moox · 17-09-2015, 14:23

I'd guess that 3 will be using the same codec as "HD voice" (or the standard GSM codecs for non HD calls) to avoid the need to transcode to a different codec, which can be resource intensive, especially when you're having to do it thousands or millions of times simultaneously. If both ends of the call are on VoLTE or whatever, then they can use the best possible codec that both sides support

That's how it works with other voice/video over IP systems

hybridtheory · 17-09-2015, 14:39

Hi

Does Three have any plans of launching WiFi Calling, instead of having to use a Home Signal box?

Thanks

Baz

Synthetic42 · 17-09-2015, 14:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by hybridtheory

Hi

Does Three have any plans of launching WiFi Calling, instead of having to use a Home Signal box?

Thanks

Baz

Three In Touch

If you mean natively, then not yet.

DevonBloke · 17-09-2015, 14:47

They haven't said so (I don't think) but I'm sure they'll get around to it one day...

enapace · 17-09-2015, 15:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by DevonBloke

They haven't said so (I don't think) but I'm sure they'll get around to it one day...

Agreed they would be fools not to specially once people see Vodafone/EE doing WiFi Calling/VoLTE Handoff without a problem. Maybe that is just my wishful thinking but it should eventually happen.

Stereo Steve · 17-09-2015, 16:31

They'll have to surely? There's talk of getting the app to work over 4G etc. but they should really be stopping work on that and going for proper wifi calling. Hopefully for PAYG customers too!

Broken Hope · 17-09-2015, 18:19

Doesn't VoLTE and Wifi Calling use basically the same technology? Surely if they support VoLTE then supporting Wifi Calling should be easier for them?

nafanny29 · 18-09-2015, 12:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonmorris

I wrote this to try and explain things as simple as possible (not sure I managed!)

http://jmcomms.com/2015/09/15/three-...e-limitations/

So far, as for the unconfirmed Xperia phones bit, on their blog they've ruled out the Z3 so I assume therefore it will ONLY be the Z5 family, and even then only the models Three ranges. So that effectively means anyone stumping up for the Z5 Premium will be stuffed.

Great article.

I get the feeling Three are slowly becoming a bit greedy, arrogant and less caring about their customers.

Stereo Steve · 18-09-2015, 12:34

The first reply to your article shows that people still don't get it. He doesn't need VoLTE, just wants 4G800 on his phone for data. Even when carefully explained, most people are not going to see why this might be an issue. Hence the networks are going to have to be very careful how they roll out and market this.

I don't see EE doing anything much different when they roll it out. They may have a lot more of the lose ends sorted but then they are in a stronger position with their current network. 3 kind of HAD to do something.

Anyway, in 2 year's time all this moaning about 3 will be academic. Pretty much all phones will be compatible and you will be able to pick up an old S5 or iPhone 6 for £50 if you want.

I don't think 3 are being greedy at all. I don't see how that is the case.

DevonBloke · 18-09-2015, 13:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Broken Hope

Doesn't VoLTE and Wifi Calling use basically the same technology? Surely if they support VoLTE then supporting Wifi Calling should be easier for them?

They use the same audio codec (AMR-WB) but the technologies to transport it are very different.
Ultimately they both end up in an IMS server which has the unenviable task of joining all the new Packet switched systems to the old Circuit switched systems and of course out into the global telephony network.
Probably gets really hot... lot of fans.....
: )

d123 · 18-09-2015, 13:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stereo Steve

Pretty much all phones will be compatible and you will be able to pick up an old S5 or iPhone 6 for £50 if you want .

I very much doubt that will happen, the equivalent 2 year old iPhone today is the 5S and it still sells for a lot more than £50...

Stereo Steve · 18-09-2015, 13:42

You can pick up an iPhone 5 for well under 100 if you know which forums to look on and that's 2 generations back from the 6 so maybe a little more than 50 for an Iphone but not much. A lot of the compatible Android hardware will be available very cheaply.

d123 · 18-09-2015, 14:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stereo Steve

You can pick up an iPhone 5 for well under 100 if you know which forums to look on and that's 2 generations back from the 6 so maybe a little more than 50 for an Iphone but not much.

No, the iPhone 5 is 3 years ago, 2 years ago was the 5S and last year was the 6.

To get even an iPhone 5 (in good working and cosmetic condition) for under £100 (which is still a lot more than the quoted £50) is a rarity. Just look at one of the bigger on line forums like AVForums shows that they still go for £120-150 normally.

What is the forum you look at where you consistently see good working order/good cosmetic condition iPhone 5's selling for "well under £100"?

