I guess you guys may have seen recently that Google has made it's Project Fi (Google Fi) available to more phones. If you go to their website, the Note-8 is a compatible device, with the exception of seamlessly switching to different networks depending on the signal/reception area. My question, how will that work for us? Would we see a "no-signal" message and manually switch another network every time we get off the current one?
I have tried to read through the threads already in place about the unlocked vs carrier versions of the S10 but haven't found the answer to my question. If I've missed it, I apologize.
I'm currently on Google Fi and I pre-ordered the unlocked S10 from Samsung. I'm trying to confirm if I'm going to lose any features on this unlocked version vs if I had gone with a carrier version. I was planning on swapping it with my Pixel 2XL on my Google Fi service but I'm wondering if I'll lose any features over getting a carrier loaded version. I'm thinking of things like wifi calling or other things. My current Pixel 2 is also using an e-sim so will that be an issue?
I had gone as far as wondering if loading a T-mobile sim on when it first boots would be necessary (for the feature enabling) and then moving it over to my Fi account. I'm also not really a firmware flashing expert so maybe I'm overthinking this. I'd love your input.
Unlocked S10 will work fine on Google Fi.
However, given that the phone is "Compatible with Fi" and not "Designed for Fi", you won't have access to the network switching feature, limited Wifi Calling, no Fi VPN security, and RCS only through Android Messages.
What do you mean by limited wifi calling? It is the feature I am most interested in.
I'm considering the G7+ and using on the Google Fi network, but before I decide I am interested if there are any users here who using the Fi network. On the Goggle Fi compatibility page the results indicate that it is still being tested. And that the "Switch among networks for an even more reliable connection, secure your data with a Fi VPN, and more" is either not tested or not compatible. I understand that the G7+ is unlocked for international use and that there are a few bands not supported in the United States.
Would like to know if these features are supported for the major US carriers. That's the only thing holding me back from pre-ordering.
gordec said:
Would like to know if these features are supported for the major US carriers. That's the only thing holding me back from pre-ordering.
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I know U.S. T-Mobile supported the XZ3 for VoLTE, which was the FIRST Sony unlocked phone it did that for. Your best bet to find out is prob to go check out other like 2019 or 2020 unlocked phones that people have VERIFIED to offer both on AT&T as well. But if that's an issue, then you may wanna consider T-Mobile then. I noticed on the XZ3 that in Call Settings there no longer was the option to turn VoLTE on or off, but during calls it REMAINED in 4G LTE (vs. just 4G), thereby proving VoLTE was in fact enabled.
The US Xperia 1 supported voLTE on T-Mobile, but not WiFi calling. So I'm assuming the mark II would at least do voLTE on T-Mobile. Not sure about the other carriers, but I feel like it would have to since carriers like Verizon are starting to not allowing non voLTE devices to be activated. And the mark II is supposed to work on Verizon.
Easy way to get WiFi calling in the US
https://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-1/how-to/easy-to-wifi-calling-t4100229
Scorpiusest said:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-1/how-to/easy-to-wifi-calling-t4100229
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How is this a solution? Switching carriers lol
I want to preorder, but really need WiFi calling. Going to wait until regular users start to receive theirs. Right now with Xfinity Mobile we are paying about $30 per month for 5 lines. The service is as good as when we were Verizon postpaid. Not willing to switch just for this phone.
Anyone in the UK on O2 get it?
Rodders_28 said:
Anyone in the UK on O2 get it?
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Yup, got both (see attached)
I have none of those settings there.
I also don't get 4g+ don't know if that's related?
I get 4g+ if I put the missus Vodafone sim in.
Rodders_28 said:
I have none of those settings there.
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I should have mentioned also that I'm actually on the "Customized UK" firmware opposed to the "O2 UK Pay Monthly firmware" but I had WiFi calling for sure prior to this
So my Xperia 1 ii arrived today, I'm finishing-up set-up. This is the US model, which I'm using with ATT. The deep dive *#*#7378423#*#* on the software info page states: "Current modem config: VoLTE-ATT "
But have yet to find any configuration for VoLTE or Wi-Fi calling. I'll try a call with one of the other lines in my family, who have ATT branded newish phones, to see if it "sounds" like an HD Voice call (there's not notification bar indicator of HD call, right?).
