Just how far behind the UK networks are...

drabble · 16-12-2015, 21:23

So I am here in the USA using a T-Mobile nano SIM in my 02 supplied Nexus 6P (H1512, 6.0.1/MMB29M) and I can just see how far behind the UK networks really are.

I have WiFi calling, VoLTE with HD voice, visual voicemail all without having to load any apps or different firmware.

Coverage is really good even though I don't have access to band 12, LTE speeds are not bad either.

I have my old Nexus 5 (D821, 6.0.1/MMB29K) here on 3 all in one 20 roaming on AT&T, I get no data roaming on T-Mobile and I can say the experience has been far from ok, but at least voice works.

jchamier · 16-12-2015, 21:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by drabble

So I am here in the USA using a T-Mobile nano SIM in my 02 supplied Nexus 6P (H1512, 6.0.1/MMB29M) and I can just see how far behind the UK networks really are.

I have WiFi calling, VoLTE with HD voice, visual voicemail all without having to load any apps or different firmware.

I think that's only valid for T-Mobile USA who are extremely advanced - I doubt you'd get those features on Verizon, AT&T or Sprint without custom firmware in an Android device.

I know people in the US on T-mobile prepay who don't get any of those features on Nexus 5 handset or iPhone 4s - so its not as simple as your first statement.

lightspeed2398 · 16-12-2015, 21:33

There are some people who are more clued up on the American networks than I am but I'll give my 2p on T-Mob.

It has been a good network but coverage wise its still behind Verizon and AT&T, although not by much in cities. It has been able to do well through their 4x2 antennas (in certain markets) and through aggressively rolling out as much spectrum as they can. They've also been on the ball with VoLTE and VoWIFI and the like. They're also cheap for unlimited in comparison to Verizon. I even think their unlimited with throttling after 23gb on congested masts is what Three need to help their network. They have also been able to make band 12 which has 5MHz in most markets, like 3 over here, work by upgrading loads of masts with 4g so its dense enough that it's not bogged down.

But here's the problem from my view at least. They've rolled out pretty much all of their spectrum in most markets so they can't really do much more.

I do think we need a disruptive force in the UK market, which Three (I like comparing them to Three) hasn't really been.

Gigabit · 16-12-2015, 21:48

Three pretend they're like T-Mobile USA but they seem to shout very quietly.

drabble · 16-12-2015, 22:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by jchamier

I think that's only valid for T-Mobile USA who are extremely advanced - I doubt you'd get those features on Verizon, AT&T or Sprint without custom firmware in an Android device.

I know people in the US on T-mobile prepay who don't get any of those features on Nexus 5 handset or iPhone 4s - so its not as simple as your first statement.

You are right, I was just surprised at the latest iPhone/iOS like experience.

Anyway visual voicemail does work with the Nexus 5 as I have checked, just not everything else it seems at the moment.

http://i65.tinypic.com/1yoju9.jpg

I shall see if I can get my hands on some other network SIMs, MVNO or otherwise if I have the time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by lightspeed2398

There are some people who are more clued up on the American networks than I am but I'll give my 2p on T-Mob.

It has been a good network but coverage wise its still behind Verizon and AT&T, although not by much in cities. It has been able to do well through their 4x2 antennas (in certain markets) and through aggressively rolling out as much spectrum as they can. They've also been on the ball with VoLTE and VoWIFI and the like. They're also cheap for unlimited in comparison to Verizon. I even think their unlimited with throttling after 23gb on congested masts is what Three need to help their network. They have also been able to make band 12 which has 5MHz in most markets, like 3 over here, work by upgrading loads of masts with 4g so its dense enough that it's not bogged down.

But here's the problem from my view at least. They've rolled out pretty much all of their spectrum in most markets so they can't really do much more.

I do think we need a disruptive force in the UK market, which Three (I like comparing them to Three) hasn't really been.

Thank you for the excellent analysis, over here they don't seem to suffer the same NIMBYism as back in the UK or they do but it is overruled for the greater good. Spectrum exhaustion is a concern as it is for all networks. I agree the need for a disruptive player in the UK market is very much needed but I can't see it happening with the amount of consolidation going on.

moox · 16-12-2015, 22:58

T-Mobile desperately needs VoLTE and Wifi calling though - their conventional network historically has been sorely lacking - well behind the other networks because they historically had to use quite high frequency spectrum (1900/2100), and so they only bothered to cover urban/suburban areas only - so they decided to fix that by building out lots of 700MHz LTE and using VoLTE to do voice. The UK networks are not quite in that position (except 3) so circuit switched voice is fine, no need to rush with VoLTE.