Edit, just checked Mazuma, their buy in price is still £100 for the iPhone 5 16GB, I would have to suppose your forum is that well known www.thievesandpickpockets.com

.

http://www.mazumamobile.com/sell-my-...ne-5-16gb/1959

jonmorris · 18-09-2015, 14:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by nafanny29

I get the feeling Three are slowly becoming a bit greedy, arrogant and less caring about their customers.

That's what the parent company wants. It makes the current 'make it right' campaign seem even more odd, but ultimately Three has to start making money and acting more like the big boys - not the small time player that wants to disrupt the market.

Over the years, it's clear that when Three has tried to shake things up the 'big boys' have looked down and laughed and carried on as normal.

Now Three has figured it may as well join them. Hence many backtracks and u-turns on things that made Three stand out.

In many ways it was needed. With ever increasing data usage, Three needs to keep investing heavily to cope and it wouldn't have been doing that by continuing to let people get unlimited data including tethering for £15 a month.

Stereo Steve · 18-09-2015, 14:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by d123

No, the iPhone 5 is 3 years ago, 2 years ago was the 5S and last year was the 6.

To get even an iPhone 5 (in good working and cosmetic condition) for under £100 (which is still a lot more than the quoted £50) is a rarity. Just look at one of the bigger on line forums like AVForums shows that they still go for £120-150 normally.

What is the forum you look at where you consistently see good working order/good cosmetic condition iPhone 5's selling for "well under £100"?

Edit, just checked Mazuma, their buy in price is still £100 for the iPhone 5 16GB, I would have to suppose your forum is that well known www.thievesandpickpockets.com

.

http://www.mazumamobile.com/sell-my-...ne-5-16gb/1959

Martin Dawes

d123 · 18-09-2015, 15:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stereo Steve

Martin Dawes

Have you got an actual link to a sale? If there are so many for sale well under £100 it sounds like a profit making opportunity as CEX will pay up to £129, Mazuma £100, envirofone £101 and Mobilecashmate are at £107.

http://mobilevaluer.com/mobile/worki...iphone-5-16gb/

If it's possible to buy loads at £50 each there is quite a profit to be made.

16-09-2015, 13:15	#1
benster Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Blackburn Posts: 396	Three beats EE to it with launch of UK's first VoLTE service Taken from http://m.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/2425950/three-beats-ee-to-it-with-launch-of-uks-first-volte-serviceUK MOBILE OPERATOR Three has beat rival EE to it with the launch of Voice over LTE (VoLTE), or 'Super-Voice' as the firm has decided to call it. Three's Super-Voice service will boost mobile coverage indoors and in rural locations by using low-frequency 800MHz spectrum which is better at penetrating buildings and can travel greater distances, according to the operator. Three claimed that its 800MHz network covers 50 percent of the population, including the majority of London, Edinburgh, Exeter and Birmingham. That figure is expected to jump to 65 percent by the end of the year as the firm extends to more towns and cities, including Cardiff, Manchester, Liverpool and Bristol. This doesn't mean that much of the population will be able to use Super-Voice just yet, however, as a VoLTE-compatible phone is need to take advantage. Three told us that the Samsung Galaxy S5, LG G4 and unspecified Xperia handsets will be the first to gain Super-Voice functionality at launch. Three said that new handsets will be added to its Super-Voice line-up regularly, including the new iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus. The operator also told us that last year's iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus will receive support later in the year, and that more Android phones will be added within the next month. Three said it expects that up to 5.5 million customers could have access to 4G Super-Voice by 2017, subject to device compatibility and take up. Bryn Jones, chief technology officer at Three, added: "By the end of the year, one million of our customers will have access to better indoor coverage and be able to use their phones in more places than ever before. We are proud to be the first network to roll this out across the country." Three has beat its rivals to the punch, but EE and Vodafone are unlikely to be far behind as both have previously confirmed that a launch this summer was on the cards. No exact dates have been mentioned. EE and Vodafone have one up on Three when it comes to their respective WiFi calling apps, however, as Three's InTouch offering is unable to hand off between a mobile and WiFi connection.

16-09-2015, 13:16	#2
packages Forum Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 879	This info is all in the Three Thread http://forums.digitalspy.co.uk/showthread.php?t=2077072

17-09-2015, 10:25	#3
Chrysalis Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Leics Posts: 581	well to be fair a 41 page thread is a lot of stuff to search through so I thank him/her for the new thread. Whats the advantage of volte? e.g. does 800mhz 4g have better penetration than 2g? does it have better battery life?