Update: Tried the other *#*#4636#*#* and the options under Phone Info are all grayed out (sigh)
JamesMiami said:
So my Xperia 1 ii arrived today, I'm finishing-up set-up. This is the US model, which I'm using with ATT. The deep dive *#*#7378423#*#* on the software info page states: "Current modem config: VoLTE-ATT "
But have yet to find any configuration for VoLTE or Wi-Fi calling. I'll try a call with one of the other lines in my family, who have ATT branded newish phones, to see if it "sounds" like an HD Voice call (there's not notification bar indicator of HD call, right?).
Update: Tried the other *#*#4636#*#* and the options under Phone Info are all grayed out (sigh)
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You have to call ATT to whitelist your new IMEI for VoLTE provisioning. Then you need to make sure a new sim that supports VoLTE. This is what they told me but I'm missing the new sim, going to get one tomorrow
Thank you.,I'll give that a try. My SIM is the supposedly latest, about 2 years old, i. e. "A compatible SIM or eSIM card will display 25, 26, 27, or 28 in the ninth and tenth digits spots." Is there a newer SIM for ATT?
So had the following chat with ATT tech support:
"... Calista : To confirm, was the device purchased through AT&T?
Me : No, this is an unlocked phone, US model of Sony Xperia 1 ii
Calista : Thanks for the confirmation.
Calista : I have successfully activated VoLTE on the new device.
Calista : I have also checked and see that Wi-FIi calling can only be provisioned only on the device that are purchased through AT&T. However, AT&T will soon activate WiFi calling on the device that are not purchased through AT&T as well. You will be notified about this. "
However after power-cycling my phone and reprovisioning via Testing/Phone Information and on that page the steps of Refresh to get the SMSC number then tap Trigger Carrier Provisioning"--nothing, not VoLTE live switch. Remains gray. Still, interesting comment by tech support about upcoming Wi-Fi calling on BYOE.
Anyone know about VoLTE on Verizon yet? Just ordered my phone today and hoping that it will work.
JamesMiami said:
So had the following chat with ATT tech support:
"... Calista : To confirm, was the device purchased through AT&T?
Me : No, this is an unlocked phone, US model of Sony Xperia 1 ii
Calista : Thanks for the confirmation.
Calista : I have successfully activated VoLTE on the new device.
Calista : I have also checked and see that Wi-FIi calling can only be provisioned only on the device that are purchased through AT&T. However, AT&T will soon activate WiFi calling on the device that are not purchased through AT&T as well. You will be notified about this. "
However after power-cycling my phone and reprovisioning via Testing/Phone Information and on that page the steps of Refresh to get the SMSC number then tap Trigger Carrier Provisioning"--nothing, not VoLTE live switch. Remains gray. Still, interesting comment by tech support about upcoming Wi-Fi calling on BYOE.
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Those tech support chats are useless! Took me 4 calls/chat to get to one knowledgeable one who said they have to file a level 3 tech support ticket and as she was doing it she said our internal memo said this cannot be done for non-AT&T branded phones so I'm sorry
Why not just use Google Voice for wifi calling? I use Google Voice for just about everything now as it's a nice alternative to giving up my number to random businesses.
Is it possible, to install the VoLTE/VoWifi carrier settings by an app (as .apk)?
My problem is that Sony didn't include these settings for Swiss carriers. So I am thinking about, how to add these settings without breaking the firmware.
YandereSan said:
Why not just use Google Voice for wifi calling? I use Google Voice for just about everything now as it's a nice alternative to giving up my number to random businesses.
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VoLTE is required to continue to use AT&T after they sunset 3G and 4G (without VoLTE). Speaking of Google, they've confirmed to me that this phone (US version) works fine on their Google Fi, supporting VoLTE, which is interesting in that Google Fi is an MVNO via Sprint, T-Mobile, and U.S. Cellular.
So if I give ATT an IMEI for a Nokia Lumia 830 or Microsoft Lumia 640XL (both on AT&T's "good" list) to associate with my SIM in my Xperia, will my Xperia be provisioned by AT&T with VoLTE & Wi-Fi calling?
Brand new pixel 5 on Google Fi and I cannot get wifi-calling to work at all. Old phone is a pixel 2 and it would use wifi-calling on every call, and it worked great. I have an absolutely trash cell signal, but a full wifi signal with gigabit internet....