It's only more recently that they've stepped up their game - since John Legere took over - both in terms of engineering and on price/value.

As for Nexus compatibility, they have the advantage that they worked directly with Google to implement all this stuff (and I think some of the IMS stuff in Android comes from that). It'd be like a decade ago, having Nokia make their phones work really well for a Finnish network

Verizon had to scramble to do LTE because their 3G network uses the incompatible CDMA2000 standard, that is limited to about 3Mbps max for data and has a totally different network design (it doesn't use a GSM based core network so roaming is made difficult for their customers abroad, and impossible for US visitors). It also means they can finally buy the same phones that every other network has, rather than having to have custom models made for them. LTE fixes all of these issues.

lightspeed2398 · 16-12-2015, 23:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by moox

T-Mobile desperately needs VoLTE and Wifi calling though - their conventional network historically has been sorely lacking - well behind the other networks because they historically had to use quite high frequency spectrum (1900/2100), and so they only bothered to cover urban/suburban areas only - so they decided to fix that by building out lots of 700MHz LTE and using VoLTE to do voice. The UK networks are not quite in that position (except 3) so circuit switched voice is fine, no need to rush with VoLTE.

It's only more recently that they've stepped up their game - since John Legere took over - both in terms of engineering and on price/value.

Very true. It's important to remember as well how much they've changed over the last few years since the MetroPCS acquisition even if that itself wasn't too big a deal, I think their latest slogan about coverage is that "If you haven't tried our network recently, you haven't tried it". They balance the consumer friendly things very well with the technological terms. I like their coverage map with the consumer verified and average speed tests in the location which is a fairly good example.

DevoidDroid · 17-12-2015, 00:58

You forgot to add that their tariffs are more expensive than they are here.

$50/month (about £33) plus tax, gets you unlimited mins and texts and 2GB of data on contract.

Resonance · 17-12-2015, 06:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by DevoidDroid

You forgot to add that their tariffs are more expensive than they are here.

$50/month (about £33) plus tax, gets you unlimited mins and texts and 2GB of data on contract.

Also don't they still have to pay quite a lot for their phone even on expensive contracts, where the phone would be included over here?

DevoidDroid · 17-12-2015, 06:16

Yeah, I think T-Mobile works similar to O2 Refresh.

plymouthbloke1974 · 17-12-2015, 10:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by drabble

So I am here in the USA using a T-Mobile nano SIM in my 02 supplied Nexus 6P (H1512, 6.0.1/MMB29M) and I can just see how far behind the UK networks really are.

I have WiFi calling, VoLTE with HD voice, visual voicemail all without having to load any apps or different firmware.

Coverage is really good even though I don't have access to band 12, LTE speeds are not bad either.

I have my old Nexus 5 (D821, 6.0.1/MMB29K) here on 3 all in one 20 roaming on AT&T, I get no data roaming on T-Mobile and I can say the experience has been far from ok, but at least voice works.

EE has HD voice, WiFi calling, visual voicemail and some of the fastest 4G speeds in Europe.

The only thing missing (at the mo) is VoLTE and that is because they want it 100% reliable and fault free before launch. It's there now, just being tested.

Would you prefer a buggy launch that completely devalues the feature?

Once VoLTE commercially launches, then it'll piddle all over everything.

Broken Hope · 17-12-2015, 11:05

EE are also missing the number sync/iOS continuity feature that allows you to take calls on other devices when your phone is switched off.

Most US networks support that now.

de525ma · 17-12-2015, 11:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by plymouthbloke1974

EE has HD voice, WiFi calling*, visual voicemail* and some of the fastest 4G speeds in Europe.

Once VoLTE commercially launches, then it'll piddle all over everything.*

* You must have an iPhone or have paid a ridiculously high amount for an Android handset from EE on a 24 month contract.

If T-Mobile can work with Google to get VoLTE / VoWiFi working without custom firmware on nexus devices, EE could too. The 5X/6P have been out for months now and they still don't support these features.

plymouthbloke1974 · 17-12-2015, 11:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Broken Hope

EE are also missing the number sync/iOS continuity feature that allows you to take calls on other devices when your phone is switched off.

