VoLTE, 3G phase out, what does it mean for data and SMS?
I don't use calls or 911 on Fizz, only data, and I occasionally receive an SMS for the old 2FA systems that still require it.
My phone supports 4G, and I have the Fizz SIM card with the red bolt, but the phone isn't VoLTE-certified. Right now, data and texts work flawlessly.
I cannot do the #8378 test as I literally do not have minutes on my plan, and don't plan to ever add any.
What does the phase out of 3G mean in this scenario? From my understanding there is no technical reason to block non-"VoLTE-certified" phones from the network for data and SMS, and there is no reason to drop speeds either. Will Fizz and it's partnered carriers actively kick these devices out of the network? Or will the devices still be allowed to operate, even if they cannot make calls? Will the device still be able to use SMS and data at full speed?
I've already asked chat support, and they don't seem to have a definitive answer, they provide vague information and push new phone sales. I'm looking for a more evidence-based answer.
Thanks to anyone who is willing to share some information about this.
Best Answer
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Hi @commander
The phase-out of the 3G network primarily affects voice calls, as these traditionally relied on 3G infrastructure. With the transition to Voice over LTE (VoLTE), voice calls are now handled over the 4G LTE network. Since you don't use voice services and your phone supports 4G LTE, your data services should remain unaffected by the 3G shutdown.
Regarding SMS, traditional text messaging has typically been managed over the 3G network. However, with the decommissioning of 3G, SMS services are expected to transition to the 4G LTE network. The ability to send and receive SMS may depend on your device's compatibility with this transition.
With the introduction of RCS the SMS will transit with data, therefore, you should be ok, if your message application is using RCS
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Can we use 911 on VolTE?
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According to Fizz email only calls will be impacted and here is an excerpt from Fizz email, there is no mention about sms :
"It's now official. The withdrawal of the 3G network will start July 31, 2025, for Fizz and several of its partners. All calls made with your Fizz mobile plan will then go through the LTE network.
If your phone is not VoLTE (voice over LTE) compatible, no calls (including 911 calls) will go through when the 3G network is gone."
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Thanks, that's reassuring. Using Google Messages for SMS and the status under RCS chats says "connected" so that's encouraging.
Yes, 911 are meant to go through VoLTE for devices that support it.
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Absolutely, but there's wording on some of the pages about VoLTE that could be interpreted as Fizz not supporting non-VoLTE devices when 3G is phased out. For instance, on https://fizz.ca/en/faq/compatible-devices, they say:
If your phone is not VoLTE-compatible at Fizz, you can activate a mobile plan before July 31, 2025, but keep in mind that:
• Your phone must be compatible with our network and able to support its frequencies.
• You will need to replace your phone with a VoLTE-compatible model in anticipation of the 3G withdrawal that will start July 31, 2025. We strongly recommend that you take the necessary steps now to avoid any inconveniences once the 3G network has been decommissioned, such as the inability to make calls and contact 911.
Would be nice to have some official messaging that states explicitly that data/SMS will be unaffected and will continue working on non-certified 4G devices.
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We have devices fully LTE capable but based on the verification proposed by Fizz, they won't work after the 3G is phased out. Fizz uses a whitelist for LTE devices.
Does Fizz has a plan to expand LTE to all devices capable of LTE or are we going to be imposed the choice of cellphones from a short list?
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At the moment the only news that we have, that in order to be able to get the VoLTE your phone must be on the Fizz certified phone list
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Yes, but not without a volte phone.
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