Samsung s9+ (plus) - VoLTE compatible with FIZZ, Partner networks VoLTE

peggy397
peggy397 Posts: 2 ✭
edited September 6 in Phones
Thinking of switching to FIZZ.
I own a Samsung s9+ and not really interested in "upgrading".
My phone will do VoLTE and VoWiFi out of the box, however, many other carriers don't support this feature on my phone.
I'm currently with Freedom Mobile in Winnipeg, where Freedom does not have any native coverage and the only network is "Nationwide". In order to get cel service at all, I need to have Roaming enabled.

VoWiFi works great.
VoLTE only works when I'm connected to WiFi, which connects to Freedom's access points over the internet. When I'm using cel data/cel service, with roaming enabled, and connected to the "Nationwide" network, VoLTE does not work - because their partner networks within Canada will not support it on my phone as a "roaming" client.
When 3G is shut off here at the end of this year - I will have NO service.

Freedom mobile does not advertise this on their website, or explain the implications of not being able to connect directly to the Freedom cel network.

My questions for FIZZ:
1. Will I be able to perform VoLTE calls in Winnipeg with my Samsung s9+ without WiFi?

2. While subscribed to a Canada-wide plan, If I travel to an area that indicates "coverage by a partner network" - let's be frank, MOST OF MANITOBA - is that considered "Roaming?

4. Will my phone still be able to make VoLTE calls without WiFi while connected to a partner network?

Best Answer

  • MobileFizzer_VBMV6
    MobileFizzer_VBMV6 Posts: 422 ✭✭
    edited September 4 Answer ✓

    Sorry, Elena, but I have to partially correct you here. To answer the questions:

    1. Very unlikely. Samsung S9+ is not on the list of phones VoLTE-compatible with Fizz, so you may have to think about getting a new phone once 3G goes down, regardless of whether you stick with Freedom or switch to Fizz.
    2. Fizz is no different from Freedom Mobile in Manitoba, in fact, they are both brands of the same parent company, Vidéotron from Québec. Outside of Québec and Ottawa, Fizz phones actually use the Freedom Mobile network and this is not considered roaming. Freedom Mobile network is not yet available in Manitoba, not even in Winnipeg. Vidéotron has obligated itself to provide its own network coverage to some areas in Manitoba within the next few years, that's why they can offer Freedom and Fizz plans in those areas of Manitoba today. What Freedom calls "Nationwide", Fizz calls "Fizz EXT", which in both cases means, you'll be "roaming" on Bell/Telus/Rogers. Don't worry about the 3-month partner network limitation, as long as you are primarily using the service from a Fizz subscription area and partner networks are the only available service there, it doesn't count.
    3. Phones that officially support VoLTE on Fizz will, your phone probably won't, see 1.

    Also, keep in mind that Fizz doesn't offer VoWiFi at this time, so you will lose that functionality when you switch to Fizz.

    Last but not least, if you absolutely want to hold on to your phone, there are 3rd party apps that offer phone numbers for calling and text messages that operate solely over data networks (WiFi or mobile data) for very little money or even free with certain limitations. And Fizz is the only carrier in Canada that doesn't force you onto their own unlimited calls/texts services just to get data.

Answers

  • elena code xzi4t
    elena code xzi4t Posts: 13,069 ✭✭

    1) No
    2) Manitoba depends, if you spend more than 3 months using partner network on coverage zone, your account can be suspended
    4) no

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