Most US networks support that now.

Is there much of a demand for this? I wouldn't use it...

Synthetic42 · 17-12-2015, 11:16

It'd be nice if EE worked with Google to get this working on stock Android, a bit like the APN settings are already there no matter what network sim you put in.

de525ma · 17-12-2015, 11:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Synthetic42

It'd be nice if EE worked with Google to get this working on stock Android, a bit like the APN settings are already there no matter what network sim you put in.

I'm still hoping for this... Android have to do something or they effectively lose handset-only sales. Who wants to buy a phone which can't do calls?

Broken Hope · 17-12-2015, 11:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by plymouthbloke1974

Is there much of a demand for this? I wouldn't use it...

It's nice if you own other Apple devices, it already works if all devices are connected to the same Wifi network, it would be nice if they supported it. EE pretty much support all the other iOS features.

Synthetic42 · 17-12-2015, 11:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by de525ma

I'm still hoping for this... Android have to do something or they effectively lose handset-only sales. Who wants to buy a phone which can't do calls?

Exactly. They're doing it with the 6P which is stock android, and they must have just added something to the OS or APN settings, so I can't see why this can't be done for all stock android.

I know each device is different and EE would probably never release anything like this, but if they released details of what needs changed / added im sure someonecould create an APK or a flashable zip to do it, depending on what changes are needed.

jchamier · 17-12-2015, 11:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Synthetic42

Exactly. They're doing it with the 6P which is stock android, and they must have just added something to the OS or APN settings, so I can't see why this can't be done for all stock android.

I know someone in the US who bought a Nexus 5 from Google direct, and T-Mobile US said they can't now get WiFi calling as they should have bought it from them, not Google.

So there is still some modifications going on, and how that works with the Nexus concept confuses me.

Synthetic42 · 17-12-2015, 11:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by jchamier

I know someone in the US who bought a Nexus 5 from Google direct, and T-Mobile US said they can't now get WiFi calling as they should have bought it from them, not Google.

So there is still some modifications going on, and how that works with the Nexus concept confuses me.

Yeah there's definitely something that needs to be changed to stock android, but i can't see why that can't be done on all stock android. We just need someone to find out what those changes are!

When I had my S6 on EE I couldn't see any extra apps or APN settings that would do it.

de525ma · 17-12-2015, 12:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Synthetic42

Yeah there's definitely something that needs to be changed to stock android, but i can't see why that can't be done on all stock android. We just need someone to find out what those changes are!

When I had my S6 on EE I couldn't see any extra apps or APN settings that would do it.

The open source OS part is separate from the firmware which talks to the hardware - which is proprietary. So on the S6, EE worked with Samsung to provide custom firmware to enable it. Later versions of Android have WC/VoLTE in the OS removing the need to do this, but EE aren't using this approach yet.

de525ma · 17-12-2015, 12:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Synthetic42

Exactly. They're doing it with the 6P which is stock android, and they must have just added something to the OS or APN settings, so I can't see why this can't be done for all stock android.

Does the EE 6P work with Wifi Calling yet?

gomezz · 17-12-2015, 13:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by drabble

So I am here in the USA

The USA is a big place, can you be more precise? What percentage of the population has access to that level of service? What percentage of the country has access?

Synthetic42 · 17-12-2015, 13:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by de525ma

Does the EE 6P work with Wifi Calling yet?

AFAIK not yet, but it's due to be supported in the new year.

Yeah, I wonder why EE aren't using that approach, not wanting to have to support every device maybe?

Thine Wonk · 17-12-2015, 18:26

The US market is very expensive and also relies heavily pon subsidied handsets. Just look at Google's new MVNO $10 per GB data only tariff.

In a lot of ways the US market is behind.

16-12-2015, 21:23	#1
drabble Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 613	Just how far behind the UK networks are... So I am here in the USA using a T-Mobile nano SIM in my 02 supplied Nexus 6P (H1512, 6.0.1/MMB29M) and I can just see how far behind the UK networks really are. I have WiFi calling, VoLTE with HD voice, visual voicemail all without having to load any apps or different firmware. Coverage is really good even though I don't have access to band 12, LTE speeds are not bad either. I have my old Nexus 5 (D821, 6.0.1/MMB29K) here on 3 all in one 20 roaming on AT&T, I get no data roaming on T-Mobile and I can say the experience has been far from ok, but at least voice works.