17-09-2015, 10:39	#4
DevonBloke Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Totnes, Devon Posts: 6,694	Quote: Originally Posted by Chrysalis Whats the advantage of volte? e.g. does 800mhz 4g have better penetration than 2g? does it have better battery life? AMR-WB (HD Voice) + more robust connection (hopefully). Yes, on Three and EE at least 800 will reach further than 1800 and even 900 2G. Maybe, maybe not. It's a slow 4G data connection. Up to around 30Kbps. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adapti...-Rate_Wideband

17-09-2015, 10:42	#5
The Lord Lucan Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Scotland Posts: 4,966	Worse battery life currently.

17-09-2015, 11:02	#6
enapace Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 4,249	Quote: Originally Posted by DevonBloke AMR-WB (HD Voice) + more robust connection (hopefully). Yes, on Three and EE at least 800 will reach further than 1800 and even 900 2G. Maybe, maybe not. It's a slow 4G data connection. Up to around 30Kbps. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adapti...-Rate_Wideband VoLTE can use a higher quality codec than HDVoice I know for example AT&T are running a lower codec than T-Mobile US. Not sure about Verizon would need check. But imagine as Three seemed to have rushed this out then they have probably used normal HDVoice,

17-09-2015, 13:16	#7
Chrysalis Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Leics Posts: 581	I just read it will need carrier specific software updates to phones, oh dear. It seems carriers want to use wifi calling and volte as lock ins to their devices.

17-09-2015, 13:19	#8
jonmorris Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: a land filled with trolls Posts: 12,018	I wrote this to try and explain things as simple as possible (not sure I managed!) http://jmcomms.com/2015/09/15/three-...e-limitations/ So far, as for the unconfirmed Xperia phones bit, on their blog they've ruled out the Z3 so I assume therefore it will ONLY be the Z5 family, and even then only the models Three ranges. So that effectively means anyone stumping up for the Z5 Premium will be stuffed.

17-09-2015, 14:09	#9
DevonBloke Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Totnes, Devon Posts: 6,694	Quote: Originally Posted by enapace VoLTE can use a higher quality codec than HDVoice I know for example AT&T are running a lower codec than T-Mobile US. Not sure about Verizon would need check. But imagine as Three seemed to have rushed this out then they have probably used normal HDVoice, I think there's a WB+ codec that does up around 50Kbps. Standard WB is somewhere under 30Kbps I think. No idea which they are using. It'll be whatever they are using for WiFi Calling.

17-09-2015, 14:23	#10
moox Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 14,645	I'd guess that 3 will be using the same codec as "HD voice" (or the standard GSM codecs for non HD calls) to avoid the need to transcode to a different codec, which can be resource intensive, especially when you're having to do it thousands or millions of times simultaneously. If both ends of the call are on VoLTE or whatever, then they can use the best possible codec that both sides support That's how it works with other voice/video over IP systems

17-09-2015, 14:39	#11
hybridtheory Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Antrim, Northern Ireland Posts: 744	Hi Does Three have any plans of launching WiFi Calling, instead of having to use a Home Signal box? Thanks Baz

17-09-2015, 14:47	#12
Synthetic42 Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Newcastle Posts: 1,510	Quote: Originally Posted by hybridtheory Hi Does Three have any plans of launching WiFi Calling, instead of having to use a Home Signal box? Thanks Baz Three In Touch If you mean natively, then not yet.

17-09-2015, 15:10	#14
enapace Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 4,249	Quote: Originally Posted by DevonBloke They haven't said so (I don't think) but I'm sure they'll get around to it one day... Agreed they would be fools not to specially once people see Vodafone/EE doing WiFi Calling/VoLTE Handoff without a problem. Maybe that is just my wishful thinking but it should eventually happen.

17-09-2015, 16:31	#15
Stereo Steve Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 1,378	They'll have to surely? There's talk of getting the app to work over 4G etc. but they should really be stopping work on that and going for proper wifi calling. Hopefully for PAYG customers too!

17-09-2015, 18:19	#16
Broken Hope Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Nottingham Posts: 314	Doesn't VoLTE and Wifi Calling use basically the same technology? Surely if they support VoLTE then supporting Wifi Calling should be easier for them?

18-09-2015, 12:18	#17
nafanny29 Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kilburn, NW London Posts: 1,240	Quote: Originally Posted by jonmorris I wrote this to try and explain things as simple as possible (not sure I managed!) http://jmcomms.com/2015/09/15/three-...e-limitations/ So far, as for the unconfirmed Xperia phones bit, on their blog they've ruled out the Z3 so I assume therefore it will ONLY be the Z5 family, and even then only the models Three ranges. So that effectively means anyone stumping up for the Z5 Premium will be stuffed. Great article. I get the feeling Three are slowly becoming a bit greedy, arrogant and less caring about their customers.

