Mobile Has 4G for Data But Not for Calls?

Chubba

Hi

I'm aware that the networks will soon start switching off 3G and some people will need newer phones (unless they're happy to keep using 2G).  I originally thought that if the phone is already 4G capable, then you should be alright but I got a text message from Vodafone which has now really confused me.  There's a sentence which says:

"Your current phone uses 4G for data, but 3G for calls and texts."

Can that be correct?  If the phone can already use 4G for data, then surely it's capable of using 4G for calls?  Is there a way I can check this because everything I can find on the Internet just shows you how to check if there is a 4G option, not separately whether it uses 4G for data and/or calls.

Many thanks 

SiliconChip

What phone is it?

Chubba

It's a Huawei Nova 4 (VCE-L22).

MouldyOldDough

When you make a call, your phone detaches from 4G to 3G because 4G, unless voice over LTE is activated in the network, can't facilitate phone calls directly. Your call will have to go back to 3G (it's called CSFB - circuit switch fall back).

Chubba

Does that mean the network (Vodafone in this case) is being a bit dishonest by claiming the phone is not 4G calling compatible when it's actually them that needs to activate VoLTE?

Or could it be that a phone can have 4G capability but at the same time cannot support VoLTE?

MouldyOldDough

Chubba said:

Does that mean the network (Vodafone in this case) is being a bit dishonest by claiming the phone is not 4G calling compatible when it's actually them that needs to activate VoLTE?

Or could it be that a phone can have 4G capability but at the same time cannot support VoLTE?

Not all 4G compatible phones can handle VoLTE and to add to the confusion further - VoLTE does not require 4G

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voice_over_LTE

Chubba

Wow, that is confusing!

Thanks for the information.

PHK

Chubba said:

Does that mean the network (Vodafone in this case) is being a bit dishonest by claiming the phone is not 4G calling compatible when it's actually them that needs to activate VoLTE?

Or could it be that a phone can have 4G capability but at the same time cannot support VoLTE?

They aren't being deceptive. There are several lower priced 4G phones still being sold that can use 4G data but not VoLTE eg Nokia C2 Second Edition. 

Possibly an unexpected peril of buying SIM only at this time