16-12-2015, 21:26	#2
jchamier Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: This forum Posts: 3,392	Quote: Originally Posted by drabble So I am here in the USA using a T-Mobile nano SIM in my 02 supplied Nexus 6P (H1512, 6.0.1/MMB29M) and I can just see how far behind the UK networks really are. I have WiFi calling, VoLTE with HD voice, visual voicemail all without having to load any apps or different firmware. I think that's only valid for T-Mobile USA who are extremely advanced - I doubt you'd get those features on Verizon, AT&T or Sprint without custom firmware in an Android device. I know people in the US on T-mobile prepay who don't get any of those features on Nexus 5 handset or iPhone 4s - so its not as simple as your first statement.

16-12-2015, 21:33	#3
lightspeed2398 Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Posts: 1,325	There are some people who are more clued up on the American networks than I am but I'll give my 2p on T-Mob. It has been a good network but coverage wise its still behind Verizon and AT&T, although not by much in cities. It has been able to do well through their 4x2 antennas (in certain markets) and through aggressively rolling out as much spectrum as they can. They've also been on the ball with VoLTE and VoWIFI and the like. They're also cheap for unlimited in comparison to Verizon. I even think their unlimited with throttling after 23gb on congested masts is what Three need to help their network. They have also been able to make band 12 which has 5MHz in most markets, like 3 over here, work by upgrading loads of masts with 4g so its dense enough that it's not bogged down. But here's the problem from my view at least. They've rolled out pretty much all of their spectrum in most markets so they can't really do much more. I do think we need a disruptive force in the UK market, which Three (I like comparing them to Three) hasn't really been.

16-12-2015, 21:48	#4
Gigabit Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 2,887	Three pretend they're like T-Mobile USA but they seem to shout very quietly.

16-12-2015, 22:53	#5
drabble Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 613	Quote: Originally Posted by jchamier I think that's only valid for T-Mobile USA who are extremely advanced - I doubt you'd get those features on Verizon, AT&T or Sprint without custom firmware in an Android device. I know people in the US on T-mobile prepay who don't get any of those features on Nexus 5 handset or iPhone 4s - so its not as simple as your first statement. You are right, I was just surprised at the latest iPhone/iOS like experience. Anyway visual voicemail does work with the Nexus 5 as I have checked, just not everything else it seems at the moment. http://i65.tinypic.com/1yoju9.jpg I shall see if I can get my hands on some other network SIMs, MVNO or otherwise if I have the time. Quote: Originally Posted by lightspeed2398 There are some people who are more clued up on the American networks than I am but I'll give my 2p on T-Mob. It has been a good network but coverage wise its still behind Verizon and AT&T, although not by much in cities. It has been able to do well through their 4x2 antennas (in certain markets) and through aggressively rolling out as much spectrum as they can. They've also been on the ball with VoLTE and VoWIFI and the like. They're also cheap for unlimited in comparison to Verizon. I even think their unlimited with throttling after 23gb on congested masts is what Three need to help their network. They have also been able to make band 12 which has 5MHz in most markets, like 3 over here, work by upgrading loads of masts with 4g so its dense enough that it's not bogged down. But here's the problem from my view at least. They've rolled out pretty much all of their spectrum in most markets so they can't really do much more. I do think we need a disruptive force in the UK market, which Three (I like comparing them to Three) hasn't really been. Thank you for the excellent analysis, over here they don't seem to suffer the same NIMBYism as back in the UK or they do but it is overruled for the greater good. Spectrum exhaustion is a concern as it is for all networks. I agree the need for a disruptive player in the UK market is very much needed but I can't see it happening with the amount of consolidation going on.

16-12-2015, 22:58	#6
moox Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 14,645	T-Mobile desperately needs VoLTE and Wifi calling though - their conventional network historically has been sorely lacking - well behind the other networks because they historically had to use quite high frequency spectrum (1900/2100), and so they only bothered to cover urban/suburban areas only - so they decided to fix that by building out lots of 700MHz LTE and using VoLTE to do voice. The UK networks are not quite in that position (except 3) so circuit switched voice is fine, no need to rush with VoLTE. It's only more recently that they've stepped up their game - since John Legere took over - both in terms of engineering and on price/value. As for Nexus compatibility, they have the advantage that they worked directly with Google to implement all this stuff (and I think some of the IMS stuff in Android comes from that). It'd be like a decade ago, having Nokia make their phones work really well for a Finnish network Verizon had to scramble to do LTE because their 3G network uses the incompatible CDMA2000 standard, that is limited to about 3Mbps max for data and has a totally different network design (it doesn't use a GSM based core network so roaming is made difficult for their customers abroad, and impossible for US visitors). It also means they can finally buy the same phones that every other network has, rather than having to have custom models made for them. LTE fixes all of these issues.