18-09-2015, 12:34	#18
Stereo Steve Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 1,378	The first reply to your article shows that people still don't get it. He doesn't need VoLTE, just wants 4G800 on his phone for data. Even when carefully explained, most people are not going to see why this might be an issue. Hence the networks are going to have to be very careful how they roll out and market this. I don't see EE doing anything much different when they roll it out. They may have a lot more of the lose ends sorted but then they are in a stronger position with their current network. 3 kind of HAD to do something. Anyway, in 2 year's time all this moaning about 3 will be academic. Pretty much all phones will be compatible and you will be able to pick up an old S5 or iPhone 6 for £50 if you want. I don't think 3 are being greedy at all. I don't see how that is the case.

18-09-2015, 13:03	#19
DevonBloke Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Totnes, Devon Posts: 6,694	Quote: Originally Posted by Broken Hope Doesn't VoLTE and Wifi Calling use basically the same technology? Surely if they support VoLTE then supporting Wifi Calling should be easier for them? They use the same audio codec (AMR-WB) but the technologies to transport it are very different. Ultimately they both end up in an IMS server which has the unenviable task of joining all the new Packet switched systems to the old Circuit switched systems and of course out into the global telephony network. Probably gets really hot... lot of fans..... : )

18-09-2015, 13:11	#20
d123 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3,993	Quote: Originally Posted by Stereo Steve Pretty much all phones will be compatible and you will be able to pick up an old S5 or iPhone 6 for £50 if you want . I very much doubt that will happen, the equivalent 2 year old iPhone today is the 5S and it still sells for a lot more than £50...

18-09-2015, 13:42	#21
Stereo Steve Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 1,378	You can pick up an iPhone 5 for well under 100 if you know which forums to look on and that's 2 generations back from the 6 so maybe a little more than 50 for an Iphone but not much. A lot of the compatible Android hardware will be available very cheaply.

18-09-2015, 14:03	#22
d123 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3,993	Quote: Originally Posted by Stereo Steve You can pick up an iPhone 5 for well under 100 if you know which forums to look on and that's 2 generations back from the 6 so maybe a little more than 50 for an Iphone but not much. No, the iPhone 5 is 3 years ago, 2 years ago was the 5S and last year was the 6. To get even an iPhone 5 (in good working and cosmetic condition) for under £100 (which is still a lot more than the quoted £50) is a rarity. Just look at one of the bigger on line forums like AVForums shows that they still go for £120-150 normally. What is the forum you look at where you consistently see good working order/good cosmetic condition iPhone 5's selling for "well under £100"? Edit, just checked Mazuma, their buy in price is still £100 for the iPhone 5 16GB, I would have to suppose your forum is that well known www.thievesandpickpockets.com . http://www.mazumamobile.com/sell-my-...ne-5-16gb/1959

DS Forums

Three beats EE to it with launch of UK's first VoLTE service

18-09-2015, 14:12	#23
jonmorris Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: a land filled with trolls Posts: 12,018	Quote: Originally Posted by nafanny29 I get the feeling Three are slowly becoming a bit greedy, arrogant and less caring about their customers. That's what the parent company wants. It makes the current 'make it right' campaign seem even more odd, but ultimately Three has to start making money and acting more like the big boys - not the small time player that wants to disrupt the market. Over the years, it's clear that when Three has tried to shake things up the 'big boys' have looked down and laughed and carried on as normal. Now Three has figured it may as well join them. Hence many backtracks and u-turns on things that made Three stand out. In many ways it was needed. With ever increasing data usage, Three needs to keep investing heavily to cope and it wouldn't have been doing that by continuing to let people get unlimited data including tethering for £15 a month.

18-09-2015, 14:39	#24
Stereo Steve Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 1,378	Quote: Originally Posted by d123 No, the iPhone 5 is 3 years ago, 2 years ago was the 5S and last year was the 6. To get even an iPhone 5 (in good working and cosmetic condition) for under £100 (which is still a lot more than the quoted £50) is a rarity. Just look at one of the bigger on line forums like AVForums shows that they still go for £120-150 normally. What is the forum you look at where you consistently see good working order/good cosmetic condition iPhone 5's selling for "well under £100"? Edit, just checked Mazuma, their buy in price is still £100 for the iPhone 5 16GB, I would have to suppose your forum is that well known www.thievesandpickpockets.com . http://www.mazumamobile.com/sell-my-...ne-5-16gb/1959 Martin Dawes

18-09-2015, 15:47	#25
d123 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3,993	Quote: Originally Posted by Stereo Steve Martin Dawes Have you got an actual link to a sale? If there are so many for sale well under £100 it sounds like a profit making opportunity as CEX will pay up to £129, Mazuma £100, envirofone £101 and Mobilecashmate are at £107. http://mobilevaluer.com/mobile/worki...iphone-5-16gb/ If it's possible to buy loads at £50 each there is quite a profit to be made.