Tried:
* wiping data/cache on google fi and carrier services
* erasing esim and re-activating
* contacted fi support who added me to "wifi calling opt-in program"
Nothing works. Anyone have this working?
EDIT/TL;DR: After about 2 days my wifi-calling suddenly began working. Apparently this may be the norm.
m03sizlak said:
Brand new pixel 5 on Google Fi and I cannot get wifi-calling to work at all. Old phone is a pixel 2 and it would use wifi-calling on every call, and it worked great. I have an absolutely trash cell signal, but a full wifi signal with gigabit internet....
Tried:
* wiping data/cache on google fi and carrier services
* erasing esim and re-activating
* contacted fi support who added me to "wifi calling opt-in program"
Nothing works. Anyone have this working?
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There is definitely and issue with Google Fi and the pix 5. Mine won't use Sprint networks and will only sometimes call on wifi at least I think it is using wifi.
There would be a big wifi symbol right above the phone number if you were using wifi-calling.
EDIT: And you're correct, my pixel 5 also will not join Sprint, it stays on T-mobile. Even using the Sprint Dialer code (*#*#34777#*#*), it gives an error:
Google Fi:
Invalid MCC/MNC: Sprint (310120)
Same exact issue. I have a tread on here that I opened today about it. I've been on with Fi support multiple times. They are working on it at least so they say.
Duratime said:
Same exact issue. I have a tread on here that I opened today about it. I've been on with Fi support multiple times. They are working on it at least so they say.
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Good to know. There's another thread about it here:
https://support.google.com/fi/thread/79698885?hl=en
On Consumer Cellular, wifi calling worked on my Samsung phones fine, even my wife's 3 year old Samsung. I don't even have that option with the Pixel. It's definitely a phone thing for some.
I'm on Fi with my new P5 and wifi calling works well. I'm in a strong TMO area and get only 5G for cell. I think why you don't see Sprint anymore is because their frequencies and bandwidth are all wrapped up in TMO now. Even my Network cell phone app which always showed both TMO and Spring along with my wifi no longer shows the Sprint network hiding in the background. Fi would do this so it could quickly switch to the stronger signal.
jawmail said:
I'm on Fi with my new P5 and wifi calling works well. I'm in a strong TMO area and get only 5G for cell. I think why you don't see Sprint anymore is because their frequencies and bandwidth are all wrapped up in TMO now. Even my Network cell phone app which always showed both TMO and Spring along with my wifi no longer shows the Sprint network hiding in the background. Fi would do this so it could quickly switch to the stronger signal.
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You might be right, but there is strong Sprint coverage at my house and nearly no TMO. Shouldn't it switch to Sprint in that case? Also, if I mount the Fi sim in my Pix 4XL, I do get the Sprint service. It seems from what Fi support is telling me that they are going back to the carrier for answers but I think it is a phone issue. My address shows to be in an "excellent" Google Fi coverage area. I hope they can get it to work, since I love the call forwarding feature.
Duratime said:
You might be right, but there is strong Sprint coverage at my house and nearly no TMO. Shouldn't it switch to Sprint in that case? Also, if I mount the Fi sim in my Pix 4XL, I do get the Sprint service. It seems from what Fi support is telling me that they are going back to the carrier for answers but I think it is a phone issue. My address shows to be in an "excellent" Google Fi coverage area. I hope they can get it to work, since I love the call forwarding feature.
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I'm not sure to be honest. From what I've read about the new TMO 5G, it is not standalone 5G meaning it use some sort of combo between the 2 companies frequencies to create a sort of hybrid 5G. I've read they use the TMO frequencies as the backbone and the Sprint frequencies since they are much higher can carry much more data do all the work. So basically the two companies have combined their networks in certain areas, I live near Chicago and coverage and speed is great. YMMV.
Maybe in other areas where they don't have 5G yet you may still have Sprint 4G access I just know I do not on the Pixel 5. On other Pixels from the 4 on down you may not have this issue because they are not 5G. If you Google "Tmobile 5G technology" it's a good read.
My wifi-calling started working suddenly, about 2 days after activation. I do wonder about the lack of sprint usage though.