16-12-2015, 23:37	#7
lightspeed2398 Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Posts: 1,325	Quote: Originally Posted by moox T-Mobile desperately needs VoLTE and Wifi calling though - their conventional network historically has been sorely lacking - well behind the other networks because they historically had to use quite high frequency spectrum (1900/2100), and so they only bothered to cover urban/suburban areas only - so they decided to fix that by building out lots of 700MHz LTE and using VoLTE to do voice. The UK networks are not quite in that position (except 3) so circuit switched voice is fine, no need to rush with VoLTE. It's only more recently that they've stepped up their game - since John Legere took over - both in terms of engineering and on price/value. Very true. It's important to remember as well how much they've changed over the last few years since the MetroPCS acquisition even if that itself wasn't too big a deal, I think their latest slogan about coverage is that "If you haven't tried our network recently, you haven't tried it". They balance the consumer friendly things very well with the technological terms. I like their coverage map with the consumer verified and average speed tests in the location which is a fairly good example.

17-12-2015, 00:58	#8
DevoidDroid Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: In The Garden Posts: 371	You forgot to add that their tariffs are more expensive than they are here. $50/month (about £33) plus tax, gets you unlimited mins and texts and 2GB of data on contract.

17-12-2015, 06:10	#9
Resonance Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 9,212	Quote: Originally Posted by DevoidDroid You forgot to add that their tariffs are more expensive than they are here. $50/month (about £33) plus tax, gets you unlimited mins and texts and 2GB of data on contract. Also don't they still have to pay quite a lot for their phone even on expensive contracts, where the phone would be included over here?

17-12-2015, 06:16	#10
DevoidDroid Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: In The Garden Posts: 371	Yeah, I think T-Mobile works similar to O2 Refresh.

17-12-2015, 10:46	#11
plymouthbloke1974 Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Destination: Hard Brexit Posts: 6,368	Quote: Originally Posted by drabble So I am here in the USA using a T-Mobile nano SIM in my 02 supplied Nexus 6P (H1512, 6.0.1/MMB29M) and I can just see how far behind the UK networks really are. I have WiFi calling, VoLTE with HD voice, visual voicemail all without having to load any apps or different firmware. Coverage is really good even though I don't have access to band 12, LTE speeds are not bad either. I have my old Nexus 5 (D821, 6.0.1/MMB29K) here on 3 all in one 20 roaming on AT&T, I get no data roaming on T-Mobile and I can say the experience has been far from ok, but at least voice works. EE has HD voice, WiFi calling, visual voicemail and some of the fastest 4G speeds in Europe. The only thing missing (at the mo) is VoLTE and that is because they want it 100% reliable and fault free before launch. It's there now, just being tested. Would you prefer a buggy launch that completely devalues the feature? Once VoLTE commercially launches, then it'll piddle all over everything.

17-12-2015, 11:05	#12
Broken Hope Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Nottingham Posts: 314	EE are also missing the number sync/iOS continuity feature that allows you to take calls on other devices when your phone is switched off. Most US networks support that now.

17-12-2015, 11:12	#13
de525ma Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Portsmouth Posts: 787	Quote: Originally Posted by plymouthbloke1974 EE has HD voice, WiFi calling, visual voicemail and some of the fastest 4G speeds in Europe. Once VoLTE commercially launches, then it'll piddle all over everything.* * You must have an iPhone or have paid a ridiculously high amount for an Android handset from EE on a 24 month contract. If T-Mobile can work with Google to get VoLTE / VoWiFi working without custom firmware on nexus devices, EE could too. The 5X/6P have been out for months now and they still don't support these features.

17-12-2015, 11:13	#14
plymouthbloke1974 Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Destination: Hard Brexit Posts: 6,368	Quote: Originally Posted by Broken Hope EE are also missing the number sync/iOS continuity feature that allows you to take calls on other devices when your phone is switched off. Most US networks support that now. Is there much of a demand for this? I wouldn't use it...

17-12-2015, 11:16	#15
Synthetic42 Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Newcastle Posts: 1,510	It'd be nice if EE worked with Google to get this working on stock Android, a bit like the APN settings are already there no matter what network sim you put in.

17-12-2015, 11:29	#16
de525ma Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Portsmouth Posts: 787	Quote: Originally Posted by Synthetic42 It'd be nice if EE worked with Google to get this working on stock Android, a bit like the APN settings are already there no matter what network sim you put in. I'm still hoping for this... Android have to do something or they effectively lose handset-only sales. Who wants to buy a phone which can't do calls?

17-12-2015, 11:32	#17
Broken Hope Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Nottingham Posts: 314	Quote: Originally Posted by plymouthbloke1974 Is there much of a demand for this? I wouldn't use it... It's nice if you own other Apple devices, it already works if all devices are connected to the same Wifi network, it would be nice if they supported it. EE pretty much support all the other iOS features.

17-12-2015, 11:32	#18
Synthetic42 Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Newcastle Posts: 1,510	Quote: Originally Posted by de525ma I'm still hoping for this... Android have to do something or they effectively lose handset-only sales. Who wants to buy a phone which can't do calls? Exactly. They're doing it with the 6P which is stock android, and they must have just added something to the OS or APN settings, so I can't see why this can't be done for all stock android. I know each device is different and EE would probably never release anything like this, but if they released details of what needs changed / added im sure someonecould create an APK or a flashable zip to do it, depending on what changes are needed.

17-12-2015, 11:44	#19
jchamier Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: This forum Posts: 3,392	Quote: Originally Posted by Synthetic42 Exactly. They're doing it with the 6P which is stock android, and they must have just added something to the OS or APN settings, so I can't see why this can't be done for all stock android. I know someone in the US who bought a Nexus 5 from Google direct, and T-Mobile US said they can't now get WiFi calling as they should have bought it from them, not Google. So there is still some modifications going on, and how that works with the Nexus concept confuses me.

17-12-2015, 11:56	#20
Synthetic42 Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Newcastle Posts: 1,510	Quote: Originally Posted by jchamier I know someone in the US who bought a Nexus 5 from Google direct, and T-Mobile US said they can't now get WiFi calling as they should have bought it from them, not Google. So there is still some modifications going on, and how that works with the Nexus concept confuses me. Yeah there's definitely something that needs to be changed to stock android, but i can't see why that can't be done on all stock android. We just need someone to find out what those changes are! When I had my S6 on EE I couldn't see any extra apps or APN settings that would do it.

17-12-2015, 12:56	#21
de525ma Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Portsmouth Posts: 787	Quote: Originally Posted by Synthetic42 Yeah there's definitely something that needs to be changed to stock android, but i can't see why that can't be done on all stock android. We just need someone to find out what those changes are! When I had my S6 on EE I couldn't see any extra apps or APN settings that would do it. The open source OS part is separate from the firmware which talks to the hardware - which is proprietary. So on the S6, EE worked with Samsung to provide custom firmware to enable it. Later versions of Android have WC/VoLTE in the OS removing the need to do this, but EE aren't using this approach yet.

DS Forums

Just how far behind the UK networks are...

17-12-2015, 12:58	#22
de525ma Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Portsmouth Posts: 787	Quote: Originally Posted by Synthetic42 Exactly. They're doing it with the 6P which is stock android, and they must have just added something to the OS or APN settings, so I can't see why this can't be done for all stock android. Does the EE 6P work with Wifi Calling yet?

17-12-2015, 13:01	#23
gomezz Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Buckingham Posts: 28,590	Quote: Originally Posted by drabble So I am here in the USA The USA is a big place, can you be more precise? What percentage of the population has access to that level of service? What percentage of the country has access?

17-12-2015, 13:52	#24
Synthetic42 Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Newcastle Posts: 1,510	Quote: Originally Posted by de525ma Does the EE 6P work with Wifi Calling yet? AFAIK not yet, but it's due to be supported in the new year. Yeah, I wonder why EE aren't using that approach, not wanting to have to support every device maybe?

17-12-2015, 18:26	#25
Thine Wonk Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 14,577	The US market is very expensive and also relies heavily pon subsidied handsets. Just look at Google's new MVNO $10 per GB data only tariff. In a lot of ways the US market